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Murcia tourism authorities have launched a “Summer Special” campaign to remind tourists of the Costa Cálida’s enticing holiday options.
“Swimsuit, bikini, flip-flops, sunscreen… and excitement, dreams, eagerness, fun,” they declare. “You don’t need anything else in your suitcase, since we have it all for you in the Murcia region. Different beaches, different plans to enjoy every day. You just need to choose. We have a passion for you and we’ve got the sun.”
In fact, the sun (and beach) is just one of four major attractions for holidaymakers that Murcia’s regional government is showcasing this summer, together with nautical activities, festivals and enogastronomy.
Sun and Beach
Murcia’s Costa Cálida resort areas cover two seas on one coast – the Mar Menor and the Mediterranean – and an extensive and diverse range of beaches: “pristine, secluded, endless white sand and unspoilt coves”.
Visitors can also take advantage of over 3,000 hours of sunshine per year and an average annual temperature of 19ºC, “which make the Costa Cálida the perfect destination to spend unforgettable days of rest and relaxation, whether in winter or summer”.
Some of the more popular areas – for bathers, sailors, divers and fishing enthusiasts – include Águilas village and the El Mojón beach in San Pedro del Pinatar.
Nautical Activities
The Costa Cálida is recognised as one of the most attractive coastal areas in Europe, and indeed the world, for just about any water activity possible: sailing, kayaking, swimming, skiing, speedboat racing, kite surfing, windsurfing, stand-up paddle boarding and catamaran sailing – at numerous clubs, ports, and sailing and nautical sports schools.
At Mar Menor-Cabo de Palos Marine Resort, and destinations such as Águilas and Mazarrón, holidaymakers have the opportunity of hiring equipment, signing up for sailing courses and booking accommodation “under very favourable terms and conditions”.
For divers, the Costa Cálida has the largest concentration of historic shipwrecks in the Mediterranean.
Summer Festivals
The Murcia region’s summer calendar of festivals provides an enchanting mix of history, nature and culture in an alluring ambience.
Highlights include the San Javier International Jazz Festival, which dates to 1998 and this year is scheduled to run from 16 July to 1 August, offering cool summer jazz evenings just a few minutes from the sea.
Also in July, Cartagena’s port is home to a varied program of music, plastic arts, photography, cinema and literature events, while the La Mar de Músicas Festival is held in Cartagena city from 16 to 24 July, with performers representing different styles and sounds from around the world.
To be held from 19 to 25 July, and dating to 1980, the Lo Ferro Flamenco Singing Festival includes concerts, recitals and performances by both top artists and promising newcomers, highlighted by one of the festival’s most emotional moments, the singing and dancing Flamenco Mass.
Another showpiece event is the Cante de las Minas de La Unión Festival from 29 July to 7 August, considered one of the most important cante jondo and flamenco events in the world and held in the art nouveau Old Public Market area..
Rounding out the main July-August cultural schedule is the Festival Internacional de Teatro, Música y Danza in San Javier which, from 12 to 22 August, brings together music, drama, dance and comedy.
Enogastronomy
As Spain’s “Capital of Gastronomy” this year, Murcia is the ideal holiday destination for foodies and wine lovers.
Noting that the region’s land is “a crossroads of cultures and this is demonstrated in its cuisine”, Murcia tourism authorities invite visitors to savour “vegetables from the garden, treasures of the sea, typical dishes and excellent sweets that draw a landscape of delicious flavours”.
Furthermore, Murcia’s excellent weather means visitors can enjoy tapas in its vibrant town squares and streets throughout the year. “Here tradition co-exists with the new ways of understanding cuisine.”