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.
October 15, 2009
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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August 27, 2009
Costa Blanca Resort of Cabo Roig
Located 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.
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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.
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July 28, 2009
The Spanish Town of Yecla
The town of Yecla lies on the borders of the provinces of Murcia, Alicante and Albacete amidst mountainous countryside, in south-eastern Spain. The town and municipality with its population of around 30,000 is actually within the Comunidad de Murcia and is a modern industrial town but with a long and interesting history, much of the old town still remains. While there is evidence that there may have been settlements in and around Yecla as long ago as the Upper Palaeolithic Era (30,000 BC) the main human activity appears to have begun during the Bronze Age, probably around the 2nd to 3rd Centuries BC. These early settlers were followed by the ancient Iberians and a little later by the Romans who introduced grape growing and wine production to the area and established the first civilised society. Little else is known of the history of the town until the Arab occupation when a defensive fortress was built (probably during the 11th Century) and the town took on its name ‘Yakka’. The Arabs remained until the Christian re-conquest in the 13th Century when Alfonso the Wise took control of the town in 1243, after which it came under the control of the Marquisate of Villena. The population of the town grew steadily up until the mid-fifteenth Century, when there appears to have been increased urban development in the town and something of a population explosion during the 16th Century. This was followed by a period of decline during the 17th Century when constant wars, epidemics and emigration led to a decline in both the economy and population of the town. Recovery began in the 18th Century and continued in the 19th Century when grape growing and wine production were further developed by French wine merchants following an outbreak of Phylloxera in France. Besides grape growing Yecla is well known for the production of furniture and this has become important for the economy of the town, where you will find numerous factories and furniture outlets. There are some interesting places to visit in Yecla and a good place to start would be the Plaza Mayor where you will find the Town Hall and Tower Prison (Torre de la Cárcel – 16th-18th C), the Palacio de los Alarcos (16th Century), the Clock Tower (17th Century) and the Guildhall (19th Century). Other places to visit include the ruined 11th Century castle, the Arciprestal Basilica (built between 1775 and 1868), the Francisan Church of San Francisco from the 16th Century and the Church of the Assumption also from the 16th Century, there are also a number of museums and other churches to see. Yecla celebrates a number of fiestas and festivals including the San Blas in February, the Romeria de San Marcos in April, the Fiesta de los Judas in May and the Feria de Septiembre in September coinciding with the Feast of St. Martin. Yecla holds its weekly market on Wednesdays and also hold a large Furniture Fair in September. Yecla is located on the N-344 west of Villena.
Learn even more about Yecla here: http://www.needahandspanishproperties.com/yecla.html
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