Excursions and Trips

Cartagena
A This historic Roman town and natural port is full of stunning architecture, with many old buildings, galleries and museums to explore. The old town is enclosed by a wall with 8 gates called 'Muralla del Mar'. Take a guided tour on a bus around Cartagena's historic sites, including a stop at the Concepcion Castle and enjoy the views at the top of the panoramic lift. The remains of a Roman ampitheatre was discovered in 1987, which is open to the public. Opened in 1982, the Naval Museum is a must for sea lovers, exhibiting remains of ship wrecks and a section of a Roman merchant ship. The wide promenade at the port is lined with bars and restaurants for you to relax in, or take a boat trip and sail though the city port to view the lighthouses of Navidad and Curra and the Isle of Escombreras. You may wish to purchase ceramic, glass and textile wares at the Crafts center or visit the many shops in Cartegena, including El Corte Ingles and Zara.

Los Alcazares
A typical Spanish seaside town, is situated along the Mar Menor and boasts miles of sandy beaches. Take a wander or bike ride along the 2 mile promenade and stop and relax at one of the many bars and restaurants overlooking the sea. The town has all the necessary amenities you require and new restaurants and bars are continually opening. A really friendly town with Las Velas Commercial center with a cinema showing original version films with Spanish subtitles.

Murcia
The capital lies next to the Segura River, with its impressive architecture and Spanish appeal. Take a wander through the charming, winding cobbled walkways lined with shops that surround the Cathedral. Stop at one of the many cafes, bars and restaurants located in the charming plazas and squares to watch the world go by or be entertained by local artists. Explore the many cultural attractions including the ‘Cathedral de Santa Maria' with its 96m tower and 25 bells. Artistic and historic wealth is on display at the city’s museums, such as the Archaeological Museum, the Fine Arts Museum or the Salzillo Museum. The Casino is certainly worth a special visit for the fantastic stained glass and Arabic tiles, combined with colonial feel and good coffee. The Jardin Florida Blanca is a great place to escape the heat of summer under the shade of its well-established rubber trees.

Lorca
A picturesque city described as 'the baroque city' is dominated by the hilltop castle where you can travel back in time and encounter the roman world. This is both a fun and educational day that both kids and adults will enjoy. There are many things to discover, learn and interact with. Don`t forget to take your camera with you as there are lots of photo opportunities in the castle and the magnificent view looking over Lorca. It has a wealth of tourist attractions for you to explore including museums, churches, roman villas, monuments and works of art. Wander through the winding streets and visit the squares and plazas where fiestas take place throughout the year.

Sierra Espuna is a Parque Regional, which is right in the centre of the Murcia region, between the rivers Pliego and Guadalentin and a must for walkers and nature lovers. It is actually an artificially planted forestry project which was started in 1891 to combat the deforestation which resulted in erosion and flash floods. There are a variety of cycle routes and walks to discover the different varieties of wildlife including wild goats and lynxes. In the winter the peaks of Espuna, Pedro Lopez and Morron Chico are covered in snow. The wilderness area of dramatic peaks and pine forests offers scenic drives, serious climbing, superb walking and great cycle routes.

San Pedro Del Pinatar
A quiet tranquil village and has a beautiful long beach. Salinas y Arenales is an important wetland area, famous for its bird wildlife and in particular flamingos that gather before migrating to warmer climates. Wander along the walkways around the salt lakes which lead to beautiful dunes and sandy beaches with crystal clear waters. Adjoining San Pedro, is Lo Pagan with its therapeutic mud baths, known for its minerals known to be effective against arthritis and rheumatism

Cabo De Palos
A small pretty fishing village jutting out into the Mediterranean, South of La Manga. It is a popular tourist destination, with its traditional style marina. Test the local produce at on of the many excellent fish restaurants that line the marina. Take a lovely walk up to the 19th century lighthouse with views over the Mediterranean and the spectacular mountains. In the Summer, the night-life is buzzing until the early hours of the morning, with many disco bars in the Las Dunas area

Guardamar National Park
The smallest national park in Spain is located just a short drive away. The 800 hectares of pine wood forest just behind the beach of Guardamar del Segura, is widely known as the ‘dunes of Guardamar’. A really lovely Spanish town with shopping, restaurants etc. If you can make it to Guardamar, get up the hill behind the city and visit the ruins of the former castle. The ruins are not much to see, but the view is breathtaking. You should be able to see as far as Alicant to the north and Torrevieja to the south.

Mud Baths
The water and the mud in the Mar Menor have a high concentration of salt which has been found to carry healing powers for people suffering arthritis, rheumatism, tendonitis, joint ailments, skin ailments as well as enhancing blood flow around the body.

Los Alcazares – Pension – Balneario, La Encarnacion – Tel: 968 575 007
Lo Pagan – Apartments Aguas Salinas – Tel: 968 184 136
Santiago de la Ribera – Centro de Talasoterapia Sol Y Mar – Tel: 968 187 092