TRAVEL SPAIN

 Cartagena is the pearl of Spains south-eastern coast. Blessed by the clear blue Mediterranean Sea, this city is Murcias largest. Cartagena boasts a variety of attractions, including the adjacent Mar Menor, an interesting lagoon that is a popular site for water sports, cut off from the big blue by a north-south stretch of sandy land, the perfect place for a rejuvenating stroll in the Spanish sunset, or that anticipated escapade on the beach.

For the golf lovers among you, Cartagena and its surroundings offer an ideal environment to play in with, of course, some of the best and most prestigious courses and clubs in the country, most notably, the La Manga Club and the PGA Championship Course of El Valle. Cartagena is the naval hub of the country, and some of its most precious sites relate to the history of the Spanish Navy and accomplishments in the naval timeline, such as the world-famous Peral Submarine, one of the first ever U-boats, mounted in 1888.

Today, the citys port is still used as a docking yard. Cartagena also enjoys great diversity in architecture, with its buildings offering magnificent opportunities for that stunning photo. Snoop around and youll find the ancient Roman ruins of the Theatre of Carthago, as well as those of the almost destroyed cathedral. Dont forget to head down to the shoreline for some of those beautiful beaches, and take a wander down the promenade on a warm evening  the many restaurants, chiriguitos and eateries will be just springing up with the aroma of local delights, such as the espeto de sardinas and other seafood and fish.

Murcia is one of Spain's smaller regions and is located in the south east of Spain between the autonomous regions of Andalucia to the south and Valencia to the north. The regions ancient history was sculptured by the Carthaginians, Romans and the Moors, all of which occupied and left their marks on this sometimes overlooked and underrated part of Spain.

Murcia, according to the World Health Organisation has the healthiest climate in Europe with more than 320 days of sunshine per year, thats enough to satisfy even the the most demanding sun worshiper. From a geographical point Murcia really is a region stark in contrasts from its dry plains to rich cultivated areas growing a surprisingly large selection of fruits and vegetables, including cotton, apricots, oranges, grapes and lemons. Murcia also has its fare share of picturesque and wild mountainous areas and of course a fantastic coastline , the Costa Calida around 250 kms long.

The highest point in the region is the Revolcadores massif, around 2,027 meters in height, followed by numerous other smaller mountain ranges located in the Center and North-West of the province, such as El Carche, La Pilar , the Sierra Espua, Pila, and Ricote, these sierras include national parks boast important forested areas.

The city of Murcia is often described as one of the most beautiful and historic in the country. There is a great selection of historic buildings and sites including s impressive city walls, churches which where previosuly mosques and the Cathedral arguably the most prized building in the city. The first foundation stone was laid in 1388 by Bishop Pedrosa and took four centuries to complete ( no jokes about Spanish builders please !! ). The different styles and cultures within the Cathedral are very impressive including 23 different chapels. You may suffer from historic overload in Murcia as there seems to be a monumental building on every corner. Most of which are in pristine condition after long and costly restorations. Other buildings of note that are a must visit include the Bishop's Palace located near the Cathedral dating back to 1748.The Convent Church of Santa Ana which provides an historical menage from the from the 18th and 15th centuries. Other sites that are worth visiting are the Church of San Miguel and the Almudi dating back to 1602. Murcia city offers so mich to its visitors and you can always unwind and join in one of the many fiestas that are celebrated with vigour and as a matter of life and death for many a local !. Murcia is aslo an important Universtity city so there is a youthfull air and many lively a bar in areas around the campus . is the main port in Murcia and was founded by the Carthaginians in 221 BC originally named Carthago Nova. Its importance has remained throughout the centuries up to this very day . There is an excellent museum in the city offering visitors a superb collection from the pre-Roman and Roman times that testify the historical role played by the city.

In the south eastern part of the Iberian peninsular around 40 kms east of the city of Murcia lies the spectacular (The Warm Coast) which rims the region and sits between the Costa Blanca to the North and the Costa Almeria in the south. Its enviable climate and fine beaches are making this an increasingly popular area for visitors from home and abroad.

The Costa Calida stretches for some 250 kms, enough to satisfy any serious coastal traveler whether your preference is rugged coastlines or unspoilt sandy beaches , cristal waters or romantic coves.

It is fast becoming a popular area for Golfers as well including the impressive La Manga Golf Resort which boasts 3 championship courses and with over 300 days of sunshine a year the interest in golf in this area is only likely to increase in the coming years.

Special interest has to be the Mar Menor, which due to a geographical accident of nature has made a coastal strip of land which, bar a few connecting channels, is completely closed off the Mediterranean sea. A huge salt water lagoon was formed which is proudly protected by the rough Mediterranean seas on the outside, with many types of exciting water sports being practiced in its more calmer waters.

The most touristic areas along this part of the coast are Santiago de la Ribera, La Manga del Mar Menor, Puerto de Mazarron, Aguilas and Cartagena.