Whats on in Murcia and Costa Blanca South
Fantastic Scenery for Walking or Cycling
Discover Murcia´s tracks and trails and enjoy the scenery in the beautiful sunny weather. Bike tracks and hiking trails can be accessed for free via various Apps such as WIKILOC and STRAVA.
Here is a Video to show some great Activities to do in Murcia
Enjoy fabulous views and stop off for tapas in local restaurants.
A great day out and way to see the Region.
Guns at Portman
This an easy 5km, which takes you from the edge of La Manga Clubs West Course up to the top of Calblanque National Park. The views all the way up the 2.5km of dirt road are stunning, looking over the bay of Portman and across the vast blue of the Mediterranean.
From the top you can see as far as Morocco on a clear day. The national park of Calblanque is laid out before you.
The guns themselves are very impressive and date from 1920’s. These are British built Vickers and Armstrong 381mm guns. These guns were finally decommissioned in the 1990s and allegedly appeared in the film “The Guns of Navarone”.
Golf
Play unforgettable golf in Spain on some of the most breath-taking courses, with prices from just 24euros. There are 17 Golf courses available to pay and play in Murcia and Costa Blanca South for you to try.
Entertainment Cinema and Theatre
Cine Las Velas in Los Alcazares shows the latest Box Office films in English every Tuesday and Saturday afternoon.
Teatro de Romea in Murcia has an extensive programme of comedies, play and operas in the centre of Murcia. The Theatre is a beautiful historic building located in the heart of the city centre. Productions such as Bizet´s “Carmen”, “The Winters Tale” by Shakespeare, Tom Thumb. Touring Productions visit for just a few days so its best to keep an eye on their schedule on their website. www.teatroromea.es
Live Music and Festivals
San Javier international Jazz festival Throughout July the popular old fishing town of San Javier boarding the beautiful blue waters of the Mar Menor and Famous La Manga strip hosts it international Jazz Festival, featuring leading blues and jazz artists.
Cante de las Minas Flamenco festival, La Union, started in 1961 as a flamenco singing competition this flamenco festival in Murcia is one of the most important in Spain.
Carthaginians & Romans Festival, held in Cartagena every September for 3 weeks. Opening with the traditional sacred fire this 10-day festival celebrates Cartagena’s rich marine history with battle re-enactments, parades and marches, a wedding and a circus and, a spectacular fireworks display.
Fiestas del Caldero in Los Alcazares in October. A week-long celebration of the town’s municipal autonomy with processions, fireworks, the Mar Menor’s Windsurfing competition and, finally, the ‘Caldero’ Festival where the local fisherman cook their catch for the public in hanging cauldrons by lighting fires on the beach.
History
Murcia City
Murcia is a fascinating city and is more than just the working capital of the region, it is an exciting blend of different cultures and flavours, from the Baroque to Moorish all rolled into one city.
Murcia was founded in 831 and ruled until the late 15th century by the Moors, who also invented the irrigation that helps the surrounding plain to be so fertile and continues to supply the region and the rest of Europe with top quality fruit and vegetables.
Cartagena
The historic port of Cartagena is one of the deepest natural harbours in Europe. The city has a 3000 year history. Hannibal set out from here with his elephants, the Romans invasion of the city is still celebrated every September. In the winding back streets layers of the ancient city can be seen underfoot through glass paving stones.
The Roman Theatre, discovered in 1987, is considered one of the most important in Spain. Cartagena port is home to the first prototype of the submarine, launched in 1888 by Isaac Peral.
Water Sports and Diving
With 2 seas, the Mediterranean and Mar Menor, and 271km of beaches it is not surprising that there are a number of Water sports available in the area. From Pedalos to Jet Skis; Kite Surfing to Wind Surfing; Sailing Schools and Speed Boat Hire.
There are a number of Diving Schools who offer Mediterranean dives and diving courses.
We recommend Adventure Divers in La Manga Club because we have had excellent reviews from clients. www.adventuredivers-spain.com/
Organised Tours with Food and Drink
Mediterranean Cartagena Tours run a programme of organised Tours every month around the area. Tours include the Beer Factory, Wine and Vineyard Tours, Tapas Routes and tours of the cities of Cartagena and Murcia. The tours often include transport and lunch or evening meal.
For more information see their facebook page or email info@mediterraneancartagenatours.com
Local Markets
Bargain galore and the freshest fruit and vegetables are available at local markets. There is a local market in a local town every day of the week in the region.
Fantastic cuisine
From fine dining to simple tapas the area has a many restaurants, cafes and bar offering a wealth of dining options.
Typical tapas of the region includes “Magra” – pork pieces in a tomato sauce; “Tortilla Española” the famous potato omelette also available with peas; “albondigas” – meatballs; “croquettas” flavoured with cod, jamon, chicken or chickpeas. Typically a plate of tapas will cost from 1.50 to 3euros.
With such a long coastline fish and seafood form a large part of the tapas and cuisine of the area. Pulpo / octopus is served several ways, squid can be battered and deep fried or grilled on a hot iron. Prawns, cod, mackerel and Dorado / Sea Bream is often served baked in a salt crust and filleted at the table.
Fine dining restaurants such as Casa Beltri offer a 7 course tasting menu with wines for around 65euros per person.
Menu del Dia in Murcia ranges from 8.50e per person to 18euros. Usually it includes a salad, first course, main course, pudding or coffee and a drink (beer / wine or a soft drink). It offers exceptional value for money and a delicious nutritious lunchtime meal.
Beaches
The two seas give visitors and residents a huge choice of beaches to visit. The warm shallow waters of the Mar Menor Sea have gentle shelving beaches which stretch over several kilometres at a time. Safe waters for young families and with numerous beach bars offering food and refreshments the Mar Menor beaches which stretch from San Pedro in the North to the end of La Manga Strip.
The cooler waters of the Mediterranean offer different beaches with cooler deeper water. The beaches can be broad and sandy or rocky. The Nature reserve of Calblanque on the Mediterranean is one of the best preserved natural coastal landscapes. With an enormous wealth of arid mountains, long golden beaches and lonely coves which contrast with the blue sea. In order to maintain the Nature Reserve you are recommended to park in Los Belones and take the coach for a small fee.
Whatever your preference for a beach day the region of Murcia and Costa Blanca South has the perfect spot for you to enjoy your day at the seaside.