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MURCIA
Murcia is a region of great diversity, from the rural unspoilt inland with its breathtaking scenery, rivers and waterfalls which time seems to have forgotten such as the north west area covering places like Bullas (great wine bodegas), Cehegin, Caravaca, Calasparra to the lower Guadalentin area of Totana, Librilla, and the friendly town of Alhama de Murcia to the very cosmopolitan cities of Lorca and Murcia. Click here to search all property in Murcia and click here for villas and property in Lorca and Puerto Lumbreras.
MORE AREA INFORMATION
LORCA AND SURROUNDING AREA
Lorca is the largest town in Spain by area and located in the west of Murcia region. Its municipal zone reaches as far as the coast and it is the largest district within the region of Murcia. It is a significant and influential city, both today and in spanish history (as a christian stronghold against the Moors in Granada). It is located less than 30 minutes inland from the thriving port of Aguilas in Murcia on the south east corner of spain. Surrounding Águilas in both directions are numerous unspoilt coves and relatively undiscovered beaches.
Lorca offers a wide range of restaurants, hotels, leisure facilities and cosmopolitan living all beneath the famous 13th century hill top castle which overlooks the entire area. It is set in an expansive valley between the mountains and has many historical buildings including churches, Roman villas, palaces amongst others. Lorca is well known for its love of cultural life and its passionate and lavish fiestas. It is easily accessible with a coach station, a railway station and the main A7/E15 motorway that runs next to the city within easy reach of he following airports (120km from Alicante airport, 150km from Almeria airport and 60km from Murcia’s airport at San Javier) There are 2 new golf courses under construction one of which is the Lorca Golf resort on the dual carriageway towards Aguilas but other existing courses within easy reach are Hacienda del Alamo (Fuente Alamo) and those in the neighbouring province of Almeria, notably Valle del Este and Desert Springs, approximately 35minutes drive away.
Lorca was known by the Romans as Illurco and to the Moors as Lurka and is perhaps now most famous for the incredibly spectacular Holy Week processions (depicting and enacting a great journey through history and which are broadcast on national television). These encompass numerous different floats each depicting a different phase of Lorquina history, roman soldiers, Cleopatra, Nero, the devil, some 2 hours of history in action. This is further enlivened by the tradition of the two brotherhoods, the blue and the whites (azules y blancos). The main streets are converted into elevated areas with each brotherhood representing just one side of each street! The brotherhoods compete against each other in terms of horsemanship, their floats (or pasos) carrying realistic life size reproductions of the Last Supper, the crucificion, the suffering of the Virgin Mary and Christ and so on. It´s a unique spectacle that defies written description and must be experienced at least once in your lifetime.
Lorca´s urban centre was declared ´a Town of Historical and Artistic Interest´ in 1964, and has an important baroque heritage. There are various archaeological sites, the Columna Miliaria dating from Roman times, the Espolón Tower and the Alfonsina Tower, a Christian construction dating from after the Reconquest; the ´Porche de San Antonio´, the gate through the old wall that surrounded the city (in the 10th century), plus numerous churches and convents dating from different periods and built in different styles (15th century to the 18th century), the baroque palaces and stately homes, such as the Guevara Palace, the Palace of the Counts of San Julián to mention just a few. The traditional paved streets around the Plaza de España, show off the architecturally interesting buildings imbued with strong traditional character, such as La Zapatería y La Cava. Local restaurants such as Casa Candido have incredible vaults below the main dining area and a polite request at a quiet time could allow a closer look. Lorca still retains its its traditional craftwork, producing items such as ceramics, wall and floor carpets, intricate embroidery and iron forging. During the 18th c., a number of baroque style churches were built in Lorca. Together with the noble houses in the old town, which are currently being restored, these demonstrate the pride local Lorquians take in their town and historical monuments.
Market Day is every Thursday.
Águilas is a coastal town with a population of around 25000 and some stunning architecture and shaded plazas. It is 25km from the historic city of Lorca. There are over 20km of beaches many of which are unspoilt and secluded as Aguilas is located in one of the least developed coastal areas of southern Spain. Where town meets sea it is distinctly divided by the rocky headland with the main port located to the west of this. It is an up and coming area, constantly growing in popularity amongst both Spanish and northern Europeans. The opening of the new AP-7 toll road connecting Vera and Cartagena (which bypasses Aguilas centre but has entry and exit points on the very outskirts of town) are transforming the area although the local mayor is seeking to maintain sustainable development.
The Águilas carnival is a famous fun filled huge fiesta celebrated by the whole town and its surrounding neighbours. It takes place every February (at the same time as the world renowned Rio de Janeiro carnival) acknowledging the genuine tradition of carneval before Lent (carne being meat in Spanish). The University of the Sea is also located in Aguilas.
Distances from airports (avoiding the toll motorway) are 95km from Murcia (San Javier) 180km from Alicante airport and 150km from Almeria (via toll road).
The nearest golf course is under deveopment at 12 minutes away (Lorca golf Resort) or in the neighbouring province of Almeria, (Valle del Este and Desert Springs).
Market day is every Saturday
PUERTO LUMBRERAS
literally translates as the “port of lights” and it is located to the far west of Murcia province on the E15/A7 motorway at 12km from Lorca (towards Almeria). The port element signifies the first main town into another province within Spain, albeit land locked. The town is spread around the base of a hill, which is crowned by an old castle and the town centre has an (externally unappealing) yet interesting Parador (offering excellent food and service). Puerto Lumbreras is a modern feeling airy clean town with wide streets, many of which are pedestrianised in the centre. It offers every facility you could need along with a wide selection of restaurants and leisure facilities (as well as martial arts, reiki, massage yoga etc) There is a huge “urgencias” (24 hour medical centre) and the local hospital is just a 12 minute drive away (Rafael Mendez).
Market day is every Friday.