Next stop: Region of Murcia
6 April, 2022With two seas on a single coastline, the Mar Menor and the Mediterranean Sea, and an average annual temperature of 19 degrees, the Region of Murcia is a fantastic place for a getaway at any time of the year. Culture, nature, blue tourism, active tourism… you’ll find everything you could ask for in the Costa Cálida – Region of Murcia.
Two seas in one destination
The region has four coastal areas – La Manga, Mar Menor, Mazarrón and Águilas – and boasts beaches of all kinds, from wild and secluded coves to quiet, off-the-map beaches, perfect for children, relaxing and taking long walks across the sand. And if it’s adrenaline and adventure you’re looking for, the Mar Menor is a water sports paradise 365 days a year. You can do all kinds of sports in its waters: kitesurfing, sailing, canoeing, paddle surfing… the choice is yours.
If you’re keen to dive down to the depths, the Region of Murcia coastline, known as the Costa Cálida, has two protected marine reserves: Cabo de Palos – Islas Hormigas and Cabo Tiñoso, posidonia meadows full of life and with the largest concentration of historic shipwrecks in the Mediterranean, including the Sirio, the largest civilian shipwreck in Spanish waters. The mild temperatures enjoyed both in and out of the water, alongside great visibility, mean you can dive all year round.
And you don't need to be a professional or have extensive underwater experience either. If you want to get started, simply take a diving baptism at any of the approved diving schools in the area. And if you already know your way around underwater, you'll find options to suit all levels, from night diving to more technical routes recommended for experts.
If that wasn't enough, in addition to the Cabo de Palos – Islas Hormigas and Cabo Tiñoso Reserves, there are three more diving sites along the Region of Murcia coastline:
- La Manga-Isla Grosa: The diving spots in this protected area of volcanic origin are Farallon and Isla Grosa, perfect for beginners. The aquariums created by the reefs here are something to marvel at.
- Águilas: This coast is known for its spectacular cliffs and the temperature of its waters, making it a true paradise for diving enthusiasts. Some of the most popular areas are Isla del Fraile and La Fuente de Cope.
- Mazarrón: This diving area extends for 10 miles around the harbour, where you can dive to depths of up to 60 metres.
1,001 Flavours
Alongside its warm climate and two seas, the Region of Murcia also stands out for its gastronomy, made up of 1,001 Flavours. Here, tradition and the avant-garde coexist in perfect harmony.
The 1,001 flavours go perfectly with all kinds of plans. A stroll through the city of Murcia and a ‘marinera’ in the Plaza de las Flores, for example. Haven’t heard of it? It’s a Russian salad on ‘rosquilla’ loop-shaped bread topped with an anchovy. It’s the queen of tapas and something you simply have to try when in the area. A trip to Cartagena, on the other hand, is synonymous with a delicious plate of ‘arroz caldero’. And this isn't just any rice dish: it has ñora peppers, mullet, gilthead bream... and it's exquisite. Afterwards, there's nothing better to finish off a meal than an iconic ‘Asian coffee’. If you visit the city of Lorca, meanwhile, you can try another type of rice: ‘arroz y pavo’ (rice and turkey), a typical dish of Spain’s ‘Sun City’. And if you go to Caravaca de la Cruz, a city that celebrates its next Jubilee Year in 2024, you can take home its famous sweets, ‘yemas’: egg yolks coated with sugar and dipped in caramel.
No matter where you are in the Region of Murcia, it’s easy to enjoy their 1,001 flavours.
Costa Cálida – Región de Murcia will make you happy.
