Visit the Restored Castle at Mazarron Murcia

Whilst visiting the Costa Calida, you might want to take a look at the newly restored Mazarron castle, which while still largely a ruin, has been conserved for the future. Originally built by the Duke of Velez in the 16th century, Mazarron castle served the area both as a defense against pirate attacks and for the protection of the valuable alum mining industry, which was important in Mazarron at that time. Mazarron and its coastal limb Puerto Mazarron, are popular tourist locations for the region of Murcia.

Thalasia Hotel San Pedro del Pinatar

For a unique healing experience you could do little better than to visit the Thalasia San Pedro del Pinatar, located beside the warm waters of the Mar Menor (Lesser Sea), Europe’s largest salt lake. The Thalasia Hotel (4 Star) and Thalasso Centre offer some wonderful treatments for a relaxing, healing stay, with thalassotherapy, hydrology, sea water treatments, physiotherapy etc. San Pedro del Pinatar (St Peter of the Pinewoods) is a renowned resort on the Costa Calida coastline of Murcia, Spain, it enjoys a wonderful climate with San Pedro del Pinatar weather being ideal for all year round visits. The area is perfect for water sports and the Mar Menor is one of the top windsurfing and kiteboarding areas in the region San Pedro del Pinatar was well known for its spas as long ago as the times of the Romans who knew well the healing powers of the Mar Menor’s salt waters and mud. To check out the location you can view map here: San Pedro del Pinatar Map

A Picture of the Lo Pagan Windmill

Featured is a windmill picture taken at the seaside town of Lo Pagan which sits on the Mar Menor on the Costa Calida, Spain. The windmill though no longer in use was previously used to pump sea water into the nearby salt lakes in order for valuable salt to be extracted. These days electric pumps are used which are more efficient but not so attractive as the windmill. It may look as thought the windmill was not very efficient but the vanes were made from canvas (now long gone) which caught the wind much as the sail of a yacht would. The windmill in the picture is located beside the famous healing mud baths, along with the beach one of the biggest attractions of Lo Pagan.

San Javier - Costa Calida

If you are travelling to south eastern Spain and heading for the Murcia region, especially the area known as the Costa Calida, there is a good chance that you will be arriving at San Javier airport. Generally called Murcia airport, it is actually some distance from the city of Murcia which can be confusing to visitors. The town of San Javier itself is a traditional Spanish town with a resident population of about 23,000, it was named after Saint Francis Xavier. The municipal district of San Javier consists of 8 boroughs and covers an area of 74km2, it is an important area for agriculture as it has been for many centuries, though tourism is quickly taking over in importance. The town sits beside the Mar Menor (“Lesser Sea”), the largest saltwater lagoon in Europe, and looks across to the famous resort of La Manga, which looks like a group of tower blocks rising vertically from the sea. San Javier was originally developed during the Moorish occupation and it was their irrigation methods which enabled the region to be put to agriculture, they also developed fishing methods which were ideal for the Mar Menor’s conditions. San Javier today is a busy little town enjoying a wonderful Mediterranean climate and typically the weather in San Javier is dry and sunny. This is a popular area for golfers as there are a number of complexes built or under construction nearby. To view a map of San Javier follow this link: San Javier Map

Cartagena - Ancient City of Spain

Not to be confused with the city of the same name in Columbia, South America, the Spanish city of Cartagena is located in the Murcia region on a stretch of coastline known as the Costa Calida (“Warm Coast”). Cartagena has a long and interesting history which goes back to the times of the Punic Wars between the Carthaginians and the Romans. The first settlement there was by the Iberians and called Mastia, upon this early settlement the first real town was built by the Carthaginian General Hasdrubal in 223 BC, making us of a natural deepwater harbour. The Carthaginians named the town Quart Hadas (New City) and it later became an important base for the famous Hannibal (of elephant fame), during his exploits in Spain and beyond. After the defeat of the Cathaginians by the Romans it was re-named Carthago Novo (New Carthage) and was developed as a significant mining area. Cartagena still has some remains from these early days including the Augusteum and the Punic Ramparts. Cartagena fell into decline during the Middle Ages but made a brief recovery during the 18^th century when it became an important naval base. The collapse of the mining industry caused further depression in Cartagena in the 19^th and early 20^th centuries, though the city is undergoing renewed recovery as it eases itself into the 21^st century. Places of interest to see in the city include Cartagena port, where you will find one of the world’s first submarines, the Castillo de la Conceptión, the Archaeological Museum, the Byzantine Wall, the Maritime Museum and the Casa Cervantes (Cala Mayor) amongst others. The area benefits from a superb climate and Cartagena weather is sunny and dry for over 300 days each year so do not expect rain during your visit to the city. If you would like to view a location map for the ciry of Cartagena you can visit this link: Cartagena Map

La Manga Bargain Commercial Unit

Are you looking for a business opportunity in Spain? This is a unique opportunity for investment, a corner commercial unit in La Manga, Murcia, which was originally purchased for 185,000 euros, (as stated on the title deeds) is now offered for sale at just 95,000 euros due to financial difficulties being experienced by the current owners. Just 85,000 euros is outstanding on the mortgage and this loan can be taken over if needed by the new owners (repayments are 1,203 euros per month). The unit is located in the commercial centre in one of the most popular areas in La Manga at the Tomás Maestre marina (Darsena Cero complex). This unit is priced to sell quickly so don’t expect it to be available for long. La Manga is located on the Costa Calida coastline of Murcia, Spain, it is a narrow strip of land which itself forms the unique Mar Menor sea, it is home to the famous La Manga Club a golf and sports resort which is used among other things as a winter training ground for international football teams, with La Manga weather being far superior to other places in northern Europe. Prices is this area are well above those of properties nearby and this commercial unit in La Manga is offered well below the true market value. Map of La Manga Spain.