The Costa Calida/Murcia region

MURCIA - is a vibrant cosmopolitan city with wonderful architecture, only 15 minutes drive from La Torre. There is a stunning cathedral with year-round exhibitions, wonderful shops and tapas bars, and even a casino.

In the other direction, only 10 minutes drive away from the resort, are the glorious sandy beaches of the MAR MENOR and LA MANGA.

The beautiful Mar Menor is separated from the Mediterranean by a strip of sand 22km long, which forms a barrier and has created a shallow, warm lagoon. There are over 44km of beaches with protected bays and coves on the sides of the Mar Menor and the water is no more than 7m at its deepest point; this and the absence of tides make the Mar Menor an excellent location for all types of water sports as well as an ideal place for children. The Mar Menor’s waters warm up early in the spring and stay at a fairly consistent temperature throughout the season. The concentration of salt and iodine in the water of the lagoon is reputed to be beneficial to sufferers of rheumatism and skin complaints.

La Torre Golf Resort area.

 There are many interesting towns and villages to visit in the region including:

CARTAGENA - The capital of the region founded by the Carthargenians in 227 BC - Hannibal’s capital city on the Iberian Peninsula. The narrow streets of the old town were built around the ruined 13th century cathedral and there are several sites of historical interest including the remains of the Roman road, an old Roman theatre, and an ancient lighthouse of Moorish origins.

SAN PEDRO DEL PINATAR - where there is a nature reserve on the salt flats, one of the prime areas of ecological importance in Murcia.  Migratory flamingos make their way to Africa via this spot each September (also spotted in May); an excellent location for watching a variety of migratory birds.

There is a marina and a promanade to walk alongside the long sandy beach, and a weekly market to shop for local produce (Monday).

BEACHES - There are beautiful sandy beaches all along the Mar Menor from San Pedro del Pinatar to Santiago de la Ribera to Los Alcazares with it's mile long promenade, marina, excellent shops, restaurants and bars, and a new shopping mall complete with cinema. Each October, the town celebrates its municipal independence, granted in 1983, with a spectacular week long fiesta.