| Mar Menor |
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If you could imagine a massive swimming pool, with a constant temperature, no current, and a maximum depth of around 7 metres, then you could be describing the Mar Menor. This natural phenomenon is the largest salt water lagoon in Europe, and it boasts an area of over 160 square kilometers.
There are many things that set this piece of water apart from all the others, but first and foremost is its safety. Because its waters are crystal clear, warm and shallow, children of all ages can play safely without fear of dangerous currents, freak waves, or other natural hazards.
Due to its tranquil beauty this stretch of water has become a Mecca for many different types of water sport enthusiasts, including windsurfers, kite surfers, water skiers and divers. It is recognized the World over as a nautical centre of the highest calibre, with numerous sailing schools and a high performance centre. It also plays host to a large number of national and International competitions throughout the year.
The coastline of this extraordinary place holds many other treasures throughout its 73 kilometers, from the La Manga strip with its hotels, bars and restaurants, to the beach clubs of Polaris World and Roda resort. There are parts of the strip where you can be swimming in the Mar Menor one minute, and five minutes later you could be swimming in the Mediterranean Sea.
You have fishing villages, and vibrant towns such as Los Alcazares on the West side, and the largest mud bath in Europe at a place called Lo Pagan, San Pedro del Pinatar. This is considered by many to give tangible relief for many ailments, from Arthritis to Rheumatism, others believe that it is a cure all. There is no doubt that this area is rich in history, nature, sunshine, minerals and undisputed beauty.
Should you require further information about the Mar Menor please visit the following link http://marmenor.net/htm/english/vmm/marmenor/quienes.php or contact us at info@landmark.uk.com if you have specific questions.
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| Murcia |
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The city of Murcia is described as one of the most beautiful and historic in the country. It stands on the banks of the river Segura, and enjoys all year round sunshine, with the highest temperatures in the region.
There is a great deal of Moorish influence in the city, not least in the impressive city walls. The wide streets accommodate plenty of shops, restaurants and bars, but also there is lots of beautiful architecture, history and culture.
The Cathedral is probably the most highly prized building in the city, with the first foundation stone being laid in 1388 by Bishop Pedrosa. It took four centuries to complete, has many different styles, and includes a stunning 23 different chapels.
Besides being a city, Murcia as a province is one of the fastest growing regions in Spain. It has a wonderful landscape, with many natural areas of parkland. Its coastline is called the Costa Calida (Warm Coast) and of course it has the wonderful Mar Menor, which is the biggest salt water lagoon in Europe.
The region is an exciting place with an abundance of cultural and leisure activities for everyone to enjoy. It has an excellent health care system that offers first class treatment, and an educational system that mirrors it. With its climate, beaches, airports, road and rail systems, health care and education, Murcia deserves to be one of the most sought after places in Spain. |
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| CARTAGENA |
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Cartagena is one of the oldest cities in Spain, steeped in over 3000 years of history. It is set in a magnificent sheltered bay, which was once an ancient seaport, and naval dockyard.
Facilities in the port include a Marina, and a Diving School, where regular events are held, which attract people from all over the world.
In addition you will find numerous bars, cafes and restaurants, many with outdoor seating where you can relax, and watch the world go by. For your convenience there is an underground parking facility in the port, and a Tourist Information Office located on the opposite side of the road.
The City is renowned for its fabulous shops, which are set amongst narrow twisting lanes, cobbled streets, and some quite breathtaking architecture. Because the city has undergone extensive modernization, you will find a wonderful blend of traditional Baroque style buildings, with a heady mixture of new and classic designs.
For people who are just visiting, or looking to relocate to this lovely area, Cartagena has a great deal more than shops and restaurants. Besides having plenty of supermarkets it has all the other amenities that you might expect in a city of this size, including, Hospitals, Schools and plenty of Sports facilities.
The city boasts many places of historical interest, both the Municipal Archaeological Museum, and the National Museum of Maritime Archaeology are well worth a visit. Others include the Punic Rampart, The House of Fortune, the Augusteum, the Hill of Molinete, the Roman Colonnade, the Roman Theatre, Santa Maria La Vieja Cathedral, and the impressive Amphitheatre currently undergoing restoration.
There is a regular passenger ferry service that operates from the Port of Cartagena, which will take you on a guided tour of the bay. There is also a regular bus tour of the city, which allows you to jump on and off anywhere along the route.
Getting the best views of the city requires a visit to Calle Gisbert (Gisbert Street) where the lift will carry you up 45m to Castle la Concepcion in the Parque Torres – fantastic!
When it comes to being ideally situated for other areas Cartagena gets maximum points, with the Mar Menor beaches, San Javier airport, Murcia city, and La Manga Club all within easy striking distance. |
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| HEALTH |
Nationals of EU countries can get free medical treatment in Spain on production of the correct paperwork. For British people this used to be the form E111, but this has now switched to a card known as the EHIC, available from your local Post Office. Although the service is adequate, we recommend that holiday-makers seriously consider taking out private insurance. Spain has a very good national health service that works alongside a wonderful private sector. Hospitals are of a very high standard.
If you are moving to Spain the E106 will give you residual care for the first 2 years of your resettlement. Depending on your age, you will almost certainly have to take out some private medical insurance. There are a number of very reputable companies who have insurance packages which are tailor made for ex pats, and you can transfer your B.U.P.A cover directly across (provided that you have been a member for 1 year or more) – check out www.sanitas.es or .com.
Pensioners can use a form E121 to swap their British entitlements to Spain.
If you suffer from any health problems, consult your doctor before you set off for Spain. Any medication you take with you should be kept in their original containers and if possible take copies of your prescriptions with you. Make sure you have enough medication for the duration of your stay. If you intend to live in Spain, get your doctor to write out the generic name for your medication and not the brand name, this way, a drug can be matched with the Spanish equivalent.
CHEMISTS
Chemists (farmacias) are plentiful in Spain and are marked with a large green cross. The law states that farmacias must operate on a rota system so that there is always one open. Local press carry details of the duty farmacia, and details are also posted on the door of the farmacias. You can obtain basic medical advice here. There are also alternative chemists such as Chinese clinics and herbal clinics. Most speak English.
DENTISTS
Most dentists are likely to charge for their services as they are all private. We recommend that you use the yellow pages section of the telephone directory to source one, as it carries a good list (dentistas). You will often find a dentist in the large supermarkets. Prices are similar to the UK but the service is much better. Many dentists in Spain are ex National Health Service.
DRUGS
Prescription and non-prescription drugs are available from chemists (farmacias), distinguished by large green crosses. Many drugs available only on prescription in the UK and other countries can be purchased over the counter here. You are still advised to seek a doctor’s advice.
WATER
Over recent years the water system in Spain has undergone great improvements and tap water in built-up areas is relatively safe. Unfamiliar water can still cause minor stomach upsets and you may wish to purchase agua mineral, bottled water. Agua con gas is fizzy water and agua sin gas is still water. In small villages, the water may be well water and not mains so if in doubt, ask !
TAKING CARE OF YOURSELF
For those not used to the climate of Spain, especially summer visitors, you must be aware of the heat. Make sure you drink plenty of liquids. Always carry a bottle of water with you when it is very hot. Alcohol is not considered a suitable substitute for water, and drinking large amounts of alcohol in hot weather, can cause major problems !
THE FUN SIDE OF HEALTH
The Mar Menor (especially in the vicinity of Loan Pagán) offers the largest therapeutic open air mud bath in Europe. The mud is well-known for its many minerals which stimulates the healing process. A mud bath treatment is recommended for skin problems, rheumatism, arthritis, throat infections and general rehabilitation.
There is a new multi million pound health & beauty spa at La Manga Club, which by all accounts is well worth more than one visit.
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| FIESTAS AND FESTIVALS IN THE MURCIA REGION |
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The Murcian enthusiasm for Fiestas rivals the Madrileños ( Madrid inhabitants). Each town or village has its own Patrimonio day, which you can find by looking on a calendar. You can read through the town guides to find specific fiestas but below are some of the more well-known ones of the region.
January
Los Reyes – the Three Wise Men – on 6th January the Spanish children receive their Christmas gifts. Most towns and villages will do something special in social clubs and town squares. Murcia and Cartagena have extra special fiestas. Look out for the televised celebrations of Madrid with massive floats, and the three kings parading through the city.
Carnaval de Águilas – Águilas
Fiestas de San Sebastián – Ricote
Feburary
Carnaval – Cabezo de Torres
Carnaval – Cartagena
Carnaval – Mar Menor – San Pedro del Pinatar, San Javier and Los Alcázares alternately
San Blas de San Javier Romeria – San Javier
March
Semana Santa
Easter Week – being a mainly Catholic country, Easter is a huge celebration. All towns and villages will hold celebrations, with at least 3 or 4 working days lost. Some of the best festivities can be found in Cartagena, Jumilla, Murcia and Moratalla.
April
Fiesta de la Primavera (Spring festival) in Murcia includes: Bando de la Huerta (Orchard procession) and Entierra de la Sardina (Burial of the Sardine)
May
Santisima y Vera Cruz – Caravaca
June
Jazz Festival – San Javier
Feria Sevillana – Mar Menor
San Juan – all towns and villages
July
Jazz Festival – San Javier
Virgen Del Carmen – Cartagena
Santiago Apostle – Cartagena
August
San Gines de la Jara Procession – San Gines
Festival of International Theatre, Music and Dance – San Javier
Mar Menor Folk Festival – San Pedro del Pinatar and Lo Pagán
Fiesta de la Vendimia in Jumilla with a wine fountain to celebrate the wine harvest.
September
Murcia September Fair: Moors & Christians – Murcia
“Tunas” Folk Music Festival – Murcia
Mediterranean Folklore Festival – Murcia
Romans & Carthaginians – Cartagena
October
Regional Horse Fair – Caravaca
November
Romería de San Clemente – Lorca
December
Fiestas Mayores – San Javier
Tours of the Natives (Belenes) – Yecla
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| Thursday - Junk, Bric-a-Brac, Antiques & Art Markets |
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STREET MARKETS
Spanish Street Markets take place in the following towns
Markets local to the Murcia region are highlighted in green
Monday - General Markets
Benitachell - Callosa - Denia - Elche - Elda - Jijona - La Nucia - Monover - Orihuela - Parcent - Petrer - Santa Pola - Pinsono
Monday - Junk, Bric-a-Brac, Antiques & Art Markets
Alicante Art Market every day 4pm - 10pm at the place Paseo Gadeo
Altea Art Market every day in the summer 7pm - 12pm at the church (old town)
Denia at the market place against the Mercadona. Tel: 607.624.192
Moraira Antiques Market at Plaza Iglesia near the harbour every day 7pm
Tuesday - General Markets
Alicante (fruit & vegetable) - Altea - Aspe - Beniarbeig - Benijofar - Benitachell - Castalla
Elche (17.00 - 22.00) - Elda - Jalon - Jijona - Orihuela - Pilar de la Horadada - Relleu - San Fulgencia
La Union (Murcia) - Los Alcazares (Murcia)
Tuesday - Junk, Bric-a-Brac, Antiques & Art Markets
Alicante Art Market every day 4pm - 10pm at the place Paseo Gadeo
Altea Art Market every day in the summer 7pm - 12pm at the church (old town)
Moraira Antiques Market at Plaza Iglesia near the harbour every day 7pm
Wednesday - General Markets
Alcoy – Benidorm – Benitachell – El Campello – Guardamar – Muchamiel – Novelda – Ondara – Sax - Teulada – Petrel - Polop de la Marina - La Mata (Torrevieja) - San Miguel de Salinas - Santiogo de la Ribera - Callosa de Segura.
Wednesday - Junk, Bric-a-Brac, Antiques & Art Markets
Alicante Art Market every day 4pm - 10pm at the place Paseo Gadeo
Altea Art Market every day in the summer 7pm - 12pm at the church (old town)
Benidorm Jazz and Funk by Rastro "El Cisne" Sunday Ctra, road N-332 Benidorm/Altea Tel: 96/584.06.11
Moraira Antiques Market at Plaza Iglesia near the harbour every day 7pm
Thursday - General Markets
Alicante – Cocentaina – Javea – Pego – Rojales - Villajoyosa – Villena - San Javier (Murcia) – Aspe - Agost - San Javier (Murcia)
Thursday - Junk, Bric-a-Brac, Antiques & Art Markets
Alicante Art Market every day 4pm - 10pm at the place Paseo Gadeo
Altea Art Market every day in the summer 7pm - 12pm at the church (old town)
Friday - General Markets
Alfaz del Pi - Benitachell - Denia (fruit & vegetable) - Finestrat - Gata de Gorgos - La Nucia - Moraira - Orihuela - Teulada - Torrevieja - Vergel - Oliva - Pilar de la Horadada ( in evening) - Los Montesinos (in evening) - Elche (17.00 - 22.00)
Friday - Junk, Bric-a-Brac, Antiques & Art Markets
Alicante Art Market every day 4pm - 10pm at the place Paseo Gadeo
Altea Art Market every day in the summer 7pm - 12pm at the church (old town)
Denia Junk Market at the market place against the Mercadona. 607.624.192
Moraira Antiques Market at Plaza Iglesia near the harbour every day 7pm
Saturday - General Markets
Alcoy - Alicante - Benissa - Benitachell -Calpe - Elche - Jalon - Ondara - Pedreguer - San Juan - Santa Pola - Sax - Almoradi - Torre Pcheco (Murcia) - San Miguel de Salinas (Blue Lagoon)
Saturday - Junk, Bric-a-Brac, Antiques & Art Markets
Alicante Art Market every day 4pm - 10pm at the place Paseo Gadeo
Altea Art Market every day in the summer 7pm - 12pm at the church (old town)
Jalon Junk and Antiques Market 9am - 2pm in front of the place Bodega Virgen Pobre
Moraira Antiques Market at Plaza Iglesia near the harbour every day 7pm
Polop Junk Market 10am - 2pm at the bridge in town
Sunday - General Markets
Benidorm - Benitachell - La Nucia - Teulada - Elche - en Campo de Guardamar - Cabo de Palos (La Manga Murcia) - Villajoyosa.
Sunday - Junk, Bric-a-Brac, Antiques & Art Markets
Alicante Art Market every day 4pm - 10pm at the place Paseo Gadeo
Lliber Junk Market. 8am - 2pm at the parking in down town
La Nucia 8am Junk Market at Avenida de Porvilla, road to Polop
Teulada Junk Market 8am - 2pm at industry terrain near exit Teulada at the road N-332
Villajoyosa Art and Antiques Market Sunday 9.30am at the old town
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| WEATHER |
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The weather in Murcia is like that of other towns and cities along the Costa Blanca, and Costa Calida - it’s all about location. It is no wonder these cities in this Mediterranean region were so desirable and are still today. It is because the light ocean breezes keep things temperate and it’s as if the mountains to the west offer protection from any type of uninvited weather pattern. The average temperature throughout the year is 18 degrees Celsius (65F).
Winter, generally the months of December and January, is the coolest with temperatures about 10 degrees Celsius (50F). This is a great time to take in outdoor hiking or even golf. You can dress comfortably in light sweaters but be sure to bring at least a light jacket for evenings when the ocean breeze cools things off further.
Spring warms up a bit and makes for a great beginning to the true tourist season. The weather is warm enough for swimming and all kinds of outdoor dining experiences without being the peak of tour time.
It can really heat up in the summer reaching about 40 degrees Celsius (104F)! The ocean breezes keep the shore pleasant enough, but the inner city, located about 45 km away, doesn’t usually benefit from ocean winds. The buildings and pavement can make it
unpleasant for walking, and many older buildings are not equipped with air conditioning. Summer, however, is the perfect time to just relax at the beach. You can plan your activities that require exertion (golf, hiking, sight seeing) for the early morning hours then retreat to the cool ocean waters for the rest of the day. Once the sun sets about 8 p.m. it will once again be a good time to walk the city streets or dine out.
When autumn approaches the city once again transforms back into a pleasant, mild spot for late season vacationers. Temperatures will return to a pleasing 24 degrees Celsius (75F). Water temperatures remain warm enough to enjoy swimming in the ocean any time of year.
In short, there is not bad time to visit Murcia. The Murcia weather is predictable and consistent. It is safe to say, it is a great day in Murcia, no matter what day you are talking about.
One thing that you do not need to worry too much about is an umbrella! The rainfall averages just 3 cm per month, with the heaviest peaks in late fall and early winter where you may get 6 cm per month.
This information is based upon the city of Murcia, but applies to the region in general. Around the coast, and particularly around the area of the Mar Menor, it can seem that summer never goes away, and with well over 300 days of sunshine each year you start to believe it. This area has been voted one of the top 5 places to live in the world, by the World Health Organization, and it is the many gifts of nature in this area that make it such a special place.
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| TRAVEL |
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Travelling to this part of the world could not be easier. The airport known as Murcia, is infact located at San Javier, which is situated at the top Northern end of the Mar Menor. Although small this is a good little airport, with decent access, parking, and general amenities. It is still undergoing improvements, even though the new airport at Corvera is due to open in 2009, with full international status.
Once the Corvera International airport is up and running, this area of Spain will have 3 quality airports, the furthest away being Alicante (about 45 minutes). All of the major airlines are already applying for routes into the new airport, so there should be cheap flights in abundance, which will be a bonus for home owners living close by.
The road system in this area is very good indeed, and improving all the time. You can now travel from Alicante, all the way down to Almeria and beyond (Costa del Sol) on motorways, and the new roads into Murcia and Cartagena make both cities, and surrounding areas very accessible.
The railway station at Murcia is one of the best in Spain, and very soon with the arrival of the high speed trains, will allow an unbeatable service to Southern Spain, Barcelona, Madrid, and even on to Paris.
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