Travelling Around Murcia Spain
Author: Erica Bosworth

The Autonomous Province of Murcia in Spain is easily found on
the map because it touches borderlines with Alicante on the
Costa Blanca passing through Torrevieja and you will know that
you are in the region of Murcia because you will be surprised
by the beautiful scenery of the salt swamps at San Pedro del
Pinatar. Its capital city has the same name as the province and
within its boundaries, it has a sea or lagoon called the Mar
Menor ( or small sea) separated from the Mediterranean by the
so called Manga, a sandy stretch of land which looks like a
sleeve ( literal translation of the Spanish word manga). It
then curves around a peak and the all so important city of
Cartagena comes into view and lastly, when you are almost
leaving this province you have a fantastic beach resort area
and city called Aguilas. This Spanish region has got very hot
summers, many a day reaching temperatures as high as 40 degrees
and the winters are mild and short. It is usually described as
having a very arid landscape on the inlands but has managed to
be known to have fertile land for growing vegetables and
legumes.

There is evidence that Mursiya, as it was called when it was an
Islamic city, dates back to 831 AD when it was founded by
Abderraman II. It had suffered and had lost a lot of prestige,
but made a come back with the arab domain, becoming the capital
in the basin of the Segura River.

Let's get to Murcia and then we'll see

Either a quick flight into the airport of San Javier which is
about a 30 minutes drive from the city of Murcia right near the
Manga in the Mar menor or flying into the Alicante airport of
the Altet, about a 40 minutes drive to the city, your hotel
will be awaiting you. As every visit requires, we will soak up
some architecture and culture before delving into the modern
day happening, nightlife and good food.

The Cathedral, dating back between the 14th and the 18th
century is a potpourri of more than five centuries of different
styles of architecture; the Baroque carved art on the front door
of Pardon, the Gothic Chapel of Velez, The Renaissance Chapel
called Junteron and the emblematic Tower measuring 96 metres
tall with 25 bells.

The Sanctuary of Fuensanta ( the good saint ) from the 18th
century found on the outskirts, is the patron saint of Murcia.
The slender figure of this saint is carried around in a
procession from the sanctuary to the cathedral among a very
devote crowd at Easter and during the Murcia festival in
summer.

The Museum of Science and Water is an interactive one installed
together with the Segura River and has been developed around the
idea of water, an important and vital element in our everyday
lives. There is a kids' planetarium, the Science Square where
experiments are demonstrated, modules of perception, temporary
exhibitions and thematic shows.

Party time and good food in Murcia

There are two great festivities which have been declared of
national touristic interest so that your visit to Murcia could
be greatly highlighted, During Easter week with the processions
and Easter Sunday, and the Spring festivals. In the summer there
are all kinds of music festivals and this year 2005, the XI
edition of the Sea of Music festival will be held from July 1st
to the 23rd in Cartagena.

There are two special countries which will be present, Turkey
on July 15th with Mercan Dede and othrs and Brazil with special
artists like Chico Cesar and Ray Lema on the 16th. But if you
miss it this year, you know that it is held every year!

The Murcia region has one of the best irrigated lands for
cultivating vegetables and legumes. This can be tasted if
trying kale slowly fried in olive oil, rice with kidney beans,
spinach and chick pea stew and the most popular of all – meat
pie. Having the sea nearby, they also make good use of the
angler or sea bass as well as exquisite prawns and crawfish. To
accompany such fine cuisine, some wine from either Jumilla, a
red wine from Bullas or a rose from Yecla. And to finish off,
sweets made from fruit.

But do not be lazy and take a drive in your car rental and head
for the beaches in the Manga, where incredible luxury hotels and
golfing resorts are at your full availablitity. Or further up
the coast, enjoying the Costa Blanca of Alicante and maybe a
quick spin to Calpe, you can make your holiday stay to Murcia
complete.


About The Author: Erica Bosworth is a successful author and
regular contributor to the http://www.alicante-spain.com
internetsite. She is mostly focusing on information about
Murcia http://www.alicante-spain.com/murcia.html and the Costa
Blanca region.