Murcia Holiday & Golf ..... Phone: 07931 692067 | ||
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EXCURSIONS
Cartagena
Cartagena is a historic Roman town. Take a guided tour on a bus around Cartagena's historic sites, including a stop at the Concepcion Castle and enjoy the views at the top of the panoramic lift. Visit the remains of a Roman ampitheatre or the Naval Museum is a must for sea lovers, exhibiting remains of ship wrecks and a section of a Roman merchant ship. The wide promenade at the port is lined with bars and restaurants for you to relax in, or take a boat trip and sail though the city port to view the lighthouses of Navidad and Curra and the Isle of Escombreras. You may wish to visit the many shops in Cartegena, including El Corte Ingles and Zara.
Los Alcazares
A typical Spanish seaside town, is situated along the Mar Menor and boasts miles of sandy beaches. Take a wander or bike ride along the 7 mile promenade and stop and relax at one of the many bars and restaurants overlooking the sea. The town has all the necessary amenities you require and new restaurants and bars are continually opening.
Murcia
The capital lies next to the Segura River, with its impressive architecture and Spanish appeal. Take a wander through the charming, winding cobbled walkways lined with shops that surround the Cathedral. Stop at one of the many cafes, bars and restaurants located in the charming plazas and squares to watch the world go by or be entertained by local artists. Explore the many cultural attractions including the ‘Cathedral de Santa Maria' with its 96m tower and 25 bells. Other attractions include the city's museums and casino.
Lorca
A picturesque city described as 'the baroque city' is dominated by the hilltop castle where you can travel back in time and encounter the roman world and see for yourself the magnificent view looking over Lorca. It has a wealth of tourist attractions for you to explore including museums, churches, roman villas, monuments and works of art. Wander through the winding streets and visit the squares and plazas where fiestas take place throughout the year.
Sierra Espuna
Sierra Espuna is a Parque Regional, which is right in the centre of the Murcia region, between the rivers Pliego and Guadalentin and a must for walkers and nature lovers. In the winter the peaks of Espuna, Pedro Lopez and Morron Chico are covered in snow. The wilderness area of dramatic peaks and pine forests offers scenic drives, serious climbing, superb walking and great cycle routes.
San Pedro Del Pinatar
A quiet tranquil village and has a beautiful long beach. Salinas y Arenales is an important wetland area, famous for its bird wildlife and in particular flamingos that gather before migrating to warmer climates. Wander along the walkways around the salt lakes which lead to beautiful dunes and sandy beaches with crystal clear waters. Adjoining San Pedro, is Lo Pagan with its therapeutic mud baths, known for its minerals known to be effective against arthritis and rheumatism.
Cabo De Palos
A small pretty fishing village jutting out into the Mediterranean, South of La Manga. It is a popular tourist destination, with its traditional style marina. Test the local produce at on of the many excellent fish restaurants that line the marina. Take a lovely walk up to the 19th century lighthouse with views over the Mediterranean and the spectacular mountains. In the Summer, the night-life is buzzing until the early hours of the morning, with many disco bars in the Las Dunas area
Guardamar National Park
The smallest national park in Spain is located just a short drive away. The 800 hectares of pine wood forest just behind the beach of Guardamar del Segura, is widely known as the ‘dunes of Guardamar’. A really lovely Spanish town with shopping, restaurants etc. If you can make it to Guardamar, get up the hill behind the city and visit the ruins of the former castle. The ruins are not much to see, but the view is breathtaking. You should be able to see as far as Alicante to the north and Torrevieja to the south.
Mud Baths Lo Pagan
The water and the mud in the Mar Menor have a high concentration of salt which has been found to carry healing powers for people suffering arthritis, rheumatism, tendonitis, joint ailments, skin ailments as well as enhancing blood flow around the body.
Family Days Out
Terra Mitica - Benidorm
Terra Mitica is one one of Europe's most exciting theme parks and is Benidorm's main tourist attraction. It has something for all age groups and for all 'fear thresholds'. Terra Mitica is split into five different sectors according to a particular theme namely Egypt, Greece, Rome, Iberia and Meditteranean Island. Each of these areas has rides related to its particular theme and the restaurants of the area are also based on that same theme.
Terra Natura - Espinardo, Murcia
Terra Natura is split in to four different areas, America, Asia, Europe and Pangea. Of particular interest will be the parks replica of the Masai Mara Game Reserve, where visitors are able to take land rover rides through the ‘African Savannah’ to see the animals as they might on a real safari. The 400 animals will include: lions, hippos, giraffes, wolves, deer, zebras, bears and many others. The park also features an area replicating Iberian flora and fauna, a water park area with water slides, swimming pools and a solarium, an aviary plus cafes, restaurants and shops.
Aquaopolis - Torrevieja
Aquaopolis offers a full day out for all the family. It has water rides for all ages including Kamikaze, The Rapids, Boomerang, Zig Zag, Black Hole and There is a children's water Adventureland that has numerous slides and activities for the younger children. Spread throughout the park you will find pools, lagoons and waterfalls. There are plenty of sun beds, cafes, restaurants, gift shops and changing room facilities.
Mar Menor Ferry
Why not take a ferry ride from Santiago de la Ribera to La Manga Puerto Tomas Maestra Harbour? The ferry departs every day from 10 a.m. (every 2 hours). Enjoy the splendid views of the Mar Menor as you cross the calm waters. La Manga Harbour has a selection of bars and restaurants to relax and enjoy a drink or a meal.
Mar Menor Go Karts
Mar Menor Go Karts is a great day out. The Go Karts are for all ages and there is also a refreshment cafeteria. Mar Menor Go Kart track is positioned close to San Javier Murcia Airport heading towards Los Alcazares and is open from 11am - 11pm. There is no need to book and discount is given on groups of 10 or more.
Charter Muffy
Offers all year round day cruises, boat charter, angling and diving trips. Enjoy a relaxing day trip visiting and exploring local islands and beaches. Along your journey swim and snorkel in the warm Mar Menor waters. See the Mar Menor by night with a short cruise to the Isle of Pediguera, explore the island and enjoy an evening meal watching the sunset. Charter Muffy can also arrange sea and lake fishing trips.
Horse Riding
La Manga Club is a wonderful location for all standards of horse riders. There are a variety of Andalusia and French horses and Shetland ponies for the children. Set in the Murcian hills and surrounded by beautiful lemon groves, the La Manga Equestrian Centre offers a variety of daily treks along the beach or through the picturesque Spanish countryside.
Balloon Flights - Elche / Elx
Definitely for the more adventurous, take a 40 min balloon flight in the areas of Bajo, Vinalopo and Bajo Seguar. The trip offers incredible views of the south of the province of Alicante and at the same time provides a secure and suitable flight for the general public. The whole excursion lasts 3 hours including 40 mins flying time. At the end of the lfightr a picnic is provided and you can celebrate the experience with Cava.
Water Sports
There is a wide range of sailing, windsurfing, diving (at Islas Hormigas) and canoeing schools along the coast.
Local Beaches
Along the coast of the Mar Menor and Costa Calida are numerous sandy beaches, lively ports and deserted coves with impressive cliffs and crystal clear water, appealing for families, couples and sports enthusiasts alike. The water is very clean and clear, with many beaches being awarded the BLUE FLAG.
There are two distinct parts to the coast. The east-facing part is dominated by the Mar Menor ("Little Sea"), a huge natural lagoon over 10 miles long by 6 miles wide. The waters of the Mar Menor are 5 degrees warmer than in the Mediterranean Sea, and also much shallower with a maximum depth of 7m. Great care and attention is paid to litter collection, and lifeguards/police patrols operate in popular spots.
The long, thin strip of land between the lagoon and the Mediterranean is La Manga ("The sleeve") and the whole warm lagoon is lined with clean, gently sloping beaches and pretty, low-rise resort towns. It forms the perfect water sports environment, hence the wide choice of marinas, and is dotted with dramatic islands.
San Pedro Del Pinatar & Lo Pagan
Starting from the north and south, you will see the salt marshes and man-made 'pans' where salt is harvested, now a protected Nature Park. Migrating birds use the marshes as a stop-over and bird-watching is popular. The mineral content of the mud makes it a sought-after remedy or conditioner, especially for the skin, and there are several therapy spas. Lo Pagan has 2 sandy beaches separated by a marina and fishing harbour. A long promenade stretches to the rear of both of these beaches and joins up with the next resort – Santiago de la Ribera.
Santiago de la Ribera
Perhaps the most attractive of the Mar Menor resorts, Santiago de la Ribera sits on the shores of the Mar Menor directly in front of San Javier and the two are closely linked. Home to a superb marina area and some of the best restaurants in the region. Here you will find a ferry that travels across the Mar Menor to the Tomas Maestre Marina on the La Manga Strip every 2 hours.
Los Alcazares & Los Narejos
These two neighbours sit right at the centre point of the Mar Menor coast and have an excellent range of modern facilities, including a sizeable marina. They also have a long history, both as fishing ports and as spa towns. Los Alcazares has a promenade that is over 4km long stretching from the airport right through to the marina at the southern end. There are many beach bars and restaurants that line the beach. The beaches at Playa Los Narejos and Playa del Espejo have won the famous Q Awards for their high standards.
There are many other local beaches including Los Urrutias, Los Nietos, Mar de Cristal, Playa Honda, Cabo de Palos, Cablanque, Mazarron and Aquilas.
LOCAL RESTAURANTS
Below are just a few of the many local restaurants offering a wide selection of cuisine to suit all pallets.
Los Alcazares
El Patio is a warm and welcoming Spanish restaurant that offers a unique dining experience. The menu offers a range of starters including warm garlic bread and fresh salads. For main course there is a selection of meats that are cooked in front of you on a large indoor barbeque in winter months and outdoors in the summer.
Ramon’s Restaurant offers excellent Mediterranean dishes including a choice of tapas starters and for main course they serve meats, fish baked in salt, fish fried with peppers, grilled fish or fish served with rice.
Hindustani Restaurant serves authentic Indian cuisine. Enjoy an evening out at Hindustani and taste the excellent choice of freshly cooked Indian dishes with seating inside and outside. Quality food and service awaits those who love Indian cuisine.
Penny Farthing serving an excellent traditional English breakfast and light snacks along with a selection of homemade dishes including Lasagne, Cajun Chicken, steak pie, Fajitas and other traditional favourites like Cod & Chips. Great value for money, excellent service.
Cocina Asiatic- Run - located in the Balneario Plaza near Mercadonna – upmarket Chinese and Japenese – set menu from €15.
El Chato, located on Av de la Libertad just before Ramon’s. Excellent Spanish restaurant with a varied menu. Try daily specials. In high season they play good music.
Hotel Encarnacion - has a lovely courtyard to eat in off season. Live music on certain nights. Great paella.
Chino Mediterraneo – excellent value – mosaic archway – Los Alcazares North exit
San Javier
Gran China – excellent value. Near new Mercadonna.
Santiago de la Ribera
Two Fish Restaurants - exit from motorway follow signs to Santiago then to playa – 2 fish restaurants – take one on right – fabulous fish Opens at 9 p.m.
Pilar de la Horadada
La Casa del Reloj –ask to go to courtyard – suckling pig, chateaubriand, great fish take exit 774 to Pilar de la Horadada and San Pedro at roundabout by Buddha night club – first exit – 100 yards
Tel: 968 182 406
Indian cuisine – exit 770 right at roundabout onto A332 right at next roundabout Pilar de Horadada – past garage on left, through traffic lights 100 yards on left corner, painted a lilac colour.
Shopping
Please bear in mind that local shops will open at approximately 10.00 and close for Siesta at 13.00. They will then re-open at 17.00 to 21.00 approximately. No siesta at shopping centres.
La Nueva Condomina & Thader Center in the region of Murcia. Located 6 kms from the centre of Murcia. Both shopping centres have a supermarket, bowling alleys, multiscreen cinema and a wide selection of shops. Shops in the La Nueva Centre include – Zara, Primark, Disney Store, Levi, Claire’s Accessories, New Yorker, H&M etc… Stop for lunch at one of the numerous cafes and restaurants including Mc Donald’s, Subway, Burger King and Pizza Hut. Opposite the Thader centre is the famous Ikea home store.
Murcia
If you love to shop then you can’t miss Murcia with its wide avenues lined with a great selection of high street brand shops plus a very large El Corte Ingles (Spain’s best department store). Visit the quaint back streets and dwindling lanes with its exclusive little shops and boutiques. One of the best streets is ‘Calle Jabonerias’, where many big designer names have a shop. They can be a bit expensive, but great for window shopping. Just behind the El Corte Ingles, you’ll find a market where you can buy jewellery, clothes, music and much more.
Cartagena
As you enter Cartagena you will find a huge Carrefour Supermarket with plenty of underground parking. In the town itself you will find a wide selection of major European retailers including the prestigious El Corte Ingles department store. The town itself has many winding streets that offer a selection of typical Spanish shops and high street brands. The Mediterranean Retail Park in Cartagena has three large electrical superstores including Media Markt, various sports superstores, Toys r Us, home stores, restaurants and a Carrefour Hypermarket.
San Javier
A well established town with an excellent sports centre, is located just off the coast. The Dos Mares shopping complex, situated just outside San Javier, on the main AP7, exit 777, has excellent shops, supermarket, ten pin bowling and food court. It also has the Eroski supermarket and amusement park with bowling.
Other Local Shops - Cabo de Palos, La Managa, San Pedro del Pinatar etc.
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