Try our wines
The Region of Murcia benefits from excellent weather conditions, soil and human resources for grape-growing and producing quality wines. The variety of different soils and climate conditions allows the production of an extensive range of red, rosé and white wines.
Top 10
It is at the southernmost point of the region, bordering Andalusia. Águilas will captivate you with its beaches, history and Mediterranean charm. You don't need to go far if you wish to wander.
AN IMPRESSIVE CASTLE
The majestic form of San Juan de las Águilas Castle over the Mediterranean has become a symbol of the town. We recommend you visit the fortress and complete the soiree by having dinner or a drink at Zoco del Mar, while enjoying a beautiful panoramic view of the town and its surrounding areas.
CARNIVAL FLAIR
If you feel like spending some wonderful days and letting yourself go at one of Spain's most stunning carnivals, this is your chance to enjoy. This celebration, declared to be of International Tourist Interest, invades the town's streets for two weeks, filling them with fantasy, music, dancing and fancy dress costumes. Its most outstanding events are the famous Don Carnal and Doña Cuaresma Battle, the cuerva contest, the paper dress contest and the evening and day parades.
WILD AREA
There are few things comparable to a sunrise in Cabo Cope. We suggest you visit in the early morning the watchtower which was once built as a defence tower against attacks from Berber pirates, and wander through one of the last Mediterranean wild paradises. You won't be able to resist the temptation of having a swim in these lonely beaches' crystal clear waters.
FROM THE TOP
Again a wonderful view, this time from the Hornillo viewpoint. You will enjoy a unique panoramic view of the 19thC Mineral Pier and, in front of it, the Fraile Island: this island is well-known for the extraordinary seabeds of its Parque de Ecobuceo and for housing the remains of a Roman salting factory where the old Roman garum sauce used to be made. Next to the beach, you will find the Rincón del Casuco, one of the town's most charming places. It has an impressive staircase with thousands of artisanal tiles in the style of Gaudí; if you follow the coloured bricks, you will get to a terrace where you will have an unforgettable time.
THE BARRIO DE LOS PESCADORES
If you want to get into one of the most emblematic areas of Águilas, consider to join the Ruta por el Barrio de los Pescadores -Route through the Fishermen's Neighbourhood- The route starts in the Plaza del Doctor Fortún and goes around the Molino de Sagrera, a mill for cereals of the 18th century which has been restored and from which you'll be able to enjoy some of the most beautiful views of the Levant bay. You'll also find other viewpoints, such as La Calica, where you'll contemplate absolutely everything. Don't forget to visit the Centro Multimedia de Interpretación y Difusión Turística -Multimedia Centre of Interpreting and Tourist Dissemination- of Águilas and to go to one of the restaurants of the area, where the seaworthy environment of past times is preserved.
A DELIGHTFUL BEACH
Just a few minutes away from Águilas town centre is the Playa de las Delicias beach, an urban beach which has become a reference for both tourists and locals. It has the Blue Flag since 1992 and, in addition, it has the 'Q for Quality' Flag for several years now. In this bay, dominated by the Pico de la Aguilica, are the fishing port, a marina yacht club and the Infanta Doña Elena Auditorium and Conference Hall.
THE MOST BEAUTIFUL COVE
La Carolina cove, within the Cuatro Calas protected landscape and bordering Andalucía, is for many people one of the most beautiful coves in Costa Cálida. Due to the fact that it has several facilities such as a restaurant, a chiringuito and a car park, it is usually busy during the summer. If you are looking for tranquillity, we strongly recommend you go against the flow and visit it during the low season. For beaches can also be enjoyed during the winter in our region.
JUST FOR ENERGETIC PERSONS
Águilas is the perfect place to enjoy the Mediterranean to the full. You can either dive and admire its seabeds or play with the wind and get off on windsurfing, sailing or catamaran sailing. Several active tourism companies and sailing schools make things easy for you. If you don't feel like getting wet, we suggest you follow the track going from Águilas to Calarreona, which coincides with GR-92 and goes along the sea. You will find some surprises on your way, such as three bunkers and a pillbox, that will remind you of less civilised periods and are appealing, striking elements for tourists. Some esparto grass processing stations are signposted on the way too. It coincides in this area with Costa Cálida's Ruta de los Carabineros route.
CULTURE ENTHUSIASTS
Must-see places in Águilas are the Archaeological Museum, the Roman Baths, the Football Museum, the Casino and San José Church. The Auditorium and Conference Hall has become a tourist reference because of its original, beautiful design and its quality exhibitions and cultural activities -mostly related to theatre and music-. The Plaza de España square, also known as La Glorieta, is the town's hub of activity, where eight streets converge since the urban planning by King Charles III. Enjoy its gardens with sculptures and hundred-year rubber plants, its art nouveau buildings, and the Town Hall's Neomudejar facade. At the centre of the square is a fountain called La Pava de la Balsa. Another way of getting to know the most interesting spots of Águilas is getting in a train coach in order to enjoy the Ruta del Ferrocarril -Railway Route- which is held on the third Sunday of each month. The route includes the Paseo Marítimo -Seafront-, the Sendero del Hornillo -Path of the Hornillo-, and the Museo del Ferrocarril -Railway Museum-.
ARE YOU A FOODIE?
Águilas, with a varied, purely Mediterranean cuisine based on sea and huerta products, is like a lighthouse for palates adrift. The big contrast of flavours of its specialities, seasoned according to the influence of Arab cuisine, is widely appreciated by visitors. Fundamental products are red mullets, prawns, tomatoes, capers, and typical cold cuts such as onion black pudding, sausage and longaniza. The most typical dishes of this coastal area are Fish Broth, Pickle, Ajo Colorao, Octopus Salad, Arroz a Banda, and Ensaladica Cocida. Options for every taste.
Top 10
Cartagena, with more than 3,000 years of history, has been the scene of some of the most outstanding passages throughout time. This Punic, Roman, military and art nouveau city offers nowadays so many things to see and do that it has become one of the most appealing destinations in the Mediterranean area.
MILLENARY HISTORY
On the top of one of the five hills of the city, in the Concepción Castle, is a good -possibly the best- starting point to visit this millenary city: the Interpretation Centre of Cartagena's History. Three thousand years of knowledge and history, together with the heritage from the most relevant civilisations from the past, in an hour's visit.
ROMAN THEATRE
The Roman Theatre Museum is the city's undeniable symbol. It is a wonderful architectural ensemble, designed by Rafael Moneo, where every space is even more amazing than the previous one. It integrates Pascual Riquelme Palace, Santa María la Vieja Cathedral and, after the last corridor, the Roman Theatre, which is the most impressive part. An interesting detail: Carthago Nova Theatre, built in the 1st century BC by Emperor Augustus, was not discovered until 1990.
FEEL LIKE A ROMAN CITIZEN
If you enjoy reliving history and stepping over the floor on which some important events took place in the past, you will feel like a child in the old Carthago Nova's Roman Forum district. It is a real privilege to visit this site, hidden underground for more than 20 centuries, where the thermal complex and the atrium building stand out. If you come with your family, we recommend dramatised visits.
SEA TREASURES
The Underwater Archaeology National Museum houses the famous 'treasure of Nuestra Sra. de Las Mercedes frigate', a booty including 570,000 gold and silver coins from the 18th and 19th centuries. The visit also includes many other elements which are maybe not as well-known but quite as valuable. We suggest you discover them step by step and then 'digest' the whole experience at the museum's restaurant, at a restaurant at the port, or at Santa Lucía fishing district. If you keep wanting more, the Naval Museum is another interesting visit; its most outstanding parts are the exhibitions on navigation and shipbuilding and Isaac Peral Hall, where you will see the famous submarine which has been the symbol of this port city for more than 80 years.
BOAT RIDE
This boat ride will take you to the most haunting spots in the inner harbour, bordering the bay's fortifications. By admiring this wonderful view, you will be able to feel like general Scipio Africanus and imagine what he saw before the landing which made him conquer the old Qart Hadast. The itinerary includes a visit to the Centre of Interpretation of Cartagena's Defensive Architecture, where you will learn about history and legends of both the trade and military role played by this Mediterranean junction for more than 2,000 years of history.
A CHARMING BEACH
Cala Cortina is Cartagena's urban beach. To get to it you just need to go through a tunnel and there you go! A wonderful Mediterranean cove will appear in front of you, with children's play area, seafront promenade, restaurant, loungers and sunshades. Besides having a refreshing swim, you can dive and enjoy the area's underwater life.
HIKING OR DIVING?
If you're keen on hiking, the PR-1 route will take you from Cala Reona to Calblanque: an easy walk at the end of which you should definitely have a swim in the crystal clear waters of this nature park's beaches. You will need a cap, a pair of binoculars and a camera. Essential stops are Playa del Portús and Cabo Tiñoso, since the beauty and diversity of its seabeds have turned this area into one of divers' favourite destinations. You will like it so much that you won't feel like rising to the surface, but... Don't worry. When you do, you will be able to admire the magnificence of one of the Southeast's most important ecological landscapes.
FESTIVITIES AND FESTIVALS
Among Cartagena's many different treasures, one of them is irresistible: its Holy Week. The Passion Week in Cartagena has been declared to be of International Tourist Interest. Its processions are hypnotic due to the rhythmic movement of thousands of hoods and the polychromy created by flower ornaments and small lamps, an effect that is even more impressive in the small hours. If you arrive in summer, we have a special suggestion for you: spend the day at Calblanque idyllic beach, and the evening at La Mar de Músicas festival in Cartagena, where you will enjoy art and musics of the world. And remember: the scenes are placed at strategic spots by the Mediterranean seaside with amazing views.
UNDER THE LIGHTHOUSE
On Sundays, the street market takes place in Cabo de Palos, a picturesque fishing village next to La Manga del Mar Menor and less than 30 minutes away from Cartagena by car. Walking about the stalls, finding some bargains, enjoying the sea atmosphere and tasting a typical, delicious caldero rice dish -a fish rice dish cooked in a pot- at Paseo de La Barra, in front of the sea, is a perfect plan. Our advice: follow the seafront promenade and you will get to this locality's impressive lighthouse, which used to be a lighthouse-keeper school and is one of the best places to stare at the skyline by the Mediterranean.
DELICACIES
Any time is a good time to pamper the palate. Typical from Cartagena are grilled fish, roast fish or fish baked in salt, michirones, the famous caldero rice dish, and rabbit, either with rice or ajo cabañil. The most typical salad is the cantonal salad made with smoked fish, including salmon, cod and harvestfish, together with capers, onion and olive oil. As a dessert: melon, prickly pear, arrope and tocino de cielo. To top it off, the famous asiático coffee, made with condensed milk and a little Licor 43, cinnamon, lemon peel and several coffee beans. The asiático cup is so original that it has become one of Cartagena's most singular souvenirs.
Top 10
Welcome to Murcia, one of the most comfortable capital cities you can imagine. We will let you know about what you shouldn't miss in this multicultural city, where life is in the streets, and where tradition and modernity harmoniously coexist.
TO ONE'S HEART'S CONTENT
Going from one terrace to another, from one square to another, walking about the streets and enjoying life in the open air is one of the best ways of blending in with the Murcian atmosphere. The good climate, together with cultural blending, have made Murcian people learn how to enjoy the hubbub to the full. Having some 'cañicas' -small draft beers- while chitchatting is here a real pleasure. If you add a couple of typical tapas from the region, we're talking about luxury. You won't be able to say 'no' to marineras, caballitos, matrimonios or pasteles de carne. Other typical dishes are michirones, Murcian salad, pisto and even some raw broad beans from the huerta with dried and salted bonito or some tomato slices. If you have a sweet tooth, try the paparajotes: lemon tree leaves coated in a dough made of flour, eggs, milk and grated lemon peel, which are fried and then dusted with cinnamon and sugar. Having them with a little glass of sweet wine is an authentic Murcian pleasure. But don't let anybody kid you: you DON'T have to eat the leaves.
FESTIVALS
In May, two giant festivals take place in Murcia: WAM and Murcia Tres Culturas, which are two very different but just as appealing musical adventures, with music and arts for tolerance, social harmony, solidarity and sustainability. In July, Murcia proves to be a capital blend of refined sensibilities from all over the world with the Mediterranean International Folklore Festival, which is Spain's oldest festival. Cinema enthusiasts are in their element at Ibn Arabi International Film Festival, a little jewel in the Olympus of young, promising film festivals which takes place in March, offering a week of independent films and additional activities; it resuscitates some film treasures that are usually swallowed up by commercial film producers. In November, Murcia celebrates the Region of Murcia International Puppet Theatre Festival, Títeremurcia, a stunning display of creativity offering sentimental, romantic people and children the opportunity to enjoy stories and puppet shows, and filling the city with the best audience in the world.
GO FOR A STROLL
Murcia is perfect to walk around: wandering through Trapería and Platería -two charming streets in the old part of the city- and following the scent of fresh coffee, enjoying its nice squares, and watching the sunset from Paseo del Malecón, surrounded by gardens and orchards, really are priceless. Another good idea is to rent a bike and roll; you'll definitely come across something interesting which doesn't appear in any guidebooks. Whatever the reason for your stay, we suggest you make space in your diary and spend some time in the city centre's commercial districts, boutiques, marketplaces, street markets... And of course, at the Centro de Artesanía -Craftwork Centre-, where you will find your very own 'little piece of Murcia' to take home.
A GREAT SQUARE
Cardenal Belluga square, commonly known as the Cathedral's square, brings together some of the city's main symbols, such as Santa María Cathedral, the Bishop's Palace and the Moneo Building. You'll find it inevitable to visit the Cathedral's Museum, go up the Cathedral's tower, go through the arcades, and sit down at any of this emblematic square's terraces to watch the hustle and bustle while you enjoy the view and the typical cuisine.
MUSEUMS FOR ALL
Coming to Murcia and not visiting its museums is a crime. They are so different from one another that you can spend a whole day visiting them without getting exhausted. The city's most outstanding museum is probably the Salzillo Museum, which houses the most important and complete collection by this brilliant Murcian sculptor: it includes the Holy Week floats, the 556 pieces nativity scene, and a set of original sketches. Also outstanding are the Santa Clara Museum, housing the region's best Islamic art collection and the valuable historical and artistic heritage owned by the nuns of the Order of St Clare, and the Ramón Gaya Museum, an intimate gallery with the main works by the 20th century's most distinguished Murcian painter. Other relevant museums are the Cathedral's Museum, the Archaeological Museum, the Fine Arts Museum, the San Juan de Dios Museum... In case you want to spend the day with children, we recommend the Science and Water Museum and the University Aquarium too.
BEAUTIFUL VIEWS
If you want to enjoy a top-notch visit in Murcia, don't forget to go up to the Quitapesares terrace. Its viewpoint, next to La Fuensanta Sanctuary in El Valle y Carrascoy Regional Park, is even more perfect in the moonlight. You should complete the experience by trying some tapas or a glass of wine. If you go there during the day, you will be jealous of Murcian people for living next to this magnificent mountain range, which is fabulous for sports such as hiking, climbing, cycling and orienteering. On a small vantage point to the north, with opposite but quite as interesting views, is Terra Natura: a theme park with recreated natural habitats from throughout the world as well as a water park with toboggans, swimming-pools and an artificial river. One of its highlights is swimming with sea lions. Ideal for home-loving adventurers.
FROM DUSK TILL DAWN
If you enjoy staying out late during your holidays, we are pleased to tell you that Murcia's nightlife is one of the best among Spanish destinations. You'll find all kinds of nightclubs and bars, as well as restaurants opening till late, chiringuitos and affordable hotels. Most Murcian people enjoy being at a terrace in the city centre when dusk is falling: you can try it anytime throughout the year because of the city's mild weather and open character.
ON STAGE
When was the last time you went to the theatre? Coming to Murcia and enjoying a great show at the legendary Romea Theatre is a winning bet: just sit down while the lights are switched off and start dreaming. Other relevant stages to get away from routine are the Víctor Villegas Auditorium and Conference Centre, the Teatro Circo, and the Puppa Clown Performing Arts Centre.
I SPY
I spy with my little eye something beginning with...'C' for 'Cathedral' and 'Casino' -meaning social club-. The Cathedral is the region's most important temple and one of its main symbols too; it has more than 600 years of history and was built on the city's old Great Mosque. It is the perfect example of a monument with superposition of styles, from Gothic to Renaissance and impressive Baroque architecture. You will find it inevitable to go up its tower, admire its facade, and visit its museum and the Vélez and Junterón chapels. As a curiosity, Alphonse X the Wise's heart lies within an urn next to the High Altar. The Casino, as a social club, has been Murcia's social crossroads since the 19thC. Visiting this emblematic building, at the capital city's heart, is a real delight for elegance enthusiasts. It has become quite an institution in Trapería street, and is nowadays a culture and social harmony revitalising centre. You won't forget its Louis XV-style ballroom.
VISIT US IN SPRING
Visiting Murcia during its Fiestas de Primavera -Spring Festivities- is highly beneficial for your health; since the weather is simply perfect at this time of the year, and squares and parks are filled with colours, scents, barracas huertanas where you can taste the typical cuisine, and traditional events such as the Murcia en Primavera Parade, the Tunas -student music groups- Contest, and the Testamento Sardinero -Testament of the Sardine-. The two most important days within this week of festivities are Tuesday, with the Bando de la Huerta parade, and Saturday, with the Entierro de la Sardina -Burial of the Sardine- parade, both declared to be of International Tourist Interest. The day the Bando de la Huerta takes place, Murcian people as well as visitors go out in their traditional huertano costumes and enjoy a celebration which culminates in a great costumbrist parade. The Entierro de la Sardina is a spectacular parade, an unseasonable mixture of myth and carnival including floats from which thousands of toys are thrown to the little ones. The funniest funeral you can ever imagine.
