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COSTA CÁLIDA - MURCIA
Costa Cálida translated means the “hot coast”, it follows the coastline of the province of Murcia with San Pedro del Pinatar in the north and Vera in the south. The area boasts the naval port of Cartagena and slightly inland, approximately 16 miles (26 km) south of Murcia City, the new Región De Murcia International Airport in Corvera.
Murcia City is known as the capital of Baroque as no other Spanish city can equal the number of monuments built in this style. Everything can be found, churches and civil buildings with façades of curvilinear and exuberant decoration. One of Murcia’s principal attractions is the awe inspiring Cathedral, it’s erection began in 1394. The city is ennobled by palaces and stately houses almost all of which are situated in the area around the lively and bubbling streets of La Traperia and La Plateria, being the main streets of the old quarter. The Murcia region as a whole offers a great shopping experience also and has many covered shopping centres as those of the Alicante region which include additional well known high street names and brands e.g. Ikea, The Carphone Warehouse, Jack & Jones, Mango, Decathlon, Media Markt and much much more, a visit is highly recommended.
Mar Menor (small inland sea) is a privileged spot on the Spanish Mediterranean coast, it is an indentation in the coastline where the water enters forming a huge bay, separated from the Mediterranean Sea itself by a long narrow sandy barrier.......the La Manga Strip. This gigantic lake, with still waters dotted with tiny islands, has around its shores a multitude of landscapes. The warm waters of the Mar Menor, rich in mineral salts and iodine, offer a simple and natural relief for people suffering from circulatory problems or rheumatism. Healthy baths, radiant sun, aquatic sports, agreeable surroundings are some of the chief attractions of this area, all of which can be enjoyed the whole year round given the constantly mild temperatures.
La Manga (The Sleeve) has something for everyone, for those who wish to bask in the sun or those who enjoy water sports activities such as skiing, fishing, sailing and scuba diving, then of course for keen golfers there’s the world famous La Manga Golf and Country Club which offers first class major sporting facilities, 5 star hotel hospitality with many more additional bars and restaurants, shops, bank, petrol stations, pharmacy, medical centre and a wide selection of sports and other leisure persuits available.
La Manga Club International - founded in 1972 - can certainly be classed as one of the finest sporting clubs in the world achieving numerous accolades and offering 3 top class major championship golf courses, putting greens, 28 tennis courts, golf and tennis academies, 2 cricket grounds, a centre for professional football with a choice of 8 playing pitches, an established grass bowling green, a well equipped health and fitness centre with swimming pool and spa, a children’s junior club and plenty more exiting sporting activities including biking and horse riding. For those who fancy a flutter on the tables the complex also houses a casino. The club is blessed with cooling sea breezes during the summer and has many beaches to visit both on and off the complex
Cartagena was conquered by the Romans in 209BC. The first settlement founded in the natural harbour of Cartagena was constructed in 223BC by the Carthaginians who named it the Quart Hadas (New City). In the 18th century it became the naval base and is rumoured to be the oldest harbour in the world. The seaside town of Cartagena is steeped in history, maintaining its grandeur and contains many examples of religious architecture and some outstanding pieces of art, there is an ancient Roman castle which has been rebuilt and enlarged, also remains of an early Roman theatre have been painstakingly restored and preserved for all to see which includes a museum, lecture rooms with “not to be missed” in-depth slide shows and very informative guided tours. There are magnificent views of the surrounding area including the busy quayside from the park which surrounds the ruins of Cartagena castle “Castillo de la Concepcion”. A cultural delight!
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