Overview
Murcia is a region of Spain situated south of Valencia and enjoys a climate that is hot in summer and mild in winter. It has a beautiful, contrasting landscape with orchards of citrus fruits irrigated by rivers, dry, arid land where olives and vines thrive and mountains that reach down to the sea. Murcia boasts 170km of coastline, including the Costa Calida (‘the warm coast’) and some of the most famous beaches, La Manga and Aquilas. It is also home to the salt water lagoon Mar Menor and La Manga del Mar Menor, which offers great water sports.
The beauty of Murcia is no longer Spain’s best kept secret as homebuyers, seeking bargains they believed were unavailable elsewhere in Spain, began to explore the region and were entranced by what it offered. They soon realised there is more to this part of Spain than mere sunshine and an increasing number of people have bought into not just property, but a lifestyle that is different to anywhere else in the country. A diverse landscape, steeped in culture and a very rich history, with some of Spain’s most stunning architecture and medieval structures.
Situated on the banks of the river, the city of Murcia is described as one of the most beautiful and historic in Spain, enjoying year round sunshine with the highest temperatures in the region. You can still see the Moorish influence, including the impressive city walls, which dominated before the reconquest when mosques were turned into churches. Among the many visitor attractions is the Cathedral, the most famous of all Murcia’s buildings and from the first foundation stone, laid in 1388, it took four centuries to complete which is reflected in the different styles and cultures, including 23 different chapels. Murcia is a university city so it is home to a large number of students and the area around the university (the building itself is worth a visit), has a wide range of lively bars and restaurants.
As this area is growing rapidly in popularity, the Spanish Government is pouring money into its infrastructure, including a new airport, merely five minutes drive from the excellent Corvera Golf and Country Club. The build quality and luxurious touches of this lifestyle development is typical of what this area offers, and in addition to golf there are miles of nature trails for walking and horse riding. Close to the sea is Corvera’s sister development, Roda Golf, with its equally stylish properties and exclusive access to a private beach club.
There is so much to see and do in Murcia that it is proving a magnet for those wanting a bit more for their money and an opportunity to soak up more than just sun. Once visited it is easy to appreciate why so many are now returning to buy there.
Getting There
Located in the northern shore of Mar Menor is Murcia’s airport, San Javier Airport, offering regular daily direct flights from a number of European operators, including BMI Baby, Easy Jet and Monarch airlines. Ideally placed for the city of Murcia, only 25 minutes away, down the Murcia-San Javier dual carriageway. You can also fly to Alicante Airport, only 68km from Murcia. Construction of a second international airport in Murcia is also underway, due to be finished this year. In addition it can be reached by rail (from London via Paris and Barcelona, with the option to go by Eurostar part of the way). Al trains arrive and depart from the El Carmen railway station, located in the city of Murcia.
