Situated at the confluence of four rivers, the town of Calasparra is located in a rugged and mountainous part of the Murcia region of south-eastern Spain, the Sierra de Molina and Sierra de Puerto surround the town. Inhabited since prehistoric times, Calasparra has seen settlements by Iberians, Romans, Moors and Christians. Its proximity to so much water via the nearby rivers, led to its being important for the growing of rice, no a product that most would associate with the mountainous regions of Spain. Nearby places of interest include the holy town of Caravaca de la Cruz, Mula, Hellin, Moratalla and Cieza. Calasparra Map.
October 20, 2009
October 19, 2009
Murcia’s Roda Golf Resort
One of the finest golf complexes in the Murcia region of Spain, the Roda Golf Resort Murcia is a superb development of villas, townhouses and apartments in a wonderful location, close to the popular Mar Menor (Lesser Sea). The Par 72 golf course was designed by Dave Thomas, one of Europe’s leading course designers, and though set on flat land, has still been made challenging and exciting to play. When complete the Roda Golf Resort will have some of the best facilities in Murcia including the 5 Star De Vere Hotel. If you are looking to buy a property on a golf course in Spain or in particular Murcia, then the Roda Golf Resort may be just what you are looking for.
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Arta, Petra, Sineu and Capdepera Mallorca
Four lesser known towns on the island of Mallorca in the Balearic Islands, Spain, that may be of interest should you be visiting are Sineu, Petra, Arta and Capdepera. Some charming little towns, they all have a different history to tell. Sineu, located in the centre of the island was where King Jaime II built his royal palace, much of which exists to this day, and presently home to an order of nuns, you can also visit the Nostra Senyora de los Angeles church originally from the 13th century. Petra was the birthplace of Mallorca’s most famous son Fray Junípero Serra, famous as the founder of California after being sent there to found missions for Carlos III at the age of 58, visitors can see the house where he was born and the font where he was baptised. Arta is a charming little mountain town which was an Arab stronghold during their occupation of Mallorca, the town still has many remnants of its ancient fortifications, the nearby Ses Paisses is one of Majorca’s best know archaeological sites. Lastly we visit Capdepera, another ancient town dominated by its medieval castle – the largest on Majorca, a castle has existed here since Roman times and has been rebuilt numerous times by various civilisations. The nearby Caves of Artà, with immense cathedral sized caverns and interesting rock formations are well worth a visit.
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The City of Murcia Spain
The capital of the autonomous community of the same name, the city of Murcia is located in south-eastern Spain and has a population of around 433,000 and a municipal area of 881 square kilometres. Lying at the confluence of the River Guadalentin and River Segura, Murcia is in a rich and fertile area, despite experiencing some of the lowest rainfall in Spain. The surrounding fertile countryside is known as the “Huerta” (Orchard) and it is irrigated by the previously mentioned rivers, using methods introduced by the Romans and later the Moors. The city has a long history and was settled even before the Romans arrived in Spain. Its biggest changes occurred during the Arab occupation, when it was established as a provincial capital in 825 AD. Freed from Muslim control by the Castillians during the 13th century, Murcia subsequently came under the control of the Kingdom of Aragon, and then back to Castile in 1304. After various periods of decline Murcia became wealthy during the 18th century as the city saw a boom in silk manufacture, though it was hit by a great earthquake in 1829, and was often flooded over the centuries. Murcia cathedral was built between 1394 and 1465, it displays various architectural styles including Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque and Rococo. During the late 20th century Murcia city and region developed into a significant area for tourism, in particular golf resorts, which surround the city. Boasting some of the lowest rainfall in all of Spain the area is perfect for holidays all year round with Murcia weather conditions generally sunny and dry for over 300 days each year. Especially popular are the resorts along the Mar Menor coastline where such popular destinations as La Manga, Los Alcazares and San Javier, where the airport for the city is currently located, though a new airport is under construction as this article is being written are located. Murcia Map.
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October 18, 2009
San Javier Costa Calida
If you are travelling to south eastern Spain and heading for the Costa Calida region, there is a good chance that you will be arriving at San Javier airport. Generally called Murcia airport, it is actually some distance from the city of Murcia which can be confusing to visitors.
The town of San Javier itself is a traditional Spanish town with a resident population of about 23,000, it was named after Saint Francis Xavier. The municipal district of San Javier consists of 8 boroughs and covers an area of 74km2, it is an important area for agriculture as it has been for many centuries, though tourism is quickly taking over in importance.
The town sits beside the Mar Menor (“Lesser Sea”), the largest saltwater lagoon in Europe, and looks across to the famous resort of La Manga, which looks like a group of tower blocks rising vertically from the sea.
San Javier was originally developed during the Moorish occupation and it was their irrigation methods which enabled the region to be put to agriculture, they also developed fishing methods which were ideal for the Mar Menor’s conditions.
San Javier today is a busy little town enjoying a wonderful Mediterranean climate and typically the weather in San Javier is dry and sunny. This is a popular area for golfers as there are a number of complexes built or under construction nearby. To view a map of San Javier follow this link: San Javier Map.
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The Weather on the Costa Blanca Spain
Enjoying one of the finest climates in all of Spain, the Costa Blanca attracts holidaymakers all year round. Boasting over 300 days of sunshine every year and having some towns with unique micro-climates, such as Torrevieja, Santa Pola and Calpe, which are listed amongst the healthiest places on earth to live, the Costa Blanca weather making it a popular area for relocation, especially for north Europeans, attempting to escape the dismal, wet climates of their own countries. The summer months June to September are especially hot and very little rainfall is experienced during these times, the worst months to visit are generally November, February and March, the most pleasant months to visit being May and October, when nice weather can be expected without the high temperatures. Map of Costa Blanca.
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