In the northern section of the Mar Menor coastline of Murcia, you will find the charming little town of San Pedro del Pinatar (St Peter of the Pinewoods), a popular holiday destination for both International holidaymakers and the Spanish themselves, especially those from the city of Murcia. The town itself has a population of just over 21,000 and is located just 4 kilometres from San Javier airport. The history of San Pedro del Pinatar goes back to the 17th century when a hermitage was constructed, dedicated to the apostle San Pedro, though it was probably settled much earlier by Romans who left remains of villas in the area, it could possibly even have been a Roman base during the Punic Wars as the Romans battled for control of Cartagena. Until the relatively recent arrival of tourism as a source of income, San Pedro del Pinatar relied mostly on fishing for its economic survival, even today still using Arabic fishing methods, which proved ideal for the conditions on the Mar Menor. Nature lovers should head for the Parque Regional de Salinas y Arenales de San Pedro a significant area for migrating birds and a protected Natural Park, culture lovers can try out the Archaeological and Ethnographic Museum. San Pedro del Pinatar is located on the N-332 in the north of the Costa Calida region of Spain.
October 17, 2009
October 15, 2009
Mazarron Castle Murcia
Whilst visiting the Costa Calida, you might want to take a look at the newly restored Mazarron castle, which while still largely a ruin, has been conserved for the future. Originally built by the Duke of Velez in the 16th century, Mazarron castle served the area both as a defense against pirate attacks and for the protection of the valuable alum mining industry, which was important in Mazarron at that time. Mazarron and its coastal limb Puerto Mazarron, are popular tourist locations for the region of Murcia, and there are plenty more locations to visit in the area during your stay. Beach lovers will find over 30 beaches in the region. Mazarron Map.
Jumilla Murcia Spain
A well known wine producing town in the northern sierras of the Murcia region of Spain, Jumilla has a population of approximately 26,000 and has survived over the centuries mostly through agriculture and wine production. The area has been significant for growing grapes, since the crop was introduced by the Romans during their occupation of the Iberian Peninsular, and it is particularly well known for its full-bodied red wines. The vineyards of Jumilla cover an area of some 30,000 hectares, producing 24 million litres of wine annually and worked by around 44 bodegas. Places of interest near to Jumilla include the rural town of Pinoso and the spa town of Fortuna, where hot spring rise to the surface and visitors can bathe in the healing waters. Jumilla Map.
October 14, 2009
La Manga Regency Hyatt Hotel
Having a privileged location at the centre of on of Spain’s leading golf resorts – The La Manga Club, the 5 Star Hyatt Regency boasts 189 superbly designed rooms and suites most with wonderful views over the golf course or the swimming pool. With some of the best restaurants in the area the Hyatt Regency La Manga can provide the best in cuisine and entertainment. The hotel also offers a large heated open air swimming pool, casino, hairdressing salon, boutiques, library and information centre, there is also a Junior Club for the kids. La Manga, situated on the Costa Calida, Spain, is an upmarket resort with coasts on both the Mediterranean Sea and the unique inland sea the Mar Menor, here you will find stunning sandy beaches and amazing water sports facilities. If you are visiting La Manga, be sure to pop into the top La Manga Hotel – the 5 Star Hyatt Regency where luxury living is the order of the day and you can always expect a friendly welcome and a pleasant stay. La Manga Map.
October 13, 2009
Totana Murcia
Well worth a look if you are visiting the Murcia or Costa Calida areas of Spain, the town of Totana is well known for its production of ceramics and there are over twenty potteries located in the town. The ceramic wares are produced by traditional methods and many are still fired in Arab style kilns. Totana has around 30,000 inhabitants and is a good base for touring the Sierra de Espuna, a great place for hiking and an area of great natural beauty. Totana is situated to the south-west of the city of Murcia, inland of the Costa Calida coastline, nearby places of interest include the towns of Lorca and Alhama de Murcia.
October 12, 2009
Lorca Spain
Originally settled by the Iberians, the Spanish town of Lorca in the region of Murcia was called Eliocroca by the Romans during their occupation of Spain. Now a large town with a population of around 90,000 it is also the capital of a municipality of the same name. The old town of Lorca still shows evidence of the Arab occupation (then known as Lurka), with narrow winding streets and alleyways. Built around the Guadalentin River (“Mud River”), it is in an agricultural area which depends highly on water transported from the River Tagus in central Spain. During the “Reconquest” Lorca was a dangerous border town, with constant skirmishes between Moors and Christians. Worth a visit in Lorca is the medieval fortress, the Plaza Mayor, the 16th century Granary, the 17th century Geuvara Palace and a number of 18th century Baroque churches. Lorca Map.
Cartagena Spain
Not to be confused with the city of the same name in Columbia, South America, the Spanish city of Cartagena is located in the Murcia region on a stretch of coastline known as the Costa Calida (“Warm Coast”).
Cartagena has a long and interesting history which goes back to the times of the Punic Wars between the Carthaginians and the Romans. The first settlement there was by the Iberians and called Mastia, upon this early settlement the first real town was built by the Carthaginian General Hasdrubal in 223 BC, making us of a natural deepwater harbour. The Carthaginians named the town Quart Hadas (New City) and it later became an important base for the famous Hannibal (of elephant fame), during his exploits in Spain and beyond.
After the defeat of the Carthaginians by the Romans it was re-named Carthago Novo (New Carthage) and was developed as a significant mining area. Cartagena still has some remains from these early days including the Punic Ramparts and the Augusteum.
Cartagena fell into decline during the Middle Ages but made a brief recovery during the 18th century when it became an important naval base. The collapse of the mining industry caused further depression in Cartagena in the 19th and early 20th centuries, though the city is undergoing renewed recovery as it eases itself into the 21st century.
Places of interest to see in the city include Cartagena port, where you will find one of the world’s first submarines, the Castillo de la Conceptión, the Archaeological Museum, the Byzantine Wall, the Maritime Museum and the Casa Cervantes (Cala Mayor) amongst others.
The area benefits from a superb climate and Cartagena weather is sunny and dry for over 300 days each year so do not expect rain during your visit to the city.
September 6, 2009
Fortuna Murcia Spain
Located in the province of Murcia in south-eastern Spain, the spa town of Fortuna is one of Spain’s natural wonders, boasting an abundance of hot springs that were originally developed by the Romans over 2,000 years ago. The small town of Fortuna has a population of just over 6,000 and is around 18 kilometres from the city of Murcia, about 45 kilometres from the coastlines of the Costa Calida and the Costa Blanca. The history of the town goes back to the times of the Iberians, when settlements were founded in such places as Castillejo, Capres and Cortao de las Peñas. Later the Romans appreciated the abundance of water in an area prone to drought, and quickly built a spa there, as they did in similar locations all over Europe. After the collapse of the Roman Empire the Moors took over in Fortuna, and their influence is still visible in the town by way of the Moorish Castle (Castillico de los Moros). The spa’s today take advantage of the thermal waters bubbling up at 126 degrees F and people come from miles around to enjoy the healing properties of the waters, renowned for the treatment of rheumatic arthritis, osteoporosis and asthma. Fortuna is located north of the city of Murcia near to the town of Abanilla. Fortuna Map.
August 31, 2009
Cartagena Costa Calida
The ancient Spanish city of Cartagena is located in the province of Murcia in the south-east of the country and is a coastal city on the section known as the Costa Calida. Cartagena has a history going back to the times of the ancients when it was founded by the Carthaginian general Hasdrubel in around 227 BC. After Hasdrubel died he was replaced by the famous general Hannibal who made Cartagena into his very own Iberian capital. When the Romans arrived after the Punic Wars they made Cartagena into a major trading centre, making use of its strategic natural harbour and its extensive mineral deposits located in the neighbouring mountains. There are a wealth of Roman monuments still remaining in Cartagena today and they form part of the city’s rich heritage. Visitors today can see the remains of the Punic Ramparts and also the Augusteum both of which are impressive locations. The port of Cartagena has always been important for Spain and its navy and it became the headquarters of the Spanish Navy’s Maritime Department of the Mediterranean during the 18th Century, it is still a major naval port today. One of the exhibits on show at the port of Cartagena is the first submarine, built by a Cartagena citizen called Isaac Peral in around 1884, this submarine can be viewed at the quayside. Cartagena lies a little south of the Mar Menor, the largest salt lake in Europe. The Mar Menor boasts some of the finest seaside resorts in the region including the renowned golf and sports resort of La Manga. Cartagena is currently undergoing some major refurbishments and the increase in property development in and around Cartagena is bringing increased wealth and interest to the area. Cartagena property is much in demand as is property along the neighbouring Mar Menor. If you are visiting southern Spain in the near future and are in the area of Cartagena be sure to take time to visit this ancient city and enjoy some of its many attractions. Cartagena Map.
August 13, 2009
Review of Aguilas Costa Calida
Situated at the southern extreme of the Costa Calida coastline, the town of Aguilas is an attractive little town boasting some twenty eight kilometres of coastline. Laying within the region of Murcia, Aguilas has a long history and was originally settled by Greeks, who sailed along these coasts setting up trading posts. Worth visiting in Aguilas is the 18th century castle, the 16th century watch tower, the Dovecote and the Railway Monument, an old train, constructed in Scotland. Aguilas is situated about 103 kilometres from Murcia and has a population of around 32,000. Aguilas Map.