The Region of Murcia is an autonomous community of Spain located in the southeast of the Iberian Peninsula, between Andalusia and Valencia Community, and between the Mediterranean coast and Castile La Mancha. The provincial capital is the city of Murcia.
According to some historians Murcia is a name of Latin origin that probably derives from Myrtea or Murtea (place of myrtle or place where they grow myrtles), from which Mursiya (first documented denomination in Islamic era for the city of Murcia) was the Arabic adaptation of the existing Latin term.
Islands
The islands of the Region of Murcia are smalls and uninhabited beacause of their volcanic origin. The islands located in the Mar Menor are: Isla Mayor Isla Perdiguera, Isla del Ciervo, Isla del Sujeto and Isla Rondella.
The islands located in the Mediterranean Sea are: Isla Grosa, Islas Hormigas, Isla de Escombreras, Isla de Mazarrón, Isla del Fraile.
Natural areas
The climate of the region is dry Mediterranean: mild winters and hot summers that can exceed 40 ° C. Thanks to the special geographical and climatic conditions, in Murcia there are several natural spaces, which include: the park of Las Salinas and Arenales de San Pedro del Pinatar; the protected landscape of las Cuatro Calas; Islands and islets of Litoral Mediterranean; and Sites of Community Importance: Sierra de Villafuerte, Sierra de la Lavia, Sierra del Gigante.
Among the cities of the Region of Murcia to visit there are:
Read more here about the cities of the Region of Murcia to visit
- Cartagena: it is a coastal city that has very ancient origins dating back to the first centuries BC, and which later became an important Roman colony. Currently in the city people can see many monuments that still keep alive its strong link with the different cultures who lived there. Furthermore Cartagena has two beaches; churches in baroque and neoclassical style; modernist style buildings; museums of art, archaeology, naval and many others; unmissable festivals such as Carthaginians and Romans and the Holy Week; and it also has an exceptional gastronomy with traditional dishes based on rice, fish or meat, and fresh and genuine ingredients. Read more about Cartagena here.
- Lorca: the “City of the 100 shields” (Ciudad de los cien escudos) for its important heraldic heritage is an inland city famous for its castle, architecture and the Holy Week processions. It also has museums, churches and convents where traces of its past are preserved. To find out more about the local history and culture, read more about Lorca here.
- Murcia: its origin dates back to the first millennia before Christ. It was an important silk producer and in its gastronomy there are delicious dishes that conquer even the most demanding palates. Read here to know more about the city of Murcia, which preserves the heart and bowels of the late King of Castile and Leon Alfonso X the Wise, in the main altar of the Cathedral.
Historical, artistic and cultural heritage
In the territory of the region of Murcia developed, between the Palaeolithic and the Neolithic, the cave art of the Mediterranean arc of the Iberian Peninsula. Some examples of this type of art can be seen in the Cueva del Buen Aire, the Peliciego and Calesica (Jumilla).
The presence of the Carthaginians is preserved in Punic Wall of Cartagena (third century BC).
Of the Roman period, in Cartagena there is the amphitheater and the Roman forum. The Roman villa of Paturro in Portmán, and the thermal baths of Alhama de Murcia.
Of the period of Muslim domination there are the Monteagudo Castle, the Castle of Aledo, the Nogalte Castle and the Castle Blanca.
Gothic art you can see it in the Concepción Castle in Cartagena, the Castle of Moratalla, Xiquena and Jumilla.
Of the Baroque art you can see the cloister of the Convento de la Merced of Murcia. The Monastery of Jeronimos in Guadalupe. And many other churches scattered around the region.
As regards the museums there are:
- In Cartagena: the National Museum of sub aquatic archeology, the Museum of the Roman Theatre, the Archaeological Museum, the MURAM, the naval museum.
- In Murcia: the archeology museum, the Museum of Fine Arts, the Salzillo Museum, the Museum of the Cathedral.
- The museum of archeology of Lorca.
- The Iberian art museum El Cigarralejo of Mula.
- The Siyasa Museum of Cieza.
- The Ethnological Museum of la Huerta in Alcantarilla.
Also there are numerous festivals:
- International Festival of Cante de las Minas in La Unión
- International Jazz Festival in San Javier
- Mar de Músicas in Cartagena
- International Festival of Folklore in Murcia
- Estrella Levante SOS Murcia
- Cartagena Film Festival.
Among the typical celebrations: the patronal festival of the Blessed and Vera Cruz, holy week in Cartagena, Burial of the Sardine in Murcia, Holy Week in Lorca, Murcia, Bando de la Huerta in Murcia, and the carnivals of Águilas.
Tourism
Tourism develops especially on the coast, due to the fact that the region of Murcia has many beaches and some of them with blue flag and tourist quality certification for Spanish Tourism Quality Institute.
As regards to the cultural tourism, the major cities with interesting historical centers are: Caravaca de la Cruz, Cartagena, Lorca and Murcia.
You can also play many sports and outdoor activities such as hiking, caving, climbing, cycling, horseback riding, hunting and fishing.
Gastronomy
The gastronomy of the Murcia Region is influenced by manchega (Castilla La Mancha), Valencian and Granada kitchen. Among the dishes with vegetables: the Murcian salad, potaje murciano, zarangollo (eggs, onion and zucchini). Many dishes with rice, vegetables, meat or fish. Among the wines, two are naming of geographical indication: the wine of Tierra de Campo de Cartagena and the wine of Tierra de Abanilla. Among the typical desserts: paparajotes, picardías de avellana (hazelnut), arrope, tocino de cielo, almojábanas and pan de Calatrava.
How to reach the region of Murcia:
- By plane: a domestic flight from any other airport of the Spain to Murcia San Javier airport
http://www.aena.es/es/aeropuerto-murcia-san-javier/index.html - By train: http://www.renfe.com/
- By ship: http://www.apc.es/conexiones.php?reg=9
- By car
