PLACES OF INTEREST
History and Culture The Orihuela region, with it's many museums, monuments, churches, and historic buildings, is well worth a visit. The old part of the town of Orihuela was declared a historic-artistic and monumental area in 1969. There are many noble buildings, six of which are declared Cultural Heritage. History is also in abundance in the nearby towns of Murcia and Cartagena. For the lovers of ecological and environmental tourism, you may like to visit the lakes of La Mata and Torrevieja, where you can enjoy a mud bath, recommended by doctors around the world for it's curative properties for a large number of rheumatic dermatological, heart and respiratory complaints. There are several natural hot spas in this area. The most popular, Fortuna and Archena, are an hours drive away through the picturesque mountains. The natural mineral waters will soak away your aches and pains and totally relax you. Salt Lakes The vast area of this natural park, which affects 4 districts, is a favourite resting place for many different varieties of birds. The most outstanding of these must be the flamingo, during the migration period there are more than 15.000 of these colourful birds taking a well earned rest. The La Mata and Torrevieja salt lakes have been nature parks since 1994, connected together by a canal constructed at the beginning of the 20th century. Many people with rheumatic problems come to bathe in the lakes which they find beneficial to their health. With the intent to respect the protected natural area eco-system to its fullest, and take maximum advantage of its curative properties, there was recently approval for the creation of a new health spa within the park. The project was awarded to the prestigious Japanese architect Toyo Ito, who presented a completely new idea and at the same time respecting the natural environment. Platja de Guardamar A short 10 minute drive alongside the lakeside of Salinas de la Mata, brings you to the beautiful beaches of Guardamar de Segura. Costa Blanca beaches have a reputation for superb amenities and cleanliness, and Platja de Guardamar is no exception, being given the EU blue flag seal of approval, which governs cleanliness, safety and provision of general facilities. Fine, golden sands, shelving gradually into the calm Mediterranean waters are inviting and a safe haven for family bathing. Facilities include: beachside bars and cafes, watersports and beach activities. The small town of Guardamar provides an excellent backdrop for shopping and restaurants. Platja de La Marina Travelling northwards 5 miles along the coast road brings you to the beaches of La Pinadar and La Marina, both backed by pine forests and protected from development. The pine and eucalyptus groves, originally planted to prevent shifting sand dunes, give rise to good shade and have now become a nature park where you can picnic, mountain bike or visit an ancient Mosque only recently unearthed from a thick blanket of sand. Tabarca
Island Murcia City Murcia is a wonderfully satisfying tourist city : there is so much to see and yet all of it is within easy walking distance. Wander at leisure around the shops, parks and museums, and when it all becomes too much, take long retreats in the cafes, bars and ice cream parlours. Holy week and springtime are the best times to visit to see the explosive
fiestas and processions that line the streets. Alicante Later, stroll back towards the old town through the central market, selling everything from paella pans to traditional 'apargatus', shoes sold direct from the factory. Walk past the 19th century theatre down the busy rambla and arrive at San Nicholas the town's 17th century cathedral, boasting typical Spanish Baroque architecture. Carry on down the pedestrianised Calle Mayor, the city's main shopping street to explore the Barrio Santa Cruz, originally the muslim part of the town and now the most atmospheric. After a short walk back towards the castle, you can visit the Pozos de Garrigos, four giant urn-like water cisterns built underground by the Muslims to catch water as it poured down the mountains after heavy rainfall. Only rediscovered in 1861, the cisterns are an ingenious piece of engineering and here there is a small exibition inside. Finish your evening walk with a short stroll down the seafront esplanade where you can enjoy a well-earned meal in one of the seafront restaurants - or if your'e feeling really up for a party, take the Hydrofoil over to Ibiza and loose yourself in Europe's biggest club scene! La Salinas de Torrevieja and La Mata A short 5 minute drive north from Torrevieja town are the saltwater lagoons of Salines de Torrevieja, La Mata, and Laguna El Hondo. These areas of natural beauty have now been given nature reserve status and are host to interesting bird life, including Flamingos, Pelicans and various wading birds which can be best viewed in the migratory seasons of Spring and Autumn. In Torrevieja itself, the Museo del Mar y Sal gives interesting insight into how the million tons of salt are extracted every year from the lagoons and the ecology of the area. Down the Segura Valley - Calasparra to Murcia City. The drive down the dramatically beautiful Segura valley to Murcia city can be completed in 2 hours, but is more enjoyable taken slowly over the course of the day. You can also continue past historic Orihuela to an unusual Mediterranean garden at Jacarilla. Following rivers is one of the best ways to explore Spain. The Segura is no exception. Places of interest along the way include, the Cañon de los Almudenes, the Muslim citadel of Sisaya, Europe's largest working water wheel at Aberan and the 'belle epoque' town of Archena with its 19th century hotels and spa. Santa Pola and Tabarca Island The interesting port of Santa Pola is home to the largest deep sea and coastal fleet of the Mediterranean and holds a large fish market and auction fresh from the boats Tues-Sat, 5-6pm. Sample the catch at restaurant 'Batiste", a classy restaurant overlooking the harbour serving local seafood dishes and a good selection of meat. From Santa Pola harbour you can catch the ferry across to the island of Tabarca which Charles III fortified and settled with Genoese prisoners in the 18th century. The walled town now looks like a grandoise folly, and the unfinished church still remains from more turbulent times. The island breezes are refreshing, especially between July and August, and the gentle sloping beaches safe for children. Beneath the waters of Tabarca, around the small coves, lies an abundance of marine life making snorkelling and scuba-diving a great pleasure, with even the odd turtle still in residence! Benidorm One of the largest resorts in the world, it is a huge fun-factory, from the 52-storey Hotel Bali, through the Terra Mitica, europe's largest theme park, to 'New Benidorm' and Levante Beach with its disco bars, salsa joints and night clubs. If you can stick the pace through the night, finish off with an early morning hot chocolate at one of the cafe bars along the main road in Villajoyosa! Mar Menor http://www.los-alcazares.com Between 1st July to 17 September, the Joven Maria Dolores sails from Santiago de la Ribera at 09.30 and 10.30 hrs. The boat sails to La Isla Perdiguera and departs at 13.00hrs and 18.00 hrs. Between the same dates, there are sailings from Los Alcazares at 10.10hrs and 11.10hrs. The boat departs Santiago de la Ribera, sails down to LA and then onto
the island. The journey back is to LA first then SdlR. Trips also depart from the port of Tomas MaestreI went to La Isla Perdiguera on Saturday & it was absolutly gorgeous. We got the ferry from Santiago de la Ribera in the port, set off to sea at 9.30, had a beautiful sail through the Mar Menor- to Los Alcazares, picked up some more passengers-then onto the Island. There are 2 bar/restaurants, but mostly beautiful crystal clear water. NOTE: If you are going make sure you set yourself for a day out on the beach as there is nothing else to do, but that´s what we wanted. We arrived on the island found our spot on the beach. We also had a gorgeous meal. There is also a fantastic menu with fresh fish. Really relaxing and highly recommended. The ferry is only 7 euros return. The surroundings gorgeous sandy beach, boardwalks over the water, bar, restaurant and friends. Next time we go though we will drive to Los Alcazares,the ferry departs at 10 past 10 from there. There are 2 separate departure times from the island 1pm & 6pm. Loads of fish, take your snorkel and flippers and some bread. What a lot of the locals do is ask for a plate of sardines and a bucket of beer (it comes in bottles, as many as you want) When we go we take our boat and have a picnic while tied up to the jetty and then have an Asiatico or two at the restaurant. The prices at the restaurants are a bit pricey when compared to Cartagena or San Javier but I suppose you pay for the location. Cartagena Try the old shopping district off the Plaza Espana near the port. Easy to find as you come off the motorway. Follow the signs into Cartagena, down the duel carriageway until you come to a very big roundabout (signposted Plaza Espana), park in an underground carpark (signposted) and enjoy a nice stroll round the shops, the waterfront and then sit at a tapas bar and enjoy the food. The next time you are in Cartagena try and find the restaurant called " Techo Bajo" Its just across from the roundabout at the end of the road leading out from the port, with the port on your right. The menu del dia is about 7€ but you have got to like fish as the choice is fish fish or fish. The restaurant is run by three brothers and their family who have boats that go out every day for ....errrr....fish. You have to get there early (around 1pm) or you will have to queue with the locals for a table.
I agree with Derek on parking. Do not try to get away with parking anywhere you shouldn´t in Cartagena - you will be towed away and fined. There is an immense programme of restoration going on and they are paying for it with fines. The tourist boat is probably the first destination. It now stops at Fuerte de Navidad. This is a lovely old military installation with cannons which has been done up. All the military buildings have been given to the ministry of the environment so probably all the others will be done up over the next few years. There is a tourist office stallnot far from the parking you can get maps and check on offers there. If your friends like archaeology there are many options - more than one day´s worth. There´s the main archaeology museum near Corte Ingles. Next year the Underwater Archaeology will be open on the front in a new building. The glass lift takes you up to Concepcion castle - castle not fabulous but lots of peacocks in the park. AT the top of the lift look down for the best view of the Roman amphitheatre. There is a civil war museum at the first stop of the lift also. A short walk away is the Punic Walls museum. There are also several small ruin museums nearby - ask for directions - a Roman house, etc. Just past the port mentioned already there´s a good naval history museum (free). There´s a military museum elsewhere in town with a huge collection of dinky military models relating to various countries - probably the best collection ever if you are into that kind of thing. The Roman Theatre is a must although I don´t think it´s museum is open yet. They have just spent a mass restoring it. I think it can be only viewed from outside at present. It´s tucked away behind Calle Mayor. Walk up Calle Mayor also as there are some fantastic art nouveau buildings. A Catalan architect called Victor Beltri did some marvellous ones. Look at the second storeys for architectural detail as some of the shop fronts have spoiled nice houses. Calle Mayor also has some passable menus del dia and probably the only bit of Cartagena where they will be able to speak any English. One of Victor Beltri´s buildings is the old Gran Hotel - now a bank etc. It´s on the corner of Calle Mayor and Calle Jara. There´s an excellent Moroccan restaurant there called Al Jaima if you fancy smoking a hookah or sinking into sofas to eat couscous, etc. If you fancy paying a bit more than the average menu del dia his tagines are very good and also the couscous maasal.
Underwater Archaeology Museum in Cartagena The new museum is wonderful and will greatly appeal to kids as well as adults - loads of hands on interactive games, etc. There are also screens around showing footage of wreck diving, recovery of archaeological objects also. It will be 3 Euros, kids and pensioners free. It´s closed Mondays like most museums. The 6th of December will be another free day. It´s on the seafront. It´s a long building in two sections (joined underground). It´s pretty close to the Mare Nostrum restaurant. It´s easy to find compared with the previous underwater museum which was much smaller and tucked away far round the port. If you haven´t seen the Roman Theatre Museum (foot of Calle Mayor) take a look at that too. Cartagena has a really imaginative way with putting museums together. I can´t wait for them to finish some of the others - the amphitheatre, the modern art museum and the molinete park. Museo Nacional de Arqueología Subacuática "ARQUA"
Pilar de la Horadada: The most southern town in the land of Valencia. An outstanding 16th century watchtower overlooks the coast. The town has 4 kilometres of coastline running from the Mil Palmeras estate to the Escull de Mojón, alternating between smart residential areas, parks and sports facilities. This area is renowned for its clean water and high quality beaches, which are ideal for enjoying the fine climate. The sports marina has moorings for recreational craft and is a major tourist attraction. Mar Menor and La Manga: Mar Menor is famed for its fine clean and quiet beach resort. Water sports in the lagoon are the favourite pastime with water temperatures being high all year round. La Manga is the "sleeve" which separates the lagoon from the sea. La Manga Club is a famous resort where top sports people visit, train and relax. The area has a famous strip of bars, restaurants and hotels. Torrevieja: A favourite area of settlement for ex-patriots. The sea front is a major attraction with a sports harbour at its heart. The town provides every facility to ensure a lively lifestyle for its residents. Torrevieja is famous for its salt flats, which have been mined since the Middle Ages. The salt flats are connected to the La Mata lagoon, which lies to the side of the town, fronted by a beautiful parkland area. Many visitors to the town make a special point of visiting the mud baths, which are known for their therapeutic value. Orihuela: The coastline in this area combines sandy beaches and small cliffs, which are ideal for fishing and diving. 30 kms inland the town is an artistic, historic complex with 5 national monuments. The area is a favourite for golfers, having 3 top courses within easy reach. Guardamar del Segura: The ancient town was built on a hill overlooking the river Segura. Still preserved are the ruins of a castle and other historic remains from Hellenic times, when the town was a port. Between the town and the beach lies the enormous Queen Sofia Park, thick with trees and plants. The park provides refreshing strolls, even on the hottest of days. To beautify the natural surroundings, ponds of with aquatic fauna have been added. The dune area is the unique part of the town, wave and tidal deposits created these magnificent areas, which have been carefully preserved with hundreds of monumental dunes, pine, palm and eucalyptus trees. Elche: This
inland city is a world of contrasts, a combination of historic buildings,
witness of a glorious past and modern buildings typical of a flourishing
city. With over 2 thousand years of history, Elche has a fascination at
every corner. Alicante: The
dividing city of the coast, providing the transport hub with its international
airport. The historic town is a mixture of historic buildings in palm-lined
boulevards, with sophisticated shopping and restaurant facilities. The
seafront and harbour provide the main area of relaxation with dozens of
bars and restaurants providing a vantage point to witness the many strollers
by. Shopping Malls Outside Murcia. ikea, Primark - website. Outside Cartagena. Parque Mediterraneo is about 2 or 3 kilometres before Cartagena on the motorway. Parque Mediterraneo has all the big shops outside - Mediamarkt, Leroy Merlin, Decathlon, etc. |
|
|---|
 |