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P O R T U G A L

F R A N C E

M O R O C C O

A L G E R I A

AtlanticOcean

Madrid

Murcia

Lisbon

CeutaMelilla

CantabrianSea

S P A I N

Mediterranean Sea

Costa Cálida

Table of contentsIntroduction 1Travel Routes along the Coast

The Mar Menor 3El Mojón, Regional Park of Las Salinasand San Pedro del Pinatar 3Lo Pagán and «therapeutic mud baths» 4From Santiago de la Ribera to Playa Honda 5La Manga del Mar Menor 6The Mediterranean 7From Cabo de Palos to Regional Parkof Calblanque 7Cabezo de la Fuente, Los Belones, andSierra Minera 8Cartagena 10From El Portús to Isla Plana 13Mazarrón and Águilas 13

City of Murcia 14Leisure Activities and Events 18Useful Information 24Addresses and Telephone Numbers of Interest 24Map of the Province 24

París

I R E L A N D

Dublin

U N I T E D K I N G D O M

London

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Cabo de Palos

Introduction

The Costa Cálida extends along 250 kilometers (155 miles)from the beach of Carolina in Águilas a few kilometersfrom the province of Almería, to the beach of El Mojón onthe boundary with Alicante. This stretch of Murciancoastline, blessed with 315 days of sunshine a year and anaverage temperature of 17 degrees Centigrade (63 °F), isshared by two seas: the Mar Menor, the largest naturalpool in the world and a paradise for all types of watersports, and the Mediterranean with its spacious beachesof fine sand and varied landscapes.

Without leaving this coast, it is possible to learn to sail,skin dive in one of the best areas in the country and explorea sunken ship, wander through a lovely nature park, calmaches and pains with a soothing mud bath, or escape to anunspoiled cove to enjoy a tranquil afternoon swim.

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Not only are there sun and sand on the Costa Cálida,Cartagena boasts archaeological treasures besides,including the recently discovered Roman theater,handsome Modernist (Art Nouveau) buildings, andinteresting museums; a reflection of the importance andprosperity of this harbor city steeped in 3,000 years ofhistory. Festivals also take on an important role on theMurcian coast. Color, light, music, and tradition becomeintertwined, giving a unique ambience to all thefestivities, including the romerías (pilgrimages to a shrine)of the Virgin in the Mar Menor, Carnival, Carthaginiansand Romans, La Unión Mining Song Festival, or thesolemn celebrations of Holy Week.

In addition, there is the exquisite Mediterraneancuisine that combines fish and seafood with gardenproduce, as well as the friendly hospitable people whowill help make visitors feel at home.

Beach of Villallanitos. Lo Pagán

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THE MAR MENOR

Southeast in the Region ofMurcia, you come upon theMar Menor, “the world'slargest pool”, as the beautifulOlympic swimmer andHollywood star Esther Williamsonce proclaimed; a shallowlagoon 170 square kilometers(66 square miles) in size withwarm waters, gentle winds,and a modern infrastructurewith hotel and sports facilities,making it one of the bestplaces in Europe to learn andpractice all kinds of watersports.

First the Phoenicians andlater Arab kings made this“Little Sea” their summer

retreat. Today the Mar Menorattracts visitors in search of a warm inviting spot tospend a pleasurable andrelaxing holiday any time of the year.

El Mojón, Regional Park of Las Salinas and San Pedro del Pinatar

The Costa Cálida begins at El Mojón, an old fishing villagewith a superb Mediterraneanbeach surrounded by reed beds,and is bounded on the north bythe province of Alicante.

A short distance fromEl Mojón, you encounter theRegional Park of Las Salinas

de MurciaSan JavierTotana

La Unión

TorrePacheco

Fuente Álamode Murcia

Mazarrón

Águilas

Cabode Palos

Cabo Cope

La Mangadel Mar Menor

MarMenor

C O S T AC Á L I D A

M A RM E D I T E R R Á N E O

Golfo

de Mazarrón

Playa de PerchelosPlaya de Covaticas

Sierra

de laAlm

enara

Sie

rra

de

Car

340 332

CasasNuevas

El Algar

Portman

Escombreras

Cabo de Palos

Los Alcázares

Tallante

Albujón

Puerto deMazarrón

La Azohía

Cope

Balsicas

Santiago de la RiberaTomás MaestreLa Isleta

Dos Mares

Corvera

El MojónLo Pagán

Los Nietos

Los Belones

El Portús

Cabo Tiñoso

Mar de Cristal

IslaPlana

Los Urrutias

Parque Regionalde Calblanque

Parque Regional deCabo Cope y

Puntas de Calnegre

Parque Regional deSierras de Carrascoy - El Valle

Parque Regional de lasSalinas y Arenales de San

Pedro del Pinatar

Cartagena

TRAVEL ROUTES ALONG THE COAST

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y Arenales de San Pedro delPinatar, the most importantwetlands in the region ofMurcia. Flocks of pinkflamingos stop over here eachyear on their journey to northAfrica at the end of thesummer.

Approximately 900 hectares(over 2,000 acres), the park hasa privately-owned zone forindustrial use with restrictedaccess. These saltworks, onceexploited by the Romans, are acomplex network of ponds orpools for salt extraction and arefuge for a large number ofbirds. The area open to thepublic, encompassing pinetrees, dunes and sandy beacheswith transparent waters, suchas La Llana beach, can be visitedon foot or by bicycle.

A visit to the encañizadas, atraditional fishing method inthis area formerly used by theArabs, is a must. Located nearthe spot known as Puntas de

Algas, it is one of the threepoints of exchange of waterbetween the Mar Menorand the Mediterranean Sea.

Accesses:From San Pedro del Pinatar, it ispossible to reach the park bythe road to El Mojón, the oneleading to the port ofSan Pedro del Pinatar, or eitherfrom Lo Pagán by a road thatgoes to the end of the townand continues to Molinode San Quintín.

From Las Salinas, the road bythe port takes you to San Pedrodel Pinatar, where a visit to theCasa del Reloj, located on theSan Sebastián farm, is wellworthwhile.

Lo Pagán and"therapeutic mud baths"

A journey through theMar Menor proper commencesin Lo Pagán, a town twokilometers (11/4 miles) from SanPedro del Pinatar with thelargest area of open-air mudbaths in all of Europe. Thesemud baths, known asLas Charcas de las Salinas, arerecommended for all types ofskin and rheumatic ailments.A good idea is to combinethese mud baths with saltwaterbaths since Mar Menor watershave excellent therapeuticproperties due to the high

San Pedro del Pinatar

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content of mineral salts andiodine. Hotels and otherestablishments offerspecialized treatments.

In addition, Lo Pagán hasvarious tranquil beaches, idealfor boating and swimming,including Villanitos, La Puntica,and the area of Los Molinos.The Lonja de Pescado (fishexchange), located at theesplanade of the port, can bevisited during the early morninghours from Monday throughSaturday. Nighttime diversioncan be found in the area knownas La Curva. From Santiago

de la Ribera toPlaya Honda

From Lo Pagán, taking the roadthat skirts the Mar Menor, youarrive at Santiago de la Ribera,site of the Air Force Academy.Its main nucleus, themunicipality of San Javier,organizes an interesting Festivalof Theater, Music and Danceevery summer.

Leaving Santiagode la Ribera, the N-332 nearthe airport leads to Los Narejos,an enclave of the Centrode Alto Rendimiento InfantaCristina, where many topathletes train and reside. Closeby, you have Los Alcázares,chosen by Arab kings for aresidential retreat. Near thevillage, you can visit the torreRame a Moorish towerremodeled in the 16th century.

San Javier. Santiago de laRibera

Los Alcázares

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La Encarnación Hotel, with itsturn-of-century ambience, is apleasant spot to undergotreatment with the waters ofthe Mar Menor submerged inancient marble baths.

Typical in this area are thehealth spas built of wood andpainted in various colors withlong walkways leading to thesea and cabanas which servedas bathhouses on the beach nottoo long ago.

Near the water’s edge, youcan find residentialdevelopments and fishingvillages, including Los Urrutias,Los Nietos, Islas Menores, Playa Honda and Mar de Cristal,popular vacation destinationsof the inhabitants in theregion.

La Manga del Mar Menor

The Mar Menor is separatedfrom the Mediterranean by anarrow strip of land only22 kilometers (14 miles) widecalled La Manga del MarMenor. Its sandy beach andcrystal-clear waters have madeit one of the highest regardedtourist resorts on theMediterranean, a paradisebetween seas for all types ofwater sports and activities thatcan be practiced at itsnumerous clubs and sportsschools.

La Manga offers swimmersthe possibility of choosing

between the two seas: on oneside, the warm placid waters ofthe Mar Menor, Cala del Pino,El Galán or El Pedruchillo; onthe other, the open waters ofthe Mediterranean withbeaches which include Puntadel Estacio, Ensenada delEsparto, and Galúa.

Rounding out the touristfacilities are golf courses, acasino, Tomás Maestre marina,with more than one thousandmoorings, magnificent hotels,recreational centers, all types ofrestaurants, and a lively nightlifeduring the summer in the areaof Plaza Bohemia and the Zoco.

If you proceed to the end ofLa Manga, passing TomásMaestre bridge, you come toVeneziola, an area of canals andchannels connecting the twoseas. Here you can gaze uponthe reed beds, where the watersfrom the two seas mix togethernaturally, and in the distance,the salt flats, a unique landscapeon the Mediterranean.

Cabo de Palos

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THE MEDITERRANEAN

From Cabo de Palos to the townof Águilas, the Murcian coastbecomes a succession of cliffsand abrupt terrain of greatbeauty, solitary coves withturquoise waters accessible onlyby sea or by trails throughunspoiled mountains studdedwith palmettos and terebinthetrees. This stretch of coastline isideal for skin diving, sailing,cave diving, hiking andclimbing.

From Cabo de Palosto the Regional Parkof Calblanque

Located only a few minutesfrom La Manga is Cabo dePalos, a charming seafaringvillage with an unmistakablemid-19th century lighthouseperched atop a hill that affords

a wonderful panoramic view ofLa Manga. This coastal enclave isalso known for its delicious fishand caldero, (a soupy rice dish)served at restaurants around theport; the Sunday market whereanything can be found (fruit,handicrafts, salted fish, leatherarticles, records, etc.); and forbeing one of the best sites inSpain for skin diving.

Cabo de Palos has twobathing areas: Playa deLevante, an endless beachconnected to La Manga, idealfor long walks during quietmonths, and Calas de Poniente,steep and rocky coves withcrystal-clear waters andspectacular underwater scenery.

Very nearby at the exit pointto Murcia is Cala Reona, apopular cove to visit during thesummer. From this cove,following a trail on footbetween the cliffs of theAtalayón hill marked by parallelyellow and white bands, you

La Manga del Mar Menor

8

can reach the Regional Parkof Calblanque. If travelling bycar or bicycle, the road betweenCabo de Palos and Cartagenaand then a few kilometers latera dirt road on the left in goodcondition will take you to thepark.

Calblanque is one of thefew areas on the Murciancoast that still preserves all ofits natural beauty intact; asection of coast left in itsvirgin state with aridmountains, dunes, longbeaches and an intensely bluesea, an ideal place to hidefrom the crowds, even inAugust. This nature haven canbe visited on foot, by bicycle,or on horseback and is hometo interesting vegetation(juniper, palmetto, terebinthetrees) and birds (flamingo,heron, and stork) whichinhabit the Salinas de Rasal.

Cabezo de la Fuente,Los Belones,and Sierra Minera

From Cabo de Palos, the roadto Cartagena heads eastthrough Los Belones. Fromhere, take the road to LosCorralones and make a shortdetour to visit Cabezo de laFuente, an exceptionalobservation point 342 meters(1,120 feet) high to admire thebest panoramic view of theMar Menor. The climb takesapproximately 45 minutes andis not very difficult, butcomfortable shoes arerecommended and mid-dayheat should be avoided. Fromthis privileged observationpoint, visitors can see the fiveislands of the Mar Menor:Barón, Redondela, Sujeto,Ciervo and Perdiguera; thelatter is a destination fortravelers wishing to enjoy arelaxing swim, delicioussardines and an unforgettable"caldero" rice. Boats make thecrossing to Perdiguera fromvarious points on the coast.

Descending in the directionof Atamaría, you can visitLa Manga Golf Club, a moderncomplex beneath palm treeswith three golf courses, tenniscourts, a gym, and a wide rangeof accommodations, including afive-star hotel.

At the exit of this plushresort, a road amidst pine treesand landscapes of great beauty

Former public market.La Unión

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takes you to Portman, theRoman Portus Magnus.

From Portman it is possibleto make a side trip north toLa Unión, a town developed asa result of intensive miningactivities where Carthaginiansand Romans once mined tons ofiron and other ores and shippedthem all over the empire fromPortman. Symbol of an era,today the Sierra Minera ofLa Unión is only a distantmemory with its oldabandoned mines and scarredlandscapes.

In the 19th century, silverfever produced and attractednew-found wealth to La Unión,the same as the California goldrush. The prosperity during thisperiod is reflected in a numberof handsome Modernist(Art Nouveau) buildings in thecenter of the town, such as theCasa del Piñón on the CalleMayor, and a public market, an

authentic treasure. Memories ofmining days are also vivid at themuseum with its interestingcollection of old tools, and theSong Festival in August,featuring the best singers in thecountry for more than thirtyyears.

Mines in Portman

Song Festival in La Unión

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Cartagena

Our visit to the city commencesat the harbor, considered by theEnglish Admiral Nelson to bethe safest on theMediterranean. Muralladel Mar (1), built by order ofCharles III above the harbor, is awall surrounding the oldquarter of the city. At the endof the city, you can admire theoriginal prototype of thesubmarine (2) invented by IsaacPeral and launched from Cádizon September 8th, 1888.

Leaving the harbor behind,no sooner do you enter the citythan you see the Ayuntamiento (3),a Modernist Town Hallcapriciously adorned and with amajestic marble staircase. TheCalle del Cañón takes you tothe Cuesta de la Baronesa andfrom there to the Old Cathedral (4),the oldest church in the city

(the exact date of constructionis unknown, but appears to bearound mid-12th century), andthe Roman Theater (5) (firstcentury B.C.), considered, alongwith Mérida, one of the mostimportant Roman theaters inSpain. Discovered in 1987, todaythe theater is still undergoingexcavation. Walking furtherdown, you encounter the CalleMayor, main thoroughfare ofthe city where the Moderniststyle is apparent at every step;Casa Cervantes (6) andLlagostera (7) with its curioustile facade, Gran Bar, theCasino (8), a place to meet andchat in the city.

Parallel to Calle Mayor onCalle del Aire, the Church ofSanta María de Gracia (9)houses the four saints, patronsaints of the city, a work by thewell-known Murcian sculptorFrancisco Salzillo. Further alongin the Plaza of San Sebastián,the Gran Hotel (10), nowoccupied by a bank, is a symbolof the Modernist style. Otherinteresting Modernist buildings

Muralla del Mar

Ayuntamiento (Town Hall)

12

scattered throughout the cityare the Train Station, CasaMaestre (11), Casa Dorda (12),Hotel Zapata (13), and PalacioAguirre (14).

Near the ancient medievalgateway to the city, Puertas deMurcia, Calle Morería Baja hasthe remains of a Romancolumn (15). Palacio Pedreño(16), at the intersection ofCarmen and Sagasta streets, is apalace with a splendid marblestaircase and a ballroom. Tocomplete our tour, a flight ofsteps leads up to Torres Parkand the 11th century Castillo dela Concepción (17), a Punic,Roman, Visigoth, Moorish andCastilian fortress. On the

hillside, two representativeconstructions can be found: theold Naval Hospital, future siteof the Polytechnic University,and the bullring with a Romanamphitheater underneath.

Also meriting a visit inCartagena are the MunicipalArchaeological Museum,National Museum ofUnderwater Archaeology,Maritime Museum, and theMunicipal Hall of the ByzantineWall on Calle de la Soledad,with interesting remains of thewall the Byzantines builtaround the city in 589 and 590,nearly two meters thick. Whenleaving by the road borderingthe port heading towardsMurcia, you come upon SantaLucía, fishing district par-excellence.

Torres Park in Cartagena

Isaac Peral’s submarine

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From El Portústo Isla Plana

The Cartagena-Mazarrón roadtakes you to El Portús, a small,tranquil tourist town withnudist camping facilities. FromEl Portús, it is possible to makean excursion through a stretchof steep craggy coast that leadsto secluded coves. The trail ismarked by yellow and whitebars that start at the beach andcontinue some 12 kilometers(71/2 miles). From this trail, it isalso possible to begin the climbto Sierra de la Muela, whichaffords excellent views of thecoastline and the areas of CaboTiñoso with some of the mostspectacular underwater sceneryon the coast of Murcia, andsteep cliffs, along with a widevariety of fauna and flora.

In the direction of La Azohía,a turnoff to the left leads toCampillo de Adentro where youcan reach the military battery ofCastillitos by taking a militaryroad, now open to the public.The battery, abandoned severalyears ago, preserves amongother things, two of the largestcoastal canons in the country.The views are also impressive.

Descending a few kilometersin the direction of Mazarrón,you encounter La Azohía, afishing village where tuna is stillcaptured using an ancientfishing method. There is also apristine beach lined with palmtrees. Upon leaving the town, a

side road branching off to theleft leads to Isla Plana, apeaceful vacation spot withclear waters and rocky beaches.

Mazarrón and Águilas

Leaving Isla Plana and skirtingthe coast, you reach Puerto deMazarrón, a seaside resorttown with excellent hotelfacilities and a lively nightlife.A visit to the fishing port isrecommended, as well as to LaLonja where a typical fishauction can be observed.

Opposite Bolnuevo beach(its beachside leantos are agood spot to have lunch orenjoy a refreshment break) isCiudad Encantada, one of themost unusual landscapes in thearea where time and windhave eroded the sandstoneinto bizarre shapes.

Along 35 kilometers(22 miles) of coast, Mazarrónunveils lovely spots, such as thebeaches of La Reya, Bahía,Nares and El Castelar, inaddition to unspoiled coves,including Cala Amarilla,

Yacht Club in Mazarrón

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Percheles, and Puntasde Calnegre, in the directionof Águilas, one of the fewareas in a virgin stateremaining on theMediterranean.

The little town ofMazarrón, three kilometers(almost two miles) from thecoast, contains some notablebuildings, including theAyuntamiento (Town Hall) andthe old Ateneo Cultural, bothModernist in style. Alsomeriting our attention is the14th century Church of SanAndrés with lovely Mudéjarcoffer-work, as well as theruins of Vélez Castle.

A little inland, leaving theroad that continues to Murcia,you travel across colorfullandscapes now dotted withabandoned mines.

The coastal road takes yousouthwest to Águilas, an oldRoman fishing port. Hornillowharf, where iron was onceloaded for shipping, stillstands as a reminder that thiswas a 19th century miningtown.

In the center of Águilas, it isworthwhile to visit the lovelygardens brimming with ficusplants in the Plaza de España,the 19th century Ayuntamiento(Town Hall), and the ParishChurch of San José whichhouses a lovely statue of thepatron saint. In the high partof the old quarter stands thecastle-fortress of San Juan deÁguilas, built in 1579 as adefensive bulwark. At the footof the castle is the harbor anda typical black and whitestriped lighthouse, inoperation since the middle ofthe 19th century.

This sea-faring town boastsextensive solitary beaches withcrystalline waters (La Higuerica,La Carolina, Calabardina, etc.)and is also one of the best areasfor skin diving.

CITY OF MURCIA

The street called La Trapería isthe perfect starting point for avisit to the capital city ofMurcia. It is a virtual showcaseof the city with a varied array ofbanks, snack bars and coffeehouses, ice cream parlors,traditional shops, and theCasino (1), a 19th centurytreasure (the elegant ballroom,library, and if possible the ladiesrestroom should be visited).Intersecting La Trapería, youfind another historical street inthe city called Calle de la

Calabardina. Águilas

1515

Platería. La Trapería comes toan end at the Cathedral (2)where the first stone was laid in1394 by Bishop Fernando dePedrosa over the foundation ofan Arab mosque, though theCathedral itself was not finisheduntil the 18th century. Especiallynoteworthy is the ornateBaroque façade of thecathedral made of limestoneand marble facing the Plaza deBelluga (a nice spot to stop forrefreshment), as well as lovelychapels, including Capilla de losVélez (15th century) orJunterones (16th century), andthe tallest tower in Spain (92meters/over 300 feet) with 18ramps and 200 steps that can beclimbed for an excellent view ofthe city and the surroundings.

From the Plaza de SantoDomingo, via the Calle de laMerced, you arrive at theUniversity (3), a 16th centuryconvent which preserves ahandsome cloister formed bytwo stories of marble columns.Behind the old arch of SantoDomingo is the Plaza del Romea

containing the Teatro Romea (4),an Isabelline-style theater thatpresides over an esplanadebrimming with cafés,particularly inviting on sunnymornings.

On the other side of theGran Vía, the main street inthe busy commercial area, youencounter the RenaissancePalacio de San Esteban (5),seat of the regionalgovernment, as well as thechurch of the same name.Nearby is the Church of SanMiguel (6) which preserves astriking Baroque altarpiece.

Strolling along the Gran Vía,you come upon the Plaza deSanta Catalina where you canvisit the Ramón GayaMuseum (7), a famous universalMurcian painter. Adjacent to itis the Plaza de las Flores, one ofthe liveliest spots in the city for“tapas” (appetizers), to buyflowers, or to savor theexquisite meat pies fromBonache. Next to it is the Plazade San Pedro.

Heading towards the SeguraRiver, you come upon the oldMudéjar Almudí (8)(commodities exchange), withits impressive room of Doriccolumns, transformed into anart center by Town Hallauthorities. Next to the palace,you find the only distinctremains of the Moorish wallsthat encircled the city long ago,

Cathedral of Murcia

as well as the art museum in theConvent of Verónicas (9),(a visit to the Plaza de lasVerónicas is a must). Close by isthe Salzillo Museum (10)housed in the Church of NuestroPadre Jesús. The museum(closed on Monday and onweekends during summer;Tel. 968 29 18 93) boasts anadjacent chapel, beautifullydecorated by the Italian artistSistori, with several of the bestprocessional wooden sculpturesby Murcia’s celebrated nativeson, Francisco Salzillo. In thechurch, a magnificent nativityscene with more than 500figures by the sculptor is ondisplay, as well as several othersculptures and sketches.

After exiting the museum andproceeding towards the river, youcome to the Malecón (11), a widejetty extending inland severalkilometers. It was originally builtby the Arabs to contain the riverwhen it flooded. Next to it, abeautiful lush garden; a pleasantplace to walk especially on a hotsummer day.

A stretch of land borderingthe river separates the Malecón

from Plaza de La Glorieta, themost popular and dearly lovedspot in Murcia where theAyuntamiento (12) (Town Hall)stands. Close by is a series ofsingular buildings, comprisingthe interesting Baroque PalacioEpiscopal (13), and the 18thcentury Palacio de los Fontes (14).

Calle de Correos takes you toPalacio del Conde deFloridablanca (15), a formerpalace transformed into a first-class hotel. Next to it is thepopular Arch of San Juan whichruns into the Plaza of the samename, an ideal spot topatronize one of the tavernsand bars and try some of theexcellent local cuisine.

In the outskirts of the cities,we recommend visiting theSanctuary of La Fuensantawhere the patron saint isvenerated in the heart of themountain; Monteagudo, afavorite place of King Alfonsothe Wise, housing a pricelessMuslim palatial complex; theMonastery of Los Jerónimos,“The Murcian El Escorial”,exhibiting all the grandeur ofthe Spanish empire amidst thelemon trees; Alcantarilla andLa Ñora where ancient Romanwaterwheels are displayed; andthe 9th century Castillo delValle, a castle evoking all theCaliphal splendor.

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Ayuntamiento (Town Hall)

18

LEISURE ACTIVITIESAND EVENTS

Museums

Museo Arqueológico Municipalde CartagenaRamón y Cajal, 45.Tel. 968 51 21 37,Fax 968 51 21 37.Open Tuesday to Friday: 10 a.m.to 1 p.m. and 4 to 6 p.m.Saturday and Sunday: 10 a.m. to1 p.m. Closed Monday andholidays. The Municipal Museumof Archeology is constructed overthe early Christian basilica of SanAntón and preserves aninteresting collection of objectsfrom the Bronze Age. Of specialinterest is the 6th century tombof Byzantine general Comenciolo. Muralla Bizantina de CartagenaCalle Nueva Soledad.Cartagena. Vestiges of the wallthe Byzantines erected aroundthe city can be viewed.

Museo Nacional de Arqueología Marítima de CartagenaDique de Navidad. Cartagena.Tel./Fax 968 51 21 37. Tuesday toSunday: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.Closed Monday and holidays.The National Museum ofUnderwater Archaeologydisplays a collection ofamphoras used on the IberianPeninsula during ancient times.Museo Naval de CartagenaCalle Menéndez y Pelayo, 6.Cartagena. Tuesday to Friday:10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday:10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. ClosedSunday, Monday and holidays.The Maritime Museumpossesses an excellent collectionof maritime art and objects.Deserving particular attentionare the ship models from the13th century and a roomdevoted to Isaac Peral and hisfirst submarine.Museo Minero de La UniónPlaza Asensio Sáez. La Unión.Tel. 968 54 17 92. Monday toSaturday: 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.and 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. ClosedSunday. Groups byappointment. The MiningMuseum of La Unión provides adidactic presentation of theevolution of mineral extractiontechniques in 19th centuryMurcian mines.Colección Municipal del Mar deSan Pedro del PinatarEdificio Cofradía del Mar. CalleLorenzo Morales. San Pedro delPinatar. Tel. 968 18 19 20.Tuesday to Saturday: 11 a.m. to

Church of Santo Domingo

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1 p.m. and 5 to 7 p.m. ClosedSunday and Monday. Apermanent collection of objectsrelated with the sea, articles ofadornment, toys, and maps isexhibited.

SportsEstación Náutica del Mar MenorSeventeen nautical basesperfectly equipped for sailing,canoeing and skin divingmake up the Water SportsResort of the Mar Menorwhich has a capacity foraccommodating 16,000 guestsin 14 hotels, 21 apartmentrental agencies, 2campgrounds and 4 youthhostels. Vacation packages areavailable which include:Lodging + Nautical Sports +“Sports Vacation Insurance” tosimplify bookingarrangements. It is alsopossible to purchase a“forfait” at reasonable pricesfor one day which includesrental of equipment, civilliability insurance and use oftechnical and rescue servicesfor each one of the sailingschools at the resort.Information and Reservations Tel. 900 41 41 41 and 968 17 13 61, Fax 968 57 52 49.Centro de Alto RendimientoDeportivo Infanta CristinaLocated on the shores of theMar Menor, the CAR SportsCenter provides instruction insailing, canoeing, underwater

sports, water skiing, rowing,etc., although its main purposeis training top athletes.Carretera del Aeropuerto.Los Alcázares.Tel. 968 57 51 89 and968 57 51 84, Fax 968 57 56 36.

Scuba Diving and Cave DivingA wide variety of underwatersettings and the goodvisibility of its transparentwaters make the Murciancoast one of the foremostplaces in the country for scubadiving. The best areas arelocated on Cabo de Palos(Carthaginian Cabo Tiñoso)where a huge variety of floraand fauna exists, as well asinteresting shipwrecks thathave sunk along these shores.Along the entire coast, clubsorganize expeditions, giveinstruction, and rentequipment.

Underwater caves arelocated between Cartagena andLa Azohía with large

Cave Diving

20

underwater vaults and galleries.Maps of the caves should beused since some are severalkilometers long with maze-likegalleries. Federación Murcianade Actividades SubacuáticasTel. 968 21 51 41. FederaciónMurciana de EspeleologíaTel. 968 53 63 18.

Hiking: The old roads used byminers and fishermen along thecoast between Cabo de Palosand Portman, betweenCartagena and the bay ofMazarrón, or in Calnegre Parkand Cabo Cope, providesplendid countryside for hikingor walking.

Mountain Biking: The trails androads between Cabo de Palosand Cartagena are in goodcondition and afford animpressive landscape through

the mountains once devoted tomining. Salinas de San Pedro isalso recommended for apleasureable ride.

Horseriding: From the MarMenor, it is possible to arrangerides through the mountainsalong the coast or through thevast plains of the Campo deCartagena and lovely farmlandand winter pastures. CuadrasEl Puntal: Carretera del campode golf, km. 1.200. Los Belones.Tel. 968 13 73 05. Centro HípicoRancho de la Fuente: Avenidade la Fuente. Los Belones.Tel. 968 13 72 39.

Golf: The Club de Golf de LaManga has three 18-hole golfcourses set among swayingpalm trees, as well as all typesof sports facilities.Tel./Fax 968 17 50 00.Torre Pacheco, near the MarMenor, has a smaller club with a9-hole course. Tel./Fax 968 58 51 11.Federación Murcianade Golf. Tel. 968 28 48 32,Fax 968 28 46 37.

Fishing: Saltwater fishing ispopular all along theMediterranean coast. Especiallyrecommended are the areas ofÁguilas and Mazarrón becauseof the depth and transparencyof the waters.

Club de Golf de La Manga

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Balnearios(Health Spas)Archena Health SpaOn the shores of the Segurariver, amidst orange and lemontrees and other lush tropicalplants, is the health spa ofArchena, an ideal spot for ahealthy and restful vacation.Specializing in respiratory,dermatological, and rheumaticailments, its thermal waterssurface at a temperature of 52 °Centigrade (125 °F.) and have ahigh mineral content. Medicalstaff on the premises. Facilitiesinclude an outdoor thermalpool, tennis and paddle tenniscourts, bicycle excursions, a golfcourse 15 km. away, casino,nightclub, and library.Information: Estación termal.Apto. de Correos, 3. Archena(Murcia). Tel. 968 67 01 00,Fax 968 67 10 02.

Fortuna Health SpaThe waters containing sodiumbicarbonate and sodiumchloride at the health spa ofFortuna surface at atemperature of 53 ° Centigrade(127 °F.) and are especiallyrecommended for thetreatment of asthma, rheumaticailments, colds and allergies, aswell as gynecological problems.The ancient baths were used bythe Arabs and Romans buttoday offer modern facilities,a three-star hotel directlyconnected to the spring, anoutdoor swimming pool with

thermal water, ideal for coldwinter mornings, and medicalstaff on the premises all yearround. Calle Balnearios.Fortuna (Murcia).Tel. 968 68 50 11,Fax 968 68 50 87.

FestivalsCarnivalÁguilas: February. Spectacularparades and nightly celebrationsheld outdoors along with aNational Contest of “Salsa”Music. Declared of interest to thetourist at a regional level.Cartagena: February. The entirecity dresses in costume and takesto the streets. Lively eveningcelebrations. Declared of interestto the tourist at a regional level.

Holy WeekCartagena: The most popularprocessions are: Los Marrajosbrotherhood on Good Fridayand Los Californios on HolyWednesday, as well as theprocession of the Encuentro inthe early morning hours on

Archena Health Spa

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Maundy Thursday and GoodFriday. Declared of interest tothe tourist on a national level.Murcia: Holy Week in Murcia isnoted for its baroque-inspiration, penitent garb andcustoms, including giving candyto acquaintances who come towatch the processions. Do notmiss the parades held on EasterMonday and Holy Wednesdaywith the popular procession ofthe “coloraos”, and themorning of Good Friday withprocessional figures by Murciansculptor Francisco Salzilloexhibited in all their splendor. Lorca: Spectacularbiblical/passion-inspiredprocessions where passagesfrom the Old Testament arereenacted. Floats, chariots andtriumphal vehicles parade downthe main streets. Mar Menor: Donning penitentgarb, everyone along the MarMenor takes to the streets withtheir colorful processions.

Spring Festival in Murcia (weekafter Easter)Bando de la Huerta: Most

important day of SpringFestival. Thousands of Murciansand visitors dress in typicalcostume and take to the streetsfor the day. Activities includeflowers for the patroness, theVirgin of La Fuensanta,“barracas” set up to savor theexquisite cuisine, and duringthe afternoon, a big paradewith dance groups and movable“barracas” to dispense wineand food to spectators.Entierro de la Sardina: OnSaturday, a colorful climax tothe celebrations includes acurious parade with giantsand big-headed figures and ascore of floats honoring thegods of Olympus. Millions oftoys are given away also. TheSardine is burned near theriver. The night continues witha display of fireworks anddancing.

Festival of the Virgin elCarmenSan Pedro del Pinatar: July.Boats tied together with ropescruise the waters of the MarMenor carrying the figure ofthe Virgin el Carmen.Spectacular local flavor.

Festival of Song of the MinesLa Unión: August. In theModernist-style market,prestigious singers, musiciansand dancers get together eachyear at this Festival to competefor the coveted “Mining Lamp”.The festival has been declaredof interest to the tourist at anational level.

Holy Week in Lorca

International Week of the“Huerta” Los Alcázares: August.Showcase for the handicrafts,cuisine and customs of thefertile Murcian plain. A FolkloreFestival held simultaneouslyfeatures national andinternational groups.

Festival of Theater, Music andDanceSan Javier: August. A variety ofgroups assemble with the mostattractive productions of theseason.

Carthaginians and RomansCartagena: September. Fifteendays of confrontation betweenRomans and Carthaginians includeencampments, parliaments,parades, battles and speeches.

Cuisine

The Murcian coast is proud of itscaldero, a soupy rice cooked in aniron cauldron according toseafarer's recipes with differenttypes of fish and bell peppers, aswell as other rice dishes. The fishis excellent by the sea, bakedunder a mound of coarse salt,especially mullet, dorado and seabass, and baked in the oven withwhite wine and slices of freshtomato, lemon and bacon; grilled(typical of the area of Mazarrón);or marinated; fried, even betterwhen "chanquetes" (a small fisheaten whole) are used; cured,especially the exquisite mojama;

or baked wrapped in algae,Aguileño-style. The seafood isexceptional (especially the prawnsfrom the Mar Menor); exotic, suchas the pastel cierva from the areaof the Mar Menor, a pie filledwith meat, pigeon, rabbit or fowland eggs. For dessert, a slice ofmelon, if possible from TorrePacheco, figs, a piece of tocino decielo (a sweet made of eggs andsyrup), grapes from Cartagena, orgoat cheese. To top off a meal,perhaps an asiático, a deliciouscoffee concoction with cinnamon,condensed milk, liqueur andcoffee beans from the area ofCartagena.

Handicrafts

Centro de Artesanía deCartagena (Calle CapitanesRipoll. Tel. 968 52 46 04) exhibitsa wide-range of handicraftsproduced in the area priced thesame as in the workshops. It ispossible to discover how clay,glass, cloth, and esparto-grassare handcrafted

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“Paella huertana”

ADDRESSES AND TELEPHONENUMBERS OF INTEREST

International Telephone Code: 34

Tourist Information TURESPAÑA% 901 300 600

Directorate General of TourismCalle Cristóbal, 6. 30001-Murcia.% 968 36 61 07, fax 968 36 61 10Regional Tourism OfficeCalle San Cristóbal, 6. 30001 Murcia.% 968 36 61 00, 968 36 61 30,fax 968 36 61 10Citizens Services OfficeAvenida Teniente Flomesta. 30071Murcia. % 968 36 60 00Consumer Information OfficeCalle Saavedra Fajardo. 30001Murcia. % 968 23 90 65,968 23 91 18, fax 968 20 08 66

Tourist Information OfficesÁguilas: Plaza Antonio Cortijo,% 968 41 33 03, fax 968 44 60 82Los Alcázares: Fuster, 63, edificioPintor Hernández Carpe,% 968 17 13 61, fax 968 57 52 49Calasparra: San Abdón, 15,% 968 74 51 62, fax 968 72 01 40Caravaca: calle de las Monjas, 17,% 968 70 24 24, fax 968 70 09 52Cartagena: Puertas de San José.Plaza Bastarreche, % 968 50 64 83,fax 968 50 16 90La Manga del Mar Menor:Gran Vía. Salida 2, % 968 56 33 35,fax 968 56 35 32Urbanización Castillo del Mar-TorreNorte, % 968 14 18 12,fax 968 14 21 72Lorca: Lópe Gisbert (PalacioGuevara), % 968 46 61 57,fax 968 44 44 05Mula: Convento San Francisco, calledoña Elvira, % 968 66 15 01,fax 968 66 04 35MurciaPlano de San Francisco. PalacioAlmudí- Bóveda 5, % 968 21 98 01,fax 968 21 62 48San Cristóbal, 5, % 968 36 61 00,968 36 60 10, fax 968 36 61 10Puerto de Mazarrón: Avenidadoctor Meca, 20, % 968 59 44 26,fax 968 59 50 76

USEFUL INFORMATION

How to get there: Murcia Airport,San Javier, next to Mar Menor and47 kilometers from Murcia, hasdirect connections with severalSpanish capitals, as well as charterflights from a variety of Europeancities. Rental cars are available atthe airport. Airport Information(switchboard): % 968 17 20 00.Iberia Airlines Information in Murcia,% 968 28 50 93, 968 28 50 52.

By road, Costa Cálida is reachedfrom Murcia by Autovía Murcia-Cartagena which connects with MarMenor, La Manga and Cabo dePalos. To get to Águilas andMazarrón, take the AutovíaAndalucía from Murcia or the N-332from Cartagena. Daily bus serviceconnects Murcia with the CostaCálida. Information: Murcia BusStation, % 968 29 22 11.

RENFE (Spanish NationalRailways) provides a daily trainservice between Murcia andCartagena, as well as to the rest ofSpain, and a special coastal serviceduring the summer months. RENFE.Passenger and ticket bookingservices, % 968 25 21 54.

Lodging: A wide range of lodgingsis available on the Murcian Coast,including hotels, apartments andcampgrounds. La Manga del MarMenor has the largest number ofaccommodations available. It isadvisable to make reservations wellin advance, especially for thesummer months.

Climate: The Costa Cálida offers 3,000hours of sun per year and has anaverage annual temperature of 17degrees Centigrade (63 °F). Duringthe months of July and August,temperatures can exceed 30 degreesCentigrade (86 °F.) and precautionsagainst the sun should be taken,along with plenty of liquids.

Text:Victoria Viudes

Translation:J. West

Photographs:TURESPAÑA Archives

Design:OPCIÓN K. Comunicación Visual, S.L.

Published by© Turespaña

Secretaría de Estado de Comercio,Turismo y PYME

Ministerio de Economía y Hacienda

Printed by:EGRAF. S.A.

D. L.: M. 32524-1998

NIPO: 104-98-016-9Printed in Spain

First Edition

LV T R AP L V S

San Javier: Calle Padre Juan. CentroSocio-Cultural Príncipe de Asturias.Santiago de la Ribera,% 968 57 17 04, fax 968 57 39 63San Pedro del Pinatar: Parque de losReyes de España. Lo Pagán,% 968 18 23 01, fax 968 18 11 80

Central Reservation Service forRural Tourism: 968 70 66 00Consorcio Águilas Villa Náutica:Plaza Robles Vives, 2,% 968 44 76 96Consorcio Náutico de Mazarrón:Avenida Tierno Galván, 98,% 968 59 49 37Estación Náutica del Mar Menor:Calle Fuster, 63. Edificio PintorHernández. Carpe. Los Alcázares,% 968 57 49 94

Other Telephone Numbersof Interest:Renfe: % 968 35 21 54Bus Station: %968 29 22 11

Red Cross: % 968 21 77 62Medical Emergencies: 096Ambulences: % 968 22 22 22Highway Assistance:% 900 123 505Municipal Police: % 091National Police: % 092

ParadorsCentral Reservation Office:Calle Requena, 3. 28013 Madrid.% 91 516 66 66, fax 91 516 66 57Puerto Lumbreras: Avenida JuanCarlos I, 77. % 968 40 20 25,fax 968 40 28 36

EMBASSIES IN MADRIDCanada. Nuñez de Balboa, 35.% 91 431 43 00, Fax 91 431 23 67.Great Britain. Fernando El Santo, 16.% 91 308 04 59, fax 91 308 04 65.Japan. Serrano, 109.% 91 590 76 00, Fax 91 590 13 21United States. Serrano, 75.% 91 587 22 00, Fax 91 587 23 03.

SPANISH TOURIST INFORMATIONOFFICES ABROAD

Canada. Toronto.Tourist Office of Spain. 2 Bloor Street West, 34th floor.Toronto, Ontario M4W3E2.% (1416)961 3131,Fax (1416)961 1992.

Great Britain. London.Spanish Tourist Office. 22-23 Manchester Square. London W1M5AP. % (44171)486 8077, Fax (44171)486 8034.

Japan. Tokyo. Tourist Office of Spain.Daini Toranomon Denki Bldg. 4F.3-1-10 Toranomon. Minato-Ku.Tokyo-105. % (813)34 32 61 41-42,Fax (813)34 32 61 44.

United States of America.Los Angeles. Tourist Office of Spain.8383 Wilshire Blvd. Suite 960.Beverly Hills, California 90211.% (1213)658 7188 & 658 7192,Fax (1213)658 1061.Chicago. Tourist Office of Spain.Water Tower Place, Suite 915 East.845 North Michigan Avenue.Chicago, Illinois 60611. % (1312)642 1992 & 944 0216,Fax (1312)642 9817.Miami. Tourist Office of Spain.1221 Brickell Avenue. Miami,Florida 33131. % (1305)358 1992,Fax (1305)358 8223.New York. Tourist Office of Spain.666 Fifth Avenue, 35th floor,New York, New York 10103.% (1212)265 8822.Fax (1212)265 8864.

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TurespañaSecretaría de Estado de Comercio, Turismo y PYMEMinisterio de Economía y Hacienda

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