Murcia, Spain- one of the most beautiful Spanish provinces...

...year-round sunshine, beautiful scenery, sports, culture and nightlife it's all here in Murcia, Spain!

Spain is a country that has so much to offer, it should definitely be at the top of your list if you're looking for a property abroad - and the inland region of Murcia in particular is a great place to be!

This picturesque region of Spain is located on the southeast corner of the Iberian Peninsular, bordered by Andalucia, Casilla La Mancha, Valencia and the Mediterranean sea - and it really is a hidden gem! just look what it has to offer you:

a fabulous climate
a great road network
good local wines
low cost of living
a relaxed and unhurried lifestyle
a range of outdoor activities
some of the kindest people in Europe
and wonderful golf resorts with beautifully designed modern homes

Stunning locations

Murcia province is one of the most beautiful regions of Spain and has everything you're looking for. Murcia boasts a beautiful climate - in the summer months you can enjoy the hot summer sun when temperatures reach up to 40ºC and in the short winter months you can still enjoy very pleasant days when temperatures are around 11ºC.

There are many stunning locations in the province and our fabulous properties and new residential developments and golf resorts are set amongst these - in these beautiful places that are located amongst the mountains, you will be able to enjoy breath-taking views from the balcony of your own home. The mountains are filled with wild game and there are numerous magnificent castles, fortresses, monasteries and convents for you to explore.

You should visit the quiet sleepy Spanish villages with their friendly, welcoming inhabitants, as well as the larger towns such as Pinoso, Jumilla, Elche, Sax, Alicante, Caravaca, Calasparra and the vibrant cosmopolitan city of Murcia, for here you will be able to experience their fascinating history.

Perfect location

Murcia is in a perfect location as it is very easy for you toreach. The region has two international airports. The smaller airport at San Javier is situated on the Mar Menor, and El Altet airport (usually known as Alicante) is just a few kilometres outside of the city of Alicante. A new airport to replace San Javier is currently under construction at Corvera and is expected to be completed in 2008.

Murcia City - a typically Spanish city, where ancient and modern sit side by side

The modern city of Murcia is easy to get to from our properties and is well worth a visit. The city is set in a rich and fertile land. It is a large city, with a population of 320,000,has all the advantages of a big city, yet all the comforts of a town. When planning your visit you should allow plenty of time to visit the many places of interest, all which can be reached by a leisurely stroll.

The old quarters of this attractive city date back to the early 20th century and have been breated in the Moorish style with a labyrinth of narrow streets with small shopping centres and traditional shops selling pottery, silver and glass and other goods. In the main city centre you'll find modern stores, and there are a several markets spread throughout the city.

One of the major attractions of city is the Cathedral, a building that was started in

the 14th century and took a long four centuries to complete! As a result,it enjoys different architectural styles including Elizabethan and Baroque. Its magnificent Renaissance tower is an astonishing 92 metres high. Inside the Cathedral you'll find several religious treasures including the tomb of the Spanish King Alfonso X "The Wise", the museum of Holy Art, and if you go across the square you'll be able to visit the 18th century Bishops Palace.

The churches scattered around the city are many. Some that you should particularly try to visit are the Church of San Juan de Dios, which also holds the museum of religious imagery and the Churches of San Nicolás and San Miguel with their magnificent altarpieces.

The beautiful building of the Tourist information office in Murcia

You should see the 16th century Convent of San Esteban - the first Jesuit school in Spain and where the Regional Government preside today. Also worth visiting is the Palace of Almudi. This serves as an art centre and you'll find the city's Historical Archive with its magnificent hall of columns and the ruins of the old walls that encircled the town in 11th and 12th centuries.

And don't forget to fit in time to go to the 19th century Town Hall, the Romea Theatre and the casino (of the same century).

The Teatro Romea opened its doors in the early part of the 19th century and burnt down twice in the same century. Its startling grey and pink Neo-classical facade is adorned by sculpures of Beethoven, Mozart and Listz. There is a magnificent painted ceiling depicting the coronation by the Muses of the Murcian actor Julian Romea (who the theatre is dedicated to).

The casino, part museum and part exclusive high society club is a great example of all the artistic styles of the 19th century. Each room is unique and includes the late Baroque hall, the great Neo-Nazarite patio, a corridor with a glass roof in the style of Victoria Station in London, the beautiful Louis XV ballroom and Pompeian courtyards.

Behind the Teatro Romea you will find the unusual Convento de las Claras. These cloistered walls have been closed to the secular world for almost eight centuries. Behind these walls le the remains of a Mooorish palace - mosaics, gardens and a patio of mixed Moorish, Almoravid and Nazarene styles - the only one of its kind in the world - that's why it's called the little Alhambra in Murcia.

And if you've still got time left, don't forget the Museums - these include the Archaeological Museum, the Science museum and the Museum devoted to Francisco Salzillo, the painter and sculptor of religious imagery where you can view his famous depictions of the Holy Week processions and nativity scene.

If you're looking for someentertainment, the city has an array of theatres and festivals. Restaurants, bars, tapas bars and terrace restaurants line the city streets so you'll never be short of a place to eat and drink.

And if you fancy a spot of cycling or trekking then head for the nearby regional park of El Valle y Carrascoy which is just outside the city centre..

The Fiestas of Murcia

The El Bando de la Huerta is Murcia's most symbolic fiestas. It always takes place on the first Tuesday after Semana Santa and marks the start of the Fiestas de Primavera (spring festivals). Practically all of the inhabitants take part in the festival in one way or another - maybe by taking part in the parade or walking the streets in regional costume. Boys, girls, men and women, young and old - over 80% of the people will be dresses in traditional dress on this day. The males will dress in zaraguelles (a type of trousers), waistcoats and monteras (traditionalHats). Females will dress in beautiful refajos skirts, aprons and shawls.

The festival begins in front of the Cathedral in the morning when flowers are offered to the patron saint of Murcia, La Virgen de la Fuensanta (Virgin of the Holy Fountain). Festivities reach into every corner of the city and ther are a variety of activites for people of all ages.

In the afternoon, a parade leaves the D. Juan Manuel neighbourhood and winds its way through the city's centre, giving gifts that fill the floats, to the people.

On the Saturday following the El Bando de la Huerta festival, the Entierro de la Sardina (Burial of the Sardine) takes place - a huge contrast to the religous festival that took place just the week before!

Declared of national tourist interest, this fiesta is a tribute to Greek and Roman gods. Artistes from all over the world flock tothis parade to perform to its spectators. One of the biggest attractions is the large number of gifts that are given out to the children by its organisers. At the end of the parade, a giant sculpture of the sardine is set alight at a magnificent firework dispaly.

Jumilla - famous for its wine and fiestas

Jumilla's castle

Jumilla, in the northwest of Murcia is a traditional Spanish town that bears the footprints of the many settlers that have arrived here over the years - Roman settlements, Moorish irrigation systems, and Christian and Moorish fortifications dating back to the Reconquest. In 1911, Jumilla was granted city status by King Alfonso X111.

The new property developments of Golf Resort El Castillo and Santa Ana del

Monte Golf Resort are being constructed on the town’s outskirts and Residencial La Tosquilla is just a short drive away. These new resorts are expected to have a great impact on the city’s economy.

The area has been a major wine producing region since the Romans planted their vineyards 2,000 years ago, and the wine industry continued under the Moors who ruled Murcia for many centuries.

Today, the wines of Jumilla are famous around the world and is the main industry. The wines are excellent quality, coming from one of the world’s best and most special Jumilla is steeped in history grape varieties - the Monastrell, which grows well in the dry climate - you really should try some!

The area is steeped in history and you will find many interesting places to visit, including the 15th century castle overlooking the town from its hilltop position.

The various populations of Jumilla, right back to the Bronze Age have built their defences on the mountain of Jumilla, resulting in a patchwork of styles that today is the Castillo de Jumilla. A tower, a number of wells and foundations still stand from Roaman times.

Still standing in the parade ground are the defence works and the walls built by the Moors to protect themselves from the attacks of the Christians army during the great battles of the Reconquest. The main part of the castle was ordered by the Marquis of Villena near the end of the 800 year old war between the Moors and the Christians for the control of Spain.

The 15th century Church of Santiago, declared a National Monument because of its gothic, renaissance and baroque architecture and the 16th century Old Council building should be visited, too.

The 19th century Vico Theatre was designed by architect Justo Milan (who also created the Romea Teatro in Murcia). It has been restored twice - in 1953 and 1985 - and today holds many regular performances in English.

In Jumilla you will also find many archaeological sites and cave paintings and some of these have been declared World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. If you make an appointment at the city's Tourist Office you will be able to visit the amazing Cueva del Peliciego cave and see for yourelf the marks left by the people of the Bronze Age and Iberian cultures.

The many museums that can be found in Jumilla show that its people value their history and cultural heritage. The many museums are mostly devoted to archaelogy. The main one being the Jeronimo Molino minicipal museum which was previously the city hall and jail.

Other museums are mostly based on the theme of religion. For example, the Capilla Museo de la Cofradia del Rollo (El Rollo Brotherhood Museum Chapel), the Museo de Semana Santa (Holy Week Museum) the Capilla Museo de la Cofradia de San Pedro (San Pedro Brotherhood Museum Chapel) and the Museo Franciscano (Franciscan Museum) in the Santa Ana Monastery, which recreates the life of retreat and self sufficiency by the monks.

The nearby Estacada Natural Park with over 150 species of plants is also well worth a visit.

The people of Jumilla are particularly proud of their parks, squares, promenades and tree lined avenues. The city has beautiful Botanical Gardens that you can find just 1km from the city. The gardens were first opened in the 1950's, covers 19,500 sq mts and holds more than 150 species of trees and flora typical of the Murcia region and Spain. The gardens are a great spot for relaxing at the end of a tiring day.

Soon, the city will have a new 5,000 sq mt Sports Centre that is being financed by San Jose, developers of the Santa Ana del Monte Jumilla Golf Resort that will be set on the outskirts of the city. The Centre will have a wide range of sporting facilities and a seating capacity for more than 2,700 spectators in the central area.

Already, the city has an athletic track, tennis and basketball courts, a football pitch, three outdoor swimming pools and a multi use sports gym.

If you fancy doing something a little different, book onto the famous Wine Routewhich is dedicated to Jumilla's wine and culture. During the tour you'll visit wine cellars and indulge in some wine tasting, meet with wine producers, visit historic centres and stop for a typical lunch or dinner.

The fiestas of Jumilla are remarkable - the Easter Fiesta has been declared of National Interest and the Wine Harvest Fiestas in August have been declared of Regional Interest. Visit during these times and you will see the city burst into life with colourful parades and events that last into the early hours of the morning.

The Wine Harvest Fiesta last 10 days and is a great opportunity for you to sample the regions wine. Be at the start of the festival which starts with the crushing of grapes in the Plaza. Activities during the festival (over thirty in total) include Noche de Exaltacion del Vino (a night in praie of wine) in the Historic Quarter of Jumilla, a wine tasting contest for amateurs and professionals, hoe throwing contest, gachas migas culinary competition, professional football championships, fireworks and the offering of the first grape to the Nino de las Uvas (the Child of the Grapes 0 the patron saint of the wine growers) - the most education, unusual and moving activity of them all.

And don't miss out on the end which has a grand finale! – a huge Wine Parade that takes through the streets. Over 10,000 people go to see this and more than 45,000 litres of wine is distributed -much of it over the watching crowds! But you can use the free showers that are set up at the entrance to the Town Hall!

And to help you soak up the wine, there are 100,00 sandwiches made from local sausages, or typical sweets given out fropm the floats - like the wine, all free of charge!

The Moors and Christians fiesta is a spectacular fiesta you shouldn't miss. Moors and Christians festival Jumilla This celebrates the re-capturing of Spain from the Arabs in the 12th and 13th centuries by re-enacting the battle to capture of the castle.

Holy Week, as in any other largely Catholic country is one of the most important dates on the calendar. The town’s Holy Week (Semana Santa) has one of the largest Good Friday parades in the country with 22 floats. Some of the characters you will see in the parade are:Nazarenes - men dressed in black cloaks and hoods who carry heavy religious statues through the city's streets. The Nazarenes have to pay for the privilege of being in the parade. Nazarines are grouped into brotherhoods called cofradias.

Cofradias are private associations of Nazarines. They are identified by the different colours of their cloaks. The only way to become a cofradia is to be born to a member.

In the nearby villages the week is marked with the Tamborada, when the locals join forces to beat on drums hours on end. Some 15,000 drummers take part in the big Tamborada in Hellín and Tobarra, which continues from midnight on Holy Wednesday until Easter Sunday, more than 100 hours of uninterrupted noise!

But Holy Week is nor purely devoted to religion - art,theatre, rituals, music and gastronomy all feature, too.

The Gastronomy in Jumilla is a Mediterranean style diet adapted to the hard life in the field. It has a variety of tasty dishes brought about by the many cultures that have visited this area - the Arabians, Iberians and Romans, for example.

Gachas Migas is a typical dish of the region made with hard wheat flour, olive oil, garlic, water and salt. Sauage, spicy sausage or bacon can also be added to the dish.

Gazpacho Jmillano is a Jewish traditional dish cooked with snails and a range of hunting meat such as patridge, rabbit and turtle dove. It is served in cakes of yeastless bread.

Los Sequillos is a sweet dish made up of culin flour, eggs and oil and covered with sugar meringue and egg whites.

Wine Rolls are made from flour, lard, wine and sugar, dusted with cinamon.

Pinoso - a welcoming town set in green pine groves

Pinoso with its population of about 7,000 is set amongst the mountains in the western section of Alicante province, right on the Murcia/Valencia border of Spain. Pinoso in the western section of Alicante on the Murcia / Valencia border

Set in the beautiful surroundings of the green pine

groves of the Sierra del Coto, the residents of Pinoso are very friendly people and welcome visitors to the area.

In 1826, Pinoso became independent from Monóvar and in February each year, the 'Día del Villazgo' fair is held to commemorate the town's independence as a municipality.

Pinoso is a prosperous town, its is said to be the fifth richest town in Spain because of its salt and marble deposits. The salt that is extracted from the area is processed and marketed by Torrevieja, whilst the marble is worked by the inhabitants of nearby Novelda.

Pinoso's other main source of revenue is based on agriculture. The Monastrell grape is grown in this region, producing highly-rated red wines. Fields and groves of olives, almonds, grapes, cherries, apples, peaches, apricots and salad crops provide abundant harvest in wine, olive oil and raw produce.

The clock tower is the most original building in the town and the church contains an unusual image of the Virgen del Remedio - the Virgin Healer. Places you should visit include The clock tower is the most original building in Pinoso Cabezo de la Sal with a mine with red and white walls, Sierra del Coto with its marble quarries and the convent in the district of Encebras.

The major festivals of Pinoso are celebrated in August. From 1st to the 10th of August, a fiesta is held in honour of Our Lady the Healer with vaquillas (bullfights with young bulls) and a floral offering. This is a week you shouldn't miss!

The town is about 24km from the spa town of Fortuna where you can enjoy the steam rooms and water therapy services, swimming pools, hot springs and massage facilities. Other nearby towns you can visit are La Romana, Hondon de las Nieves, Hondon de los Frailes, Barinas, Macisvenda and Monovar.

If you enjoy leisure and sporting activitie, there are many in the area including bicycle tours, walking, horse riding and para-gliding.

Caravaca de la Cruz - the fifth holiest in the world

In the Spanish Sierra de la Puerta region of Spain, 50 kms from Murcia and a short drive from Calasparra you will find the fifth holiest city in the world, Caravaca de la Cruz. This large city Historic and artistic heritage site in Caravaca de la Cruz has a population of 24,000, and has many interesting places that yiu should try to visit. During the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, Caravaca enjoyed its period of greatest splendour when it became the political centre of a vast territory in Spain, so the town has lots of historic buildings, that are the result of its former importance.

Towering above Caravaca de la Cruz you'll find one of the city's main attractions, the castle. Of Muslim origin, the castle was extended in the fifteenth century by the Knights Templars and later passed into the hands of the Order of Santiago, and now has Historic and Artistic Heritage. Preserved in the Castle Shrine you'll find another main attraction of the city - the Holy Cross.

The city has several churches you should visit, including the sixteenth century church of La Soledad, which houses the Museum of la Vera Cruz and the Archaeological Museum. In the Archaeological Museum you will find remarkable paintings, metals The Holy Cross , ornaments and documents relating to the cross, and information about how the ancestors used to live through the different ages.

The unfinished sixteenth century church of El Salvador and the parish church la Purisma Concepción are also well worth visiting.

Other museums you should explore are the sixteenth century Museo de La Fiesta where you can learn about the origin, development and rituals of the local fiesta, and see the clothes worn by the Moors and Christians.

Other places of interest in nearby are the Archaeological Complex of La Encarnación where you can see remains throughout the ages and the natural springs at Fuentes del Marques.

Enjoy the best sports and culture in year-round sunshine

If you're more of the energetic type, you can enjoy a number of sporting activities. Golf is becoming a very popular activity in Murcia, Spain and the new golf complexes of Santa Ana del Monte Golf Golf Resort Golf Resort El Castillo Tramploin Bahia and the new Residencial la Tosquilla development that are been constructed in this area are gaining lots of interest from golfing enthusiasts, from people looking for a good investment and from those who want to enjoy time in a beautiful location with a beautiful climate. Fishing, sailing, scuba diving, horse riding and cycling are also popular sporting activities thatyou'll find in Murcia, Spain.

And if you enjoy outstanding scenery, wildlife and walking, then a visit to the National Parks are an essential addition to your list of activities.

With 170 kilometres of coastline, if you're a beach lover, you can enjoy some of the best beaches on the Mediterranean coast. Here you can relax and enjoy the summer and winter sun.