Murcia Region
Murcia caters for every taste and desire. In itself there is something for everyone and yet its proximity to neighbouring regions such as the Costa Blanca and the Costa Almeria means one can enjoy the best of Spain.
Here in Murcia you will find everything one might want from white sandy beaches with quiet coves or the calm waters of the Mar Menor to mountains and natural lakes with fresh water fishing, kayaking and other outdoor activities. Shopping in the largest complex in Europe, the famous El Corte Ingles (The English Court), whatever your interests Murcia has it all.
The region of Murcia is home to many fine property developments which have been carefully designed to offer varied affordable accommodation and yet keep the natural beauty of the surrounding countryside. Unlike some areas where they are being described as "concrete jungles" Murcia has controlled much of the new developers in a hope to create a better environment for all. Villas and apartments have been designed to blend in with surrounding countryside.
Fantastic championship Golf complexes such as those found on the Polaris World Resorts Mar Menor Resort or other golf resorts such as Hacienda Del Alamo, Roda Golf, Perleja Golf, Mosa Trajectum and others offer a wide variety of new and resale apartments and villas overlooking the wonderful green views of the fairways and lakes. Some of these golf complexes are very close to the beaches and offer the best of both worlds. Polaris World and Hacienda del Alamo offer beach resorts on the Mar Menor with free transportation from the complexes and private beach facilities for owners on their respective developments.
Beach goers will find something unavailable to any other area in Spain an most other coastal areas throughout the world; The Mar Menor. Literally translated as the "Little Sea" the Mar Menor is a coastal saltwater lagoon which is the largest in Europe. It offers crystal clear calm waters ideal for all types of water activities. Due to the "lagoon" properties of the Mar Menor it benefits from a slightly higher temperatures than the Mediterranean all year round. The calm safe waters are ideal for small children and families as well as jet skiing, sailing and fishing.
Some interesting facts about Murcia
Murcia is a city and municipality on the river Segura in south eastern Spain and the capital of the Autonomous Community of the Region of Murcia.
Murcia is built nearly in the centre of a low-lying fertile plain, known as the huerta or market garden of Murcia, which includes the valleys of the Segura and its right-hand tributary the Guadalentín (Wadalentin) or river Sangonera, and is surrounded by mountains. Despite the proximity of the sea, the climate is subject to great variations: the summer heat is wonderfully hot, while the occasional frosts can be experienced in the capital during the winter.
Luckily rain in Murcia is scarce, with less than 200 mm (7.9 inches) registered in the year October 2004 to September 2005.
Murcia-San Javier Airport (MJV) is located on the edge of the Mar Menor close to the towns of San Javier and Santiago de la Ribera, 45 km southeast of Murcia, about 25 minutes by car. The airport at Alicante is frequently used by travellers to Murcia also.
The Castilians, led by King Alfonso X, took it at the end of this period, when large numbers of immigrants from north Catalonia and Provence settled in the town; Catalan names are still not uncommon. In 1296, Murcia and its region were transferred to the Kingdom of Aragon, but in 1304, in virtue of the Treaty of Torrellas, it was finally incorporated into Castile.
Murcia flourished in the 18th century, mainly due to the boom of the silk industry. Many of its churches and monuments are from this period.
The town and surrounding area suffered badly from floods in 1651, 1879 and 1907, though the construction of a levee did much to keep the Segura within its own channel. A popular walkway, the Malecon, runs along the top of the levee.
Murcia was struck by an earthquake in 1829. According to contemporary accounts, some 6,000 people died in the province.
Murcia has been the capital of the province of Murcia since 1838, and capital of the autonomous community (which includes only the province) since its creation in 1982.
