The region of Murcia is less well known than other parts of Spain, yet it has a lot to offer its visitors. The Costa Cálida is a wonderful place to enjoy small wild coves and charming fishing villages, under a sun that shines for a large part of the year. You should also not forget to visit cities with a rich history such as Murcia and Cartagena, whose heritage reveals a human presence that goes back several centuries, as well as various influences. What also makes this region a territory to explore from top to bottom is the multitude of activities to do, from sports in the hilly hinterland to the cultural events that enliven its ancient cities and the gourmet breaks in a territory renowned for its wines and its products always cooked with finesse.

Take time to stroll through historic and cultural cities

The first stop is in the charming city of Murcia, which is located about 30 kilometres inland from the Costa Cálida. One can stroll through a maze of pedestrian streets that reveal here and there vestiges and monuments that have survived the ages. From the old town, where the Santo Domingo plaza stands proudly, you can stroll through the shopping streets full of shops and cafés before stopping in front of the sublime Santa Maria cathedral, which overlaps styles from Gothic to neoclassical. Discovering the religious heritage is an activity in itself in Murcia, with other splendours such as Our Lady of the Luz, Carmen and St John the Baptist. Museums are also plentiful, with must-sees like the Salzillo Museum and the Archaeological Museum. In the evening, the Merced district is the place to enjoy the nightlife.

In Cartagena, you can enjoy the view of the bay from the park next to the hill where the Concepción Castle was built. It is also from here that you can admire the city's most important monument: the ancient theatre, built between 5 and 1 B.C. The Roman heritage is also the pride of the city, with other buildings to see such as the Interpretation Centre of the Punic walls, the House of Fortune and Augusteum. After a stroll and a visit to the Santo Domingo church and the Muralla del Mar campus, it is easy to understand why the city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Another urban escapade of a trip to the Murcia region can take visitors to the splendid Baroque city of Lorca, whose urban centre was declared a historic complex in 1964. The city has been marked by the presence of different civilizations. It has many monuments that are a must-see, including the Torre de la Espolón, the Alfonsina Tower, the San Antonio porch, stately homes such as the Guevara Palace, and a multitude of churches of different styles and periods. Not forgetting the sublime Plaza de España, which in the sunshine also reveals architectural splendours, including the monumental collegiate church of San Patricio.

In Calasparra, a municipality set in the middle of hilly landscapes, we take a break to visit caves with cave paintings and we pass by a marvel of religious architecture: the Sanctuary of the Virgin of Hope

Finally, we end up in a city that is none other than the fifth holy city in the world: Caravaca de la Cruz. It is home to the sanctuary of the Vera Cruz, a sublime monument in front of which many pilgrims and travellers like to gather to meditate and enjoy the atmosphere of a city that invites meditation.

The heritage of the cities and their dynamism make them ideal places to hold many cultural events. The Holy Week gives rise to moving parades in Murcia, while Cartagena puts on its most beautiful lights for its processions. Also in the ancient city, the Fiestas de Carthagineses y Romanos, declared to be of International Tourist Interest, allow visitors to relive the Roman era. The region also hosts numerous musical events that delight festival lovers, such as the Murcia Tres Culturas, El Cabo Pop Festival or the Welcome Summer

The Costa Cálida for Mediterranean lovers

With a 250 km long coastline and the presence of two seas, there is no doubt that the Costa Cálida is a dream holiday destination for those who love to stroll along long white sandy beaches, spend hours relaxing and swimming in splendid intimate coves with transparent waters. Families will find happiness on the vast beaches of San Pedro del Pinatar, which are easily accessible after setting down their bags in the charming seaside village of Águilas. For the more adventurous, the Costa Cálida surprises with the truth and richness of its marine landscapes. In just a few kilometres, you can go from stretches of sand to steep cliffs that reveal small wild coves and protected inlets. On the hottest days, it is here that everyone has the pleasure of bathing in the translucent waters, symbols of a Mediterranean that has no complexes about the most beautiful seas in the world. After swimming in the waters of the Bolnuevo coves, it is worth visiting the famous erosions, one of the most surprising places in Mazarrón. It is here that the wind and the sea have sculpted in the rock real sandstone sculptures of great beauty, which are now part of the Natural Heritage of the Region of Murcia.

The coast also attracts travellers who want to take care of their health. In fact, in the Lo Pagán area in San Pedro del Pinatar, there are muds that have formed naturally over the centuries and offer a real therapeutic experience. It is rich in calcium, essential minerals, magnesium and potassium. It is recommended for a wide range of ailments, including skin and joint problems. This is another of the Costa Cálida's richnesses and another reason to stay in this region that never ceases to surprise.

A nature and sports holiday

Those who love nature and outdoor sports are sure to enjoy the region of Murcia. On the one hand, there is of course the practice of water sports. From the long beaches to the Mar Menor, which is the largest saltwater lagoon on the European continent, the possibilities are numerous. Sailing, canoeing, water-skiing, windsurfing and stand-up paddling are all activities that can be enjoyed on safe waters. Not forgetting the few diving sessions to be done in the protected marine reserves of Cabo de Palos-Islas

A land of hikers, Murcia has 19 protected natural parks where you can walk along paths that reveal marine and mountain landscapes. In the Salinas y Arenales de San Pedro regional park, you can spend the day walking along the beach and admiring the pink sea and the flamingos. There are also long treks with different levels of difficulty in the Calblanque Regional Park. And for those who want to enjoy an unusual experience, a walk in the heart of Los Barrancos de Geba offers a route with surprising landscapes. By the dryness of the place and its desert appearance. We can still see here and there the green peaks of the Sierra hills. But the highlight of the show is the arrival on the outskirts of the Barrancos. In the hollow of a lunar landscape take place geological formations where the fluvial and rain waters have run off. They have given way to turquoise-blue stretches of water and the effect is quite simply spectacular

Apart from the water activities and the many possible hikes, mountain bikers will also find beautiful routes to practice, including the crossing of the Sierra Espuña and the route that takes place through the land along the Via Verde. Finally, for those who wish, golf is also a must in Murcia

Enjoy its gastronomic and wine wealth

The region of Murcia is one of the best culinary destinations in Spain, a place where the taste buds are constantly awakened. Its coastal location, its generous sunshine, its hinterland rich in orchards and cultivated land have earned it the nickname "La Huerta de Europa" (the orchard of Europe). In addition, the different civilizations that have succeeded one another in the territory have left their mark on the gastronomy, such as the spices used to flavour the dishes. Meats such as Segureño lamb, a local breed, fish, seafood, fruits such as oranges and lemons, and a wide variety of vegetables are used to make tasty dishes such as lamb chops with cabañil garlic, fried rabbit with tomatoes or shrimp with garlic. These are just a few examples of dishes made with local ingredients that restaurateurs are constantly trying to improve

In addition, the region has three wine routes with a designation of origin: Bullas, Jumilla and Yecla. The vines have been cultivated and the wines made since Roman times. The red, white and rosé wines are a worthy accompaniment to dishes and can be tasted in the wineries

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