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.
Posts Tagged ‘la manga’
The City of Murcia Spain
Monday, October 19th, 2009La Manga Regency Hyatt Hotel
Wednesday, October 14th, 2009Having 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.
Costa Blanca Resort of Cabo Roig
Thursday, August 27th, 2009Located on the Southern Costa Blanca coastline is the popular and delightful seaside resort of Cabo Roig. Well loved for its superb sandy “blue flag” beaches, its stunning views of the sparkling blue Mediterranean sea, its picturesque cliff walks and its busy nightlife, Cabo Roig has plenty to offer the discerning holidaymaker. Generally quiet during the winter months, Cabo Roig comes to life around May time and is often busy right through to November. Cabo Roig attracts holidaymakers from all over the world but primarily English, Irish and Spanish (particularly those from the city of Murcia who love this stretch of the coast). The busiest months are July and August, the quietest January and February. The eye-catching 16th century watchtower, around which Cabo Roig originally grew, is now part of a restaurant complex which overlooks the recently modernised marina. An estimated 2 million euros was spent on the refurbishment of what is now one of the Costa Blanca’s most desirable mooring spots. There are a number of excellent beaches to visit whilst on a trip to Cabo Roig. The main beaches are Cala Caleta and Cala Capitan both very popular with holidaymakers. Also within easy reach are the beaches at Campoamor, La Zenia and Playa Flamenca. All of these beaches are kept very clean and are usually raked every day, they are also safe for children. Whilst on a trip to Cabo Roig do not miss the cliff walk to La Zenia, this walk takes you along the back of Cala Caleta beach, above the marina and onwards to Cala Capitan and then to La Zenia beach. This is a very enjoyable walk and offers some exceptional views of the surrounding coastline, don’t forget to take your camera or you will miss some great photo opportunities. You will spot La Manga in the distance and on a clear day you can pick out the towering apartment blocks of this up and coming resort. Cabo Roig has a wonderful climate and the sun shines on over three hundred days per year, the mean temperature being about 20 degrees C. You can usually expect to see little rainfall between May and October and the days are generally long and sunny. When rain does fall it is usually during the winter months, November and February being the most common months for rain. December and January are usually sunny and pleasant but with cold nights. After a day in the sun most visitors head for the bustling Cabo Roig strip with its ever increasing selection of bars and restaurants offering food, fun and frolics to suit every taste. There are some excellent restaurants providing dishes from around the world including Spanish, Italian, Indian, Chinese, Mexican, Hungarian, German, English and Irish. During your visit you may want to venture out from Cabo Roig and enjoy some of the other attractions on offer. A trip to the Rio Safari at Elche is a very rewarding experience and the kids will love feeding the animals and riding on the “train” through the park. Perhaps a round of golf is more your “thing”, there are three excellent golf courses nearby at Villamartin, Campoamor and Las Ramblas. Maybe you could take a coach trip to Benidorm (if you haven’t hired a car) and marvel at the busiest seaside resort in Europe, or visit one of the regions historical cities, Cartagena, Murcia or Alicante have plenty of interesting sight to see. There you have it – Cabo Roig, “the jewel of the Costa Blanca”, the seaside resort with something for everybody. There are plenty of Cabo Roig holiday rentals available in the area should you wish to visit. Be sure to visit Cabo Roig sometime soon.