COSTA CALIDA TOWNS & CITIES

Murcia

The 10th largest city in Spain, Murcia has more to offer than first meets the eye. The people are friendly, the narrow meandering streets a shoppers paradise and the cuisine a gastronomic experience with over 1200 restaurants.

Several museums, like the Museo Arqueolgico and Museo Salzillo, delve into the city\'s amazing history and the enthralling cathedral still stands. The cathedral\'s 15th-century Gothic Capilla de los Vlez is stunning and the view from the 92m tower is astounding.

Cartagena

Cartagena is not only one of the oldest cities in the world with beautiful architecture, wonderful shops and bustling pavement cafes and restaurants but it is also a port which is now a favourite destination for many of the cruise liners.

There is a tourist catamaran which takes visitors on trips round the bay and with the aid of translators the tour is given in different languages. A tourist bus can also take you round the old part of the city so that you can view the historic sites with ease and there is a panoramic lift which takes you up to the visitors centre where you can wander through the gardens amongst the magnificent peacocks and the views over the city, both to the port and inland are stunning

Lorca

The lovely hilltop town of Lorca in the South west corner of the Murcia region is sometimes known as the Ciudad del Sol - the sunshine town - be warned it can get unbearably hot here but even then it is a treasure house of Baroque architecture. Known as the baroque city, thanks to its elegant architectural gems, Lorca sits inland in south western Murcia. Originally a simple stopping point for Romans on their journey between Cdiz and the Pyrenees.

Lorca is famous across Spain for its fantastic Semana Santa celebrations. It\'s advisable to check with the Lorca Tourist web site for exact dates.

Archena

About 14 miles north west of Murcia is Archena - here the Balneario de Archena is one of the most traditional Spanish natural thermal spas. Relax in the huge thermal spring pool which remains at a very pleasant 35 degrees - it is partly covered and partly open air so is in use all year round. Wonder around the beautiful landscaped gardens and tiled streets or simply sit and sip a beer in the palm shaded squares. But a must is to treat yourself to a thermal treatment, hydro-massage or facial in the spectacular underground Spa.

Jumilla

South west of Yecla is Jumilla, Murcia\'s wine growing capital. Wineries dot the landscape and produce numerous varieties, though the region is particularly known for its use of Monastrell as a varietal. Guided wine tours are available that you can book onto.