The Region

As mentioned in other sections Murcia is both a city & a province. The city of Murcia is little visited by foreign nationals, though boasting an extravagant selection of elaborate urban palaces, churches & cathedrals, in addition to a vibrant & friendly atmosphere.

The majority of visitors to Murcia province flock to its coastline, the Costa Calida. This stretch of coast is unusual in that it offers both a choice of beaches, as well as a choice of Sea. Featuring are the popular Mediterranean Sea, & the lesser known Mar Menor (little sea). The Mar Menor is an inland sea/salt water lake separated from the Mediterranean by La Manga (the sleeve) del Mar Menor; otherwise known as the La Manga strip. The Mar Menor is favoured amongst families with small children due to its warm, shallow, & salty waters (salt makes you float more easily).

The summers here are hot & the winters mild. This coupled with the irrigation provided by the rivers Segura, Murdo & Sangonera make for ideal citrus fruit growing conditions. The region exports many tons of oranges & lemons; much of it to the German market. To a lesser extent olives & vines are also grown.

Today Murcia province is a major travel destination for many European citizens, whether for holidays or permanent residence. This has injected a cosmopolitan feel to the region, while still retaining much of its tradition & culture. Positively affected by the rise in visitors is the commercial sector. A wide array of sporting pursuits are now on offer (especially for golfers), as well as more cultured choices; such as a mix of established & recently regenerated museums, galleries, & sites of great historical importance.

Cuisine is another major draw, with an array of affordable local & international restaurants serving a mixture of dishes. Fresh fish is a major delicacy (similarly to many other coastal areas), but meat also features prominently.

Murcia province is well known for its mild climate & enjoys sunshine for in excess of 320 days per year. The sun is at its hottest during the summer months, with temperatures rarely falling below 30°C (86°F). Winters are typically very mild with averages hovering around 18°C (64°F).