Murcia

There are many reasons why purchasing a property in Murcia is a good idea. These include the weather, the relaxed way of life, the cultural cities, miles of beautiful beaches and lots of interesting things to see and do.

In addition, if you are looking for a property for investment purposes, the region of Murcia is currently going through a period of development, with the result that property prices have recently been increasing by over 20% per annum.

Located at the South East corner of the Iberian Peninsula, between the regions of Andalusia, Castile – La Mancha and Valencia, Murcia enjoys a yearly average of 3,000 hours of sunshine, and has a typical Mediterranean semi-arid subtropical climate. The hot summers have an average temperature of over 30ºC, and mild winters have an average temperature of 11ºC. This part of Spain is famous for its salt lakes, and these have an effect on levels of humidity. As a result the air is much dryer then in other parts of Spain and Europe. This, coupled with the mild climate, means that the World Health Organisation has rated this part of Spain as having one of the healthiest climates in the world. Murcia’s coastline spreads itself across over 170km, with a beautiful mixture of coves, small beaches, sand dunes, saltwater lagoons, mud flats, cliffs and rocky shores. It is known as the Costa Calida, or warm coast.

The Mar Menor and La Manga del Mar Menor

An exceptional feature of this coast is the Mar Menor, or “Small Sea”. It is Europe´s largest salt water lagoon, separated from the Mediterranean Sea by a strip of land called La Manga del Mar Menor, or “The Sleeve of the Small Sea”, or simply as “The Strip”. There are four places along The Strip where the Mediterranean Sea meets the Mar Menor.

The Mar Menor has crystal clear shallow, calm waters with a high salt content, and is on average 5ºC hotter than the Mediterranean Sea in summer. This makes it very popular among families with small children, as well as with water sport enthusiasts. There are many locations along the coast of the Mar Menor where you can sail, kitesurf, windsurf, water-ski, jetski or take a leisurely ride in a pedalo, plus the area´s diving and snorkelling sites are reported to be some of the best in Spain. The high salt and mineral content of the waters are also reknowned to have therapeutic properties, and there are a number of spas in the area. If you are based on the strip itself, which is 19km long but less than 300m wide, you have the best of both worlds, with the calm, warm Mar Menor on one side, and the deeper, cooler, rolling Mediterranean Sea on the other. The Strip has been and still is a popular holiday resort for the Spanish, with the result that there are many good quality, authentic, inexpensive tapas bars and restaurants, as well as varied international cuisine on offer.

Golf

Also situated in the Mar Menor area of Spain is the world famous La Manga Club resort with its three championship golf courses, tennis and football facilities and luxury spa. This is the place to play alongside some of the world´s most famous sports stars. There are several more golf courses less than an hour´s drive from La Manga. In addition, many more golf, spa and leisure resorts, plus marinas, are in progress or planned to be built within the next 10 years.

Cities

Murcia is the name of the region´s capital city, as well as the province itself. It is a historic city with a wealth of fine buildings and buzzing plazas to explore. There is a magnificent cathedral, a beautiful monastery, gardens and parks, as well as many up-market shops and department stores. Murcia is a university city which adds a youthful vibe, but as well as the lively bars, restaurants and night clubs in the vicinity of the university there are many traditional and good quality places to enjoy your evening.

The ancient city of Cartagena is situated only a short drive away from the coastal towns of Murcia, making it an ideal place to visit for the day. As the name suggests, it was founded by the Carthaginians in the year 227BC. It was their main trading port, and at one time was widely recognised as being one of the wealthiest cities in the ancient world. Cartagena is still a major port today and also boasts a fine marina. In addition, there is a Roman amphitheatre, many ornate churches, palaces, and government buildings which line the streets of the older parts of the city. Another feature of Cartagena are the many parks and squares, museums, and excellent cafes, restaurants and bars in which to sample the local and international cuisine.

Inland

The region of Murcia has an amazing variety of contrasts including dry land, irrigated land, plain or mountainous areas, vineyards, mesetas and beautiful coastlines. Mountain ranges can be found in the centre and North West of the province, in areas such as El Carche, Sierra Espuña, La Pila and Ricote that are surrounded by forests and pine trees. The highest point in the region is the Revolcadores Massif.

In the North-East of the region is the Altiplano, a high tableland covered in vineyards that produce the areas renowned wines.

Inland areas offer a host of traditional villages and towns to be explored at leisure, with traditional, tasty cuisine and local wines. The countryside features vines, olive, almond, orange and lemon trees, and the mountains are crowned with castles, hermitages and convents. For the more adventurous there is the opportunity to go canoeing, rafting, potholing, climbing, hiking, horse riding, cycling and even paint balling.

Cuisine

Cuisine is another major draw. As this area is a popular Spanish holiday resort, there is an array of good quality, authentic and inexpensive restaurants and tapas bars, as well as international restaurants serving a mixture of dishes. Fresh fish is a local delicacy especially around the coastal areas, and meat also features prominently.

Fiestas

There are many fiestas (festivals) thorughout the region, some of which are a major spectacle, and others of a local nature. Many small villages will be decked with flags, with bands playing to celebrate an occasion, be it for religion, harvest, etc. Many towns and villages still feature the running of the bulls.

Travel to Murcia

Murcia has its own international airport, Murcia-San Javier Airport (MJV), which is located on the edge of the Mar Menor close to the town of San Javier and less than 30 minutes from La Manga del Mar Menor. In addition there a second airport on the way. Alicante airport is also within easy reach of many areas of the province. Flights from the UK are approximately 2 ½ hours long.