For the tourist who wants to make the most of their hire car around Murcia you don't have to look vary far. Here are just 5 of the nearest and best places you could consider visiting.
The Murcia province in the Costa Blanca offers holiday makers fantastic resort based vacations as well as an opportunity to immerse your self in some of Spain's historic culture.
The city of Cartagena is located only 20 kilometers from La Manga del Mar Menor along the twisting scenic coastal highway, and 70 kilometers from Murcia it retains some of the area's most interesting historic sights.
At these distances it makes for the perfect day trip in your hire car. Cartagena is a must for any naval enthusiasts, being home to Spain's current principal port and the vast majority of their naval fleet. The port it self is set far back in a natural cove but on both rocky peninsulas forts Galeras and San Julian. stand guard over the harbor.
The history of this natural port dates back to the fifth century BC when it was used by the Greeks and Phoenicians as a natural shelter. The city boasts a lively mixture of modernist architecture interspersed with Roman sites, buildings and monuments. It has all the charm and character of a local Spanish city along with an interesting history.
The Conception Castle is a modernist building which stands square and dominating it has a panoramic glass lift which offers by far the best views of the town. From the top of this lift you can see the Roman theatre, which happened to be found completely by chance .Up until recently much of this city's Roman heritage lay buried and un-disturbed. In 1988 a few blocks were uncovered by heavy rain on the hill side, unfortunately almost an entire neighborhood had been built over the top of the theatre once residents had been happily relocated the painstaking excavation and re-construction of the theatre began; now a must see structure you can even observe the restoration work taking place.
As more and more of the history is uncovered on a daily basis, a trip at the start of your day to the local Tourist information could ensure you don't miss any new developments.
For the more adventurous a short drive from Cartagena (approximately 25 kilometers on the N340) will whisk you away into the stark dramatic landscape for which this region of Spain became so famous. This desert landscape gives the impression that you might be some where like Arizona rather than Spain, Tailored to the more adventurous it's also a great place to take a picnic and soak up the breath taking scenery.
One of the best ways to spend a day with the children has to be a day at the beach. Enjoying the sea and sunshine seems to be becoming a thing of the past in the UK. So make the most of the Fantastic Spanish weather. There are miles and miles of golden, un-spoilt, sandy, blue flag beaches to be enjoyed in the La Manga area.
A trip to the near by beaches of the Mar Menor Lagoon offers 135 sq kilometers of safe shallow waters. The constantly calm warm waters of the lagoon guarantee a good day at the beach will be had by all. Open only to the sea through narrow inlets the lagoon manages to maintain higher salinity levels and a constant temperature around 5 degrees centigrade warmer than the open sea.
The lagoon offers a plethora of water sports from wind surfing, jet skis, sailing and kite surfing, to swimming and diving.
The Calblanque National park known as the 'virgin coast' is a natural area of preservation. It offers outstanding beauty combined with activities to keep even the most energetic holiday makers entertained. Horse riding, cycling, nature walks and swimming in the crystal clear waters are all on offer. This can make the perfect day away from the resort, enjoying blue skies fresh air and the outstanding natural beauty.
Keep a look out for the rare Araar tree a left over from the areas Moorish history. And make sure you stop and take in the extraordinary fossilized dunes.
A little further away The Aquoplolis water park at Torrevieja is one of the biggest and best on the Costa Blanca. Built onto the side of a natural hill the park has more than sufficient numbers of slides and pools to keep the children entertained for hours, but don't forget the sunscreen.
Another great excursion that will keep the children entertained is the safari park at Elche. The fastest route in your hire car is to take the A7 heading North West from Murcia. Here visitors can observe the hundreds of animals at the park from the comfort and safety of a real river boat.
For a slightly more cultural day out the picturesque old market town of Lorca is not to be missed.
Lorca sits in the South West of the Murcia region and boasts a wealth of Churches, Roman villas, works of art, palaces and monuments; along side all of the usual Spanish bodegas, bars, café's and restaurants. However the town is dominated by the large hill top castle and is worth a visit.
Plaza Mayor is the best point to start your trip and is easily accessible by hire car. It gained its name in the 18th Century and was designed as the central power base for the town; housing the collegiate, the mayor's office, town hall, prison and any other important types who were deemed worthy. These days many of the buildings are open to the public.
Lorca plays host to many local fiestas and celebrations so be sure to check the diary if you
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Who Flies To Murcia Airport
Mercia Airport although small, functions perfectly for holiday makers wanting to reach the Southern Costa Blanca and Costa Calida regions quickly and cheaply. It's located conveniently between the three major cities of Murcia, Cartagena and Torrevieja. At only 30 Kilometers away from the La Manga resort it is a perfect destination for holiday makers and property owners alike to fly into.
Many of the low cost airlines now fly into Murcia, from a huge range of regional airports. See below for a list of airlines that currently fly to Murcia.
Ryan air
Monarch
BMI Baby
Jet 2
My travel Lite
Flybe
Easyjet
British Airways
Ryan Air appears to be the biggest operator flying to Murcia at the moment with roughly 5 Flights a day originating in the UK. They operate from many regional airports so be sure to shop around for a bargain. The price of these 'budget' flights varies wildly. If you can fly outside of peak times or be organized enough to book your holiday flights a long time in advance huge savings can be made. Alternatively look out for sale weekends when some of these airlines cut their fares, certain destinations are dramatically reduced in price.
These new airlines offer basic 'no frills' flights that greatly reduce the cost to the holiday maker, but be prepared that they may not include in-flight drinks or meals.
The flight time form the UK to Murcia Airport is approximately 2 and ¼ hours depending on which airport you fly from. Spain is one hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time; don't forget to change your watches and phones!
With Murcia Airport remaining relatively small concerns about large check-in queues and worries about delayed flights or lost baggage can be left at home. Flights aren't forced to conform to strict take off windows such as in bigger airports, because there are far less flights coming and going. Missing these slots and having to wait for another is more often than not the cause of delayed flights.
Having said this it is always essential to make sure you have appropriate holiday insurance in place that will cover you should anything be lost. Legal and General have recently calculated that the luggage and its contents for a family of four traveling abroad for a week long holiday on average amounts to over £3,000 pounds
As so many competitive airlines are now flying to Murcia the choice is very much up to you the customer. Closer and more suitable than Alicante, Murcia is the better option when staying at the La Manga Resort.
Once you arrive the car hire offices are within an olive's toss from the main terminal, and hiring a car in the Murcia region will allow you visit the local towns, villages and local beauty spots that have made this area of Spain so unique and appealing.
Many of the low cost airlines now fly into Murcia, from a huge range of regional airports. See below for a list of airlines that currently fly to Murcia.
Ryan air
Monarch
BMI Baby
Jet 2
My travel Lite
Flybe
Easyjet
British Airways
Ryan Air appears to be the biggest operator flying to Murcia at the moment with roughly 5 Flights a day originating in the UK. They operate from many regional airports so be sure to shop around for a bargain. The price of these 'budget' flights varies wildly. If you can fly outside of peak times or be organized enough to book your holiday flights a long time in advance huge savings can be made. Alternatively look out for sale weekends when some of these airlines cut their fares, certain destinations are dramatically reduced in price.
These new airlines offer basic 'no frills' flights that greatly reduce the cost to the holiday maker, but be prepared that they may not include in-flight drinks or meals.
The flight time form the UK to Murcia Airport is approximately 2 and ¼ hours depending on which airport you fly from. Spain is one hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time; don't forget to change your watches and phones!
With Murcia Airport remaining relatively small concerns about large check-in queues and worries about delayed flights or lost baggage can be left at home. Flights aren't forced to conform to strict take off windows such as in bigger airports, because there are far less flights coming and going. Missing these slots and having to wait for another is more often than not the cause of delayed flights.
Having said this it is always essential to make sure you have appropriate holiday insurance in place that will cover you should anything be lost. Legal and General have recently calculated that the luggage and its contents for a family of four traveling abroad for a week long holiday on average amounts to over £3,000 pounds
As so many competitive airlines are now flying to Murcia the choice is very much up to you the customer. Closer and more suitable than Alicante, Murcia is the better option when staying at the La Manga Resort.
Once you arrive the car hire offices are within an olive's toss from the main terminal, and hiring a car in the Murcia region will allow you visit the local towns, villages and local beauty spots that have made this area of Spain so unique and appealing.
As in the UK seat belts must be worn at all times by all occupants of the vehicle both in the front and back. This is common sense these days in the UK but is still rigorously enforced in Spain.
Recently the rules for motorway overtaking have been re-written in Spain; make sure you clearly indicate before overtaking as well as when you pull back in on a Spanish motorway. Likewise when entering a motorway from a slip road ensure you wait until the white line becomes broken before pulling out. Not obeying either of these rules could land you with an on the spot fine.
Children under 12 years of age must not travel in the front of a car in Spain unless the car is fitted with a suitably adapted seat belt restraint. This is a rule we don't have in the UK and when you and your family are enjoying a holiday it can be easily forgotten.
Should you break down in Spain a warning triangle is compulsory. This should be carried in the car at all times. If the car is Spanish registered you actually have to carry two so make sure your hire company has equipped the car with these before you leave the rental office. Similarly, high visibility vests need to be carried incase of breakdown. If you should be unlucky enough to breakdown on a motorway make sure you and your passengers don't sit in the vehicle on the hard shoulder. Leave the car with the hazard lights on and warning triangles set up at the appropriate distances away, sit safely on the grass verge until help arrives.
A 'green card' for driving in Spain is not compulsory but it's a good idea to advise your insurers of your intended trip. It's also a good idea to let your bank know that you are traveling abroad so that they don't put a hold on your card if transactions pop up in places they wouldn't expect and they think they might be fraudulent.
A vast majority of Spanish filling stations now accept credit cards out of hours I.e. between 12 pm and 3 pm, or late at night. However your card may not work as they are designed for Spanish credit cards only. Be sure to top up with fuel regularly and during shop opening hours to avoid running dry.
Always carry with you a new photo identity driver's license, your passport, vehicle registration certificate and relevant insurance documents from your hire company.
Having read all of these precursory 'do's and don'ts' try not to worry, driving in Spain is straight forward and really very similar to the UK. A Hire car is a fantastic way of enhancing your holiday experience, make sure you take full advantage of it and enjoy it to its fullest.
Recently the rules for motorway overtaking have been re-written in Spain; make sure you clearly indicate before overtaking as well as when you pull back in on a Spanish motorway. Likewise when entering a motorway from a slip road ensure you wait until the white line becomes broken before pulling out. Not obeying either of these rules could land you with an on the spot fine.
Children under 12 years of age must not travel in the front of a car in Spain unless the car is fitted with a suitably adapted seat belt restraint. This is a rule we don't have in the UK and when you and your family are enjoying a holiday it can be easily forgotten.
Should you break down in Spain a warning triangle is compulsory. This should be carried in the car at all times. If the car is Spanish registered you actually have to carry two so make sure your hire company has equipped the car with these before you leave the rental office. Similarly, high visibility vests need to be carried incase of breakdown. If you should be unlucky enough to breakdown on a motorway make sure you and your passengers don't sit in the vehicle on the hard shoulder. Leave the car with the hazard lights on and warning triangles set up at the appropriate distances away, sit safely on the grass verge until help arrives.
A 'green card' for driving in Spain is not compulsory but it's a good idea to advise your insurers of your intended trip. It's also a good idea to let your bank know that you are traveling abroad so that they don't put a hold on your card if transactions pop up in places they wouldn't expect and they think they might be fraudulent.
A vast majority of Spanish filling stations now accept credit cards out of hours I.e. between 12 pm and 3 pm, or late at night. However your card may not work as they are designed for Spanish credit cards only. Be sure to top up with fuel regularly and during shop opening hours to avoid running dry.
Always carry with you a new photo identity driver's license, your passport, vehicle registration certificate and relevant insurance documents from your hire company.
Having read all of these precursory 'do's and don'ts' try not to worry, driving in Spain is straight forward and really very similar to the UK. A Hire car is a fantastic way of enhancing your holiday experience, make sure you take full advantage of it and enjoy it to its fullest.
Car Hire Murcia Know the Rules
Driving in Spain is essentially not very different to how we drive in the UK, but here are a few pointers to make sure that you get the best from your hire car in Murcia and avoid any potential problems.
The main difference is that in Spain they drive on the Right hand side of the road. Be especially careful when setting off from petrol stations, service areas or any off road situations such as large car parks. Take time and remind yourself of this as it can easily be forgotten after driving in Spain for a few days.
If you're driving a UK registered car in Spain leave more room between yourself and the car in front when over taking. This gives a better view of the road ahead and should eliminate any problems you might have when trying to get around slow moving traffic. The best way to eradicate this problem is to hire a car in Murcia once you reach Spain.
Spain has far stricter drink driving regulations than the UK allowing only 0.5 milligrams of alcohol per milliliter of blood. In the UK we are used to 0.8 milligrams; it's even stricter for newly licensed drivers. Our suggestion is that if you're driving in Spain avoid any alcoholic drinks if you know you are going to be driving in the near future. By sticking to this precaution you can be sure not to run into any unforeseen problems with the local police force.
The main difference is that in Spain they drive on the Right hand side of the road. Be especially careful when setting off from petrol stations, service areas or any off road situations such as large car parks. Take time and remind yourself of this as it can easily be forgotten after driving in Spain for a few days.
If you're driving a UK registered car in Spain leave more room between yourself and the car in front when over taking. This gives a better view of the road ahead and should eliminate any problems you might have when trying to get around slow moving traffic. The best way to eradicate this problem is to hire a car in Murcia once you reach Spain.
Spain has far stricter drink driving regulations than the UK allowing only 0.5 milligrams of alcohol per milliliter of blood. In the UK we are used to 0.8 milligrams; it's even stricter for newly licensed drivers. Our suggestion is that if you're driving in Spain avoid any alcoholic drinks if you know you are going to be driving in the near future. By sticking to this precaution you can be sure not to run into any unforeseen problems with the local police force.
From the End of January for two months a City wide version of the Tate Modern takes place. Hosted in the cathedral, churches, existing galleries, and several of the outdoor squares in Murcia it's a must see for any art modern art aficionados. Don't panic you don't have to don a serious gaze for a day and dress solely in black whilst you try to comprehend what the artists are attempting to communicate, there are guided tours that will talk you through the works of local and international artists. With a flavor of our Turner prize expect to see all kinds of outlandish conceptual art.
Last years event displayed a piece "HORIZON MOINS VINGT (H-20)" by Laurent Tixador and Abraham Poincheval it was more of an adventure than a work of art. They dug an underground tunnel by hand of some twenty meters and filled them selves in as they went. It represented a conceptual 'underground mobile home'. With living space only a few meters in length and 166 cm high the two survived in the space for 20 days. They were supplied with fresh air during the 20 day excavation and were only in contact with the outside world via radios.
The best way to sample these festivities is undoubtedly with the use of a hire car. If you're determined not to miss anything and feeling a little more adventurous on your holiday you should definitely consider hiring a car.
Last years event displayed a piece "HORIZON MOINS VINGT (H-20)" by Laurent Tixador and Abraham Poincheval it was more of an adventure than a work of art. They dug an underground tunnel by hand of some twenty meters and filled them selves in as they went. It represented a conceptual 'underground mobile home'. With living space only a few meters in length and 166 cm high the two survived in the space for 20 days. They were supplied with fresh air during the 20 day excavation and were only in contact with the outside world via radios.
The best way to sample these festivities is undoubtedly with the use of a hire car. If you're determined not to miss anything and feeling a little more adventurous on your holiday you should definitely consider hiring a car.
The protected woodland of this part of Spain is packed with local game. If you get the opportunity gorge your self on the grilled rabbit, hare, partridge and quail.
The first day of festivities start with a blessing of Virgin of Fuensanta, the patron of the city. From here colorful floats travel around the city. My advice is to locate yourself at one of the many excellent tapas bars en route, enjoy a glass of the local Jumilla region wine and let the carnival atmosphere come to you.
The following Saturday the celebrations take a bizarre twist. Perhaps the most extraordinary festivity of the year it all involves the burning of a sardine effigy and marks the mourning and end of the festivity.
Brass bands, stilt walkers, Chinese dragons, dancers and marching precessions festoon the city streets to the sound of Spanish music. Partying goes on late into the night so be sure to take your best flamenco dancing shoes.
During September Mucia comes alive again to celebrate the City's patron saint La Virgen de la Fuensanta, parades, folk lore and pageants paint the perfect setting for this Autumnal festival.
Several smaller festivals, such as the pop music, film, bullfighting and Mediterranean folk lore festivals are incorporated in to the main festival, and take place in separate locations. Be sure to scourer the tourist information center so you don't miss anything. There are even performance pieces from Mucia's twin town of Lodz in Poland, the atmosphere is sure to be electric in this truly international festival.
The first day of festivities start with a blessing of Virgin of Fuensanta, the patron of the city. From here colorful floats travel around the city. My advice is to locate yourself at one of the many excellent tapas bars en route, enjoy a glass of the local Jumilla region wine and let the carnival atmosphere come to you.
The following Saturday the celebrations take a bizarre twist. Perhaps the most extraordinary festivity of the year it all involves the burning of a sardine effigy and marks the mourning and end of the festivity.
Brass bands, stilt walkers, Chinese dragons, dancers and marching precessions festoon the city streets to the sound of Spanish music. Partying goes on late into the night so be sure to take your best flamenco dancing shoes.
During September Mucia comes alive again to celebrate the City's patron saint La Virgen de la Fuensanta, parades, folk lore and pageants paint the perfect setting for this Autumnal festival.
Several smaller festivals, such as the pop music, film, bullfighting and Mediterranean folk lore festivals are incorporated in to the main festival, and take place in separate locations. Be sure to scourer the tourist information center so you don't miss anything. There are even performance pieces from Mucia's twin town of Lodz in Poland, the atmosphere is sure to be electric in this truly international festival.
Visit the Festivals in Murcia by Hire Car
For centuries an integral part of Spanish Culture has been the 'Fiesta,' and one of the best ways to fully immerse your self in authentic Spanish tradition is to visit one of these colorful, vibrant celebrations of life.
Sometimes it seems as if festivals run consecutively from one into the next, the Spanish really do love to celebrate. Here is a guide to ensure you don't miss the biggest and the best festivals in Murcia.
For confirmation of dates and listing of what may be happening it's best to contact Murcia's Tourist Information. Details of which can be found at the bottom of this page.
The Spring Festival in Murcia is held relatively quickly after Easter, it's an opportunity for all of the surrounding villages to come and dress in their local regional embroidered skirts and zaragüelles trousers. It's a festival to promote all of the market garden workers, a type of agriculture unique to this area of Spain. Like a display between male peacocks the villages take great pride in their appearance and compete in folk dancing, brightly colored floats adorn the streets and every available town square becomes a make shift market selling delicious traditional dishes of Murcia, be sure to try the "chuletas de cordero al ajo cabañil" A dish of succulent lamb chops served in a unique garlic
Sometimes it seems as if festivals run consecutively from one into the next, the Spanish really do love to celebrate. Here is a guide to ensure you don't miss the biggest and the best festivals in Murcia.
For confirmation of dates and listing of what may be happening it's best to contact Murcia's Tourist Information. Details of which can be found at the bottom of this page.
The Spring Festival in Murcia is held relatively quickly after Easter, it's an opportunity for all of the surrounding villages to come and dress in their local regional embroidered skirts and zaragüelles trousers. It's a festival to promote all of the market garden workers, a type of agriculture unique to this area of Spain. Like a display between male peacocks the villages take great pride in their appearance and compete in folk dancing, brightly colored floats adorn the streets and every available town square becomes a make shift market selling delicious traditional dishes of Murcia, be sure to try the "chuletas de cordero al ajo cabañil" A dish of succulent lamb chops served in a unique garlic
Murcia airport is located so conveniently close to La Manga that it has to be a first choice to anyone on holiday or staying at their property on the resort. Excellent transport links make hiring a car here a really sensible option. Leaving Murcia the A-30 is a quick and direct route on a good road that will take you to the La Manga resort.
When it comes to urban sprawl and development the Costa Calida compared to the Costa Blanca or Costa Almeria is relatively untouched, but where building has taken place great consideration has gone into the planning ensuring the resorts have been constructed in harmony with the natural features of the area. The attractive woodlands, golden beaches and crystal blue green seas, have all been conserved to maintain the original alluring charm of the area. The Calblanque nation park remains one of the least disturbed areas of conservation land, and it will stay protected there for future generations to enjoy. Recently The World Health Organisation decreed the Murcia Province the cleanest in Spain.
It is well worth considering this trip by hire car as you can take in the outstanding natural beauty of the Costa Calida at your own pace. Sample the scenic twisting coastal roads, and reach towns and villages of the region which might otherwise have been missed.
When it comes to urban sprawl and development the Costa Calida compared to the Costa Blanca or Costa Almeria is relatively untouched, but where building has taken place great consideration has gone into the planning ensuring the resorts have been constructed in harmony with the natural features of the area. The attractive woodlands, golden beaches and crystal blue green seas, have all been conserved to maintain the original alluring charm of the area. The Calblanque nation park remains one of the least disturbed areas of conservation land, and it will stay protected there for future generations to enjoy. Recently The World Health Organisation decreed the Murcia Province the cleanest in Spain.
It is well worth considering this trip by hire car as you can take in the outstanding natural beauty of the Costa Calida at your own pace. Sample the scenic twisting coastal roads, and reach towns and villages of the region which might otherwise have been missed.
After two million passengers traveled though Murcia San Javier airport last year a permanent expansion of the terminal was considered vital. In July of this year the work began. The €266 million Euro development is due to be completed in 2010 and will make Murcia airport the most suitable and convenient for anyone visiting La Manga.
Although a hire car is not essential around La Manga Club it can offer much more freedom than having to use busses and Taxis during your stay, not to mention a hire car can let you explore local Spanish towns and villages and Murcia. See our guide on "The Top 5 Places to Visit Around Murcia".
Many low cost airlines are now flying to Murcia San Javier airport Including Ryan Air, Easy Jet, My Travel Lite, Monarch, BMI baby and jet2. Ryan Air alone provides around five flights a day to Murcia from Stanstead and other regional airports.
Murcia airport still boast extremely easy access and a speedy service though the complex. The car collection point is still within a short walk from the terminus, and most of the larger car hire companies have offices on site at Murcia airport.
Although a hire car is not essential around La Manga Club it can offer much more freedom than having to use busses and Taxis during your stay, not to mention a hire car can let you explore local Spanish towns and villages and Murcia. See our guide on "The Top 5 Places to Visit Around Murcia".
Many low cost airlines are now flying to Murcia San Javier airport Including Ryan Air, Easy Jet, My Travel Lite, Monarch, BMI baby and jet2. Ryan Air alone provides around five flights a day to Murcia from Stanstead and other regional airports.
Murcia airport still boast extremely easy access and a speedy service though the complex. The car collection point is still within a short walk from the terminus, and most of the larger car hire companies have offices on site at Murcia airport.
Car Hire Murcia Where is Murcia Airport
Murcia San Javier Airport is located to the North West of La Manga approximately 20 minutes drive by hire car. To drive to Alicante from Murcia airport takes around 40 minutes.
In the past few years there has been a vast increase in the volume of commuters using this airport; Murcia saw a 22 percent increase in the number of passengers passing through the airport between 2006 and 2007, these were primarily passengers from the UK. However the airport has taken all the necessary measures to accommodate this influx of travelers. Property owners and holiday makers alike are now enjoying the convenience that Murcia Airport offers.
The Airport is located just outside of Murcia City, approximately a 10 minute drive, making any additions for on going expansion possible. In 2006 the recent temporary modernisations and expansions were finished adding over 1000 square meters to the arrivals area, the number of check-in desks was doubled, and two new baggage claim carrousels were added as well as offices for four new car hire companies.
In the past few years there has been a vast increase in the volume of commuters using this airport; Murcia saw a 22 percent increase in the number of passengers passing through the airport between 2006 and 2007, these were primarily passengers from the UK. However the airport has taken all the necessary measures to accommodate this influx of travelers. Property owners and holiday makers alike are now enjoying the convenience that Murcia Airport offers.
The Airport is located just outside of Murcia City, approximately a 10 minute drive, making any additions for on going expansion possible. In 2006 the recent temporary modernisations and expansions were finished adding over 1000 square meters to the arrivals area, the number of check-in desks was doubled, and two new baggage claim carrousels were added as well as offices for four new car hire companies.