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.