| Murcia is one of the smallest regions in Spain and is | | | | Murcia cathedral is one of the main city attractions, |
| located in the southeast of the country on the | | | | and was created in 1394 in the place where an Arab |
| Mediterranean coast between Andalucia, Castilla La | | | | mosque once stood. The interior is Gothic with a |
| Mancha and Valencia. There is only one province in | | | | Baroque facade and its tower of 95 metres high |
| Murcia unlike most other regions of Spain, which | | | | took over two hundred years to build and involved |
| means the whole region is operated by the one local | | | | many different architects and styles. |
| government. The capital of Murcia region is the inland | | | | Cartagena city |
| city of Murcia itself, and the other important city in | | | | Cartagena is an important naval seaport to the |
| the region is the coastal city of Cartagena, and the | | | | Spanish and one of the most important in Spain. |
| region's most important port. | | | | There are many naval ships here and many of the |
| The spoken language in Murcia is quite different from | | | | buildings surrounding the port belong to the navy, |
| many other parts of Spain and has some similarities | | | | including a good museum for those interested in its |
| with neighbouring Andalucia. Many words are cut | | | | history. Due to Cartagena's location on the |
| short by eliminating final consonants and utilising many | | | | Mediterranean Sea, the port has been very important |
| regional words that stem from old Arabic words. The | | | | throughout the ages and the ruins of many castles |
| result can be quite confusing for native Spanish | | | | and forts can be found high up on the surrounding |
| speakers and tourists alike. | | | | hills once lending support to its defence. |
| Mar Menor and La Manga | | | | Cartagena is an historic city with many wonderful |
| Mar Menor, or Little Sea as it is also known, is | | | | buildings to view, within easy walking distance from |
| Europe's largest salt-water lagoon. 170 square | | | | the centre of the city. The weather is typically hot |
| kilometres of warm, shallow salt water surrounded | | | | with plenty of sunshine and the city offers plenty of |
| by sandy beaches. It is an ideal retreat for families | | | | bars and restaurants around the many parks and |
| with small children, as the water doesn't get any | | | | squares to take in the slow and relaxed atmosphere |
| deeper than 7 metres throughout the whole of the | | | | Cartagena has to offer. |
| lake. The lake is separated from the Mediterranean | | | | Murcia Holiday Attraction |
| Sea by a spit of land called La Manga, 24 kilometres | | | | Only recently has major property development |
| long and offering unlimited sandy beaches with crystal | | | | started to take hold in the region. Many |
| clear water perfect for swimming, snorkelling and | | | | holidaymakers are starting to see the attraction of |
| scuba Diving. Mar Menor is the perfect destination for | | | | the region, which offers wonderful weather, endless |
| anyone interested in any kind of water sport and | | | | beaches of fine sand and spectacular scenery on the |
| there are plenty of schools offering everything from | | | | Costa Calida, which is also called the 'Warm Coast'. |
| windsurfing, water-skiing, jet-skiing and fly-surfing to | | | | Away from the coast, the terrain changes to high |
| diving, sailing and canoeing. | | | | cliffs with stunning scenery and wonderful natural |
| Murcia Capital | | | | spaces, many of which are protected to preserve |
| Murcia is the capital city of this region of Spain. With | | | | their natural beauty and wildlife. Murcia is a great |
| a population of just over 400,000 people, it ranks as | | | | location for anyone wanting an outdoor holiday with |
| the 12th largest city in Spain. The climate varies | | | | plenty of available activities. For walking, mountain |
| greatly throughout the year with extreme | | | | biking or horse riding there are plenty of designated |
| temperatures during the summer, and relatively mild | | | | walks and pathways with maps obtainable from the |
| winters with the possibility of frost. With the very | | | | local tourist office. For more adventurous activity |
| low level or precipitation, Murcia has sunshine virtually | | | | holidays there is white-water canoeing, rock climbing, |
| every day of the year. | | | | paragliding and deep-sea diving to name but a few. |