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Life and Leisure in Murcia

For many years Murcia has been seen as being "off the beaten track" but all that has now changed as new road, rail and international airport links open up fast access to this largely unspoilt region of Spain. The desires of the British visitor have also changed as the years have gone by. No longer is Spain just seen as a holiday destination for "sun, sea and sex" for Club 18-30 types, the discerning visitor yearns to sample genuine Spanish culture, architecture, food and the gentle pace of life which had remained largely unchanged in Murcia. However, if your penchant is for body stretching activity during the day and for lively nightlife afterwards, then Murcia will happily fulfil your needs too. The manifold attractions of life in Murcia and the affordability of property old and new means that many have decided to buy property in Murcia and take up permanent residence there. Air travel to Murcia is now routine and inexpensive meaning you are never far away from your extended family even when enjoying a new life in Murcia.

The Costa Calaida

The Costa Calida boasts a superb coastline with warm blue seas stretching for over 100 miles (170km) between Andalucia’s Costa Almeria in the south west and the Costa Blanca to the north east. Murcia’s mountains and rivers run down to the Mediterranean Sea with its semi-arid and subtropical climate. Mild winters feature an average temperature of 11ºC in December and January, though there ay be occasional snow on the highest mountains, with long hot summers when temperatures can hit 40ºC. The Costa Calida area has an average annual temperature of 18ºC. This mild climate has attracted thousands of new residents from a wide variety of European countries.

Part of the joy of the Costa Calida is that it offers something for everyone, young and old, energetic or relaxed. You can choose the vibrancy of a coastal resort or the calm peace and relaxed pace of a Spanish village. All of this is a matter of a few hours travelling from the UK. The region is steeped in history stretching back to the 9th century and this is reflected in the culture and architecture of modern Murcia.

A unique feature of the Costa Calida is the Mar Menor, the largest saltwater lagoon in Europe, with its warm, shallow waters. It has become renowned as one of Europe’s finest places to learn water sports, or simply to take the kids paddling and swimming.

Murcia is also becoming a centre of excellence for golf with many new courses now available, most famously at the La Manga resort, with yet more recently opened or in the course of construction around the region. Much of the new property in Murcia has been designed to take full advantage of the wonderful golf facilities and you can buy new property built as part of the golf developments.

Moving Inland

Not only has the Costa Calida region a profusion of beaches and coastal leisure facilities but also has an abundance of history and culture, there are many charming towns and villages waiting to reveal their delights. The city of Murcia is beautiful and historic with many well maintained ancient buildings lining its streets. The city is home to a large university and has a vibrant nightlife with many bars and restaurants. Within a matter of minutes of the city is beautiful countryside. This combination of all that is best about old and new, vibrant and restful has attracted many to settle in and around the ancient city.

The fertile regions around the river Segura are produced by irrigation which provides for a wealth of gardens and orchards, especially citrus fruits. Beyond the areas around these rivers the countryside becomes increasingly arid, but crops are extensive even in these dry lands. Olive groves and vineyards are found in the north, with the land becoming more desert-like with such vegetation as palm trees and prickly pears. The northwest part of the province is a mountain area with cool climate and lovely landscapes which include the towns of Calasparra, Moratalla and Caravaca, full of old mansions.

Areas of Natural Beauty

As well as the extensive and beautiful mountain areas the lover of nature can enjoy the nature parks of Murcia. The coastal park of Calabanque, south of the Mar Menor, has high dunes, long golden sandy beaches, a deep blue sea and a profusion of birds and plants and can be enjoyed on foot, on bicycle or on horse-back. The "Salinas y Arenales" is located in San Pedro del Pinatar and is the most important wetland of the province. Each year at the end of the summer many flamingos gathers here to fly together to the north of Africa. Close to the city of Murcia is the "Sierra Espuña" a wilderness area of dramatic peaks, pine forests, splendid scenery and hundreds of plant species providing a home to wild boar, goats, mountain cats and tortoises. At 1,579m the peak of Espuña dominates the park.

A Leisurely Life

Visitors are usually first drawn to Murcia by the climate and coastal attractions and only gradually realise that the region has so much to offer, including the enticement of beginning life anew in a calm and leisurely environment. You can look forward to soaking up the sun and taking in an array of attractions and sights. Explore the regions and get to know its natural beauty and its friendly people – in no time at all you can find yourself drawn into the extended Spanish family. No matter what your interests you will find that there is plenty to keep you busy and entertained, or if you prefer, the opportunity to enjoy peace and quiet. Food is cheap and the Mediterranean diet is famously healthy, whether you cook it yourself or eat out. There is so much to see and do. Murcia has a wealth of historical sites, cultural events and beautiful landscapes for hiking and walking. There are many family attractions to tempt you, lots of recreational activities or just the prospect of a leisurely beer enjoyed in the sun. How can you resist?