The Region of Murcia

The region of Murcia is situated on the Costa Calida between Costa Blanca and Costa de Almeria. The region is easily accessible via Alicante airport and Murcia-San Javier airport. Getting around in the region is easy by car as the area has a modern road network connecting all the major towns.  Its name derives from the Latin murtae (mulberry). For centuries mulberry leaves fed silkworms for a flourishing industry that lasted until well after WWII, when local silk could no longer compete against man-made fibres.

Murcia’s 250km of coast is aptly called La Costa Cálida (Hot One). With over 3000 hours of sunshine each year, it almost guarantees an all-over tan, whether you spread your towel in the tourist pulls of the Mar Menor or in the quieter, much more Spanish resorts southwards. Though other Spanish provinces might be surprised at the distinction, it is true that Murcia, with its rural interior, small coastal resorts and lively capital city, is as authentically Spanish as it gets. A conservative province, Murcia is known for its fabulous local produce, rich tapas tradition and unusually warm coast.

During the summer months the weather can get very hot yet the winters are mild with the temperature averaging around 14 degrees. The province of Murcia is irrigated by the Rivers Segura, Murdo and Sangonera which makes ideal conditions for the many orchards of citrus fruit. In contrast the area also has expanses of dry, arid land where olives and vines thrive, then turning to desert-like land covered in cacti and palms.

Murcia is renowned for its fine wines which is still produced in Jumilla, Bullas and Yecla so a visit to one of the many restaurants in any of these towns is a must. Also worth visiting are the many cultural delights within Murcia City such as the magnificent Baroque churches and palaces along with the incredible four hundred year old cathedral.

http://www.lonelyplanet.com/spain/valencia-and-murcia/murcia/sights  for Lonely Planet top 10 sites in Murcia

The City of Murcia

The City of Murcia is described as one of the most beautiful and historic in the country. The city stands on the banks if the river and enjoys all year round sunshine. It has the highest temperatures in the region. There is a great deal of Moorish influence in the city, not least of all the impressive city walls. After the reconquest, the 20 mosques in the city were turned into churches. The Cathedral is the most highly prized building in the city. The first foundation stone was laid in 1388 by Bishop Pedrosa. It took four centuries to complete. There are so many different styles and cultures within, including 23 different chapels.

As you wander through the city, there is a monumental building on every corner. Many are in pristine condition and those that aren't are being restored to their former glory. One building worthy of a mention is the casino (pictured below). Here in the 19th century, worthy citizens would sit to be admired like fish in a goldfish bowl. The palatial interior is quite amazing.

Among the other splendid buildings to see is the Bishop's Palace located near the Cathedral. Dated 1748 it has two wonderful facades. The Convent Church of Santa Ana is 18th century and is the third church to be built on this site, the original being1490. Here you can try the freshly baked cakes, made by the nuns and served through a revolving hatch. The Church of San Miguel stands on the site of an earlier church. The 18th century church has wonderful coloured altarpieces. The Almudi dates from 1602 and was formerly the storage place for public corn collected as tithes. It was reconditioned in 1985 and now houses the art centre and city archives.

In all, Murcia has everything to offer the visitor and you can almost certainly guarantee that no matter what time of year you visit, you will be wrapped up in some kind of fiesta or celebration. You will find the people pleasant and friendly towards tourists.

One must remember that Murcia is a university city and as such has a large number of students in the city. The university building is of huge proportions and demands time to examine closely its exterior (see right) . The area around the university has a wealth of lively bars and restaurants that are truly vibrant with life.

Cartagena

A fairy-tale city of romance, legends and sheer beauty, Cartagena de Indias is an addictive place that can be hard to escape. This is the place to drop all sightseeing routines. Instead, just stroll through Cartagena's maze of cobbled alleys, where enormous balconies are shrouded in bougainvilla and massive churches cast their shadows across leafy plazas. Take time out to relax at one of Cartagena's many open-air cafés, prime viewing spots to watch the parade of horse-drawn carriages, fashionable locals and mystified tourists. Listed as a Unesco World Heritage site. When the bustling city gets too much, you can always escape to the nearby Islas de Rosario.