Things to see and do on the Costa Calida

Whatever it is you like to spend your free time doing, you will find the choices endless on the Costa Calida, bustling cities, tranquil mountain villages, nature parks, exciting nightlife, extensive water sports or just enjoying the local markets.

As you are discovering the delights of the towns and villages you should find that each town has its own museum, telling the history of years gone by, you can learn about the local produce, fiestas and customs.

You will also find that most towns and villages hold weekly markets, selling fresh local fruit and vegetables and large selection of clothes and shoes, a perfect way to start practising your Spanish and meeting some of the locals.

Caravaca de la Cruz

Caravaca de la Cruz, is a holy town, sharing this with only four other towns in the world, being Rome, Jerusalem, Santiago de Compostela and Santo Toribo de Liebana. In 1998 The Pope awarded Caravac Things to dode la Cruz the Jubilee Year. Meaning the town can celebrate the Holy Year every seven years at the Chapel of La Vera Cruz, the next celebration being in 2010. Despite being small in size, another very important monument in Caravaca is the Temple of the Holy Cross, where the relic is bathed each year on 3 May during the celebration of the popular Festivities of The Holy Cross. Another popular "fiesta" is los Caballos del Vino (Wine horses), in commemoration of a tradition that took place in the 13th century. On that date, the Christian besieged in the fortress by the Arabs managed to break the siege and search for water. When they failed to find any water, they returned to the fortress with the wineskins on their horses filled with wine. The commemoration consists in decoratively harnessed horses galloping up the steep slopes to the Castle. Together with the Moor and Christian processions, these are the main events in the festive calendar of Caravaca. The Uribe Palace (16th century) holds the Festivals.

Alhambra Palace in Granada

The Alhambra Palace in Granada is approximately 1 and a half hours drive from Lorca and is well worth the drive. Situated in the province of Andalucia the Alhambra Palace is the most visited attraction in Spain. The Moorish Palace and Gardens are set up high over the town of Granada and is truly an unforgettable experience. At the ticket desk you are advised to hire a guided tour headset which tells of the history and stories of the Palace in English. Ticket sales are restricted to the morning, afternoon or evening and you are advised to pre book tickets, for further information on booking a ticket to the Alhambra Palace www.alhambra-patronato.es has up to date information regarding opening hours and prices.

Lorca

Lorca is described a `the baroque city' due to its strong heritage in the historical centre. With historical churches, palaces, monuments and works of art. The first phase of the town hall was built in 1678 and was previously a prison with the remainder of the building completed in 1739, today the town hall contains a selection of paintings by local artists and six huge canvas depicting local battles. The Guevara Palace is one of the most Things to doimportant baroque buildings in the town of Lorca, being owned by the Guervara family. The inside of the palace has kept its 18th century feel especially the Venetian chairs and carved gilt mirror found in the dance hall. Amongst the outbuildings you will find the Sala Chemist in its original state dating from 1896, complete with carved oak furniture and shelves full of original medicines and ointments all made by the local chemist. The townspeople in Lorca are welcoming and hospitable. The history of Lorca has been preserved in many of the town's museums, all of which are open to the public, visit the Archaeological Museum, Regional Crafts Centre or the Embroidery Museum. Lorca Castle dominates and overlooks the town, this Moorish fort was built between the 13th and 15th Century and its two towers that are still conserved today.

The City of Murcia

The City of Murcia, founded in 831 by Abd-Al-Rahman II in the centre of the valley of the River Segura. As you walk around the city you will see the importance that the Arab rule achieved, with many parts of the original city wall visible. The city wall originally measured 15 meters in height with a total of 95 towers. The Christian city has also left a significant mark in Murcia as it stands today. It was from the 16th century and more so the 18th century that Murcia has achieved the splendour that has lead to the growth outside the original city walls. During this time was when the many baroque churches were built, the churches include Le Merced, San Miguel, Santa Ana, Las Claras, Santo Domingo, Santa Eulalia and San Juan de Dios, collectively these churches host an important heritage for the City of Murcia with pictorial and sculptured works, of which the most notable produced by Fransisco Salzillo. Of all the religious buildings in Murcia the most famous and important is the Cathedral containing gothic elements such as La Puerta de los Apóstoles and La Capilla de los Vélez. The Cathedral showcases a mixture of Things to doarchitecture; renaissance architecture can bee seen on the Junerón Chapel and examples of Baroque architecture can be seen in the impressive façade, conceived as a gigantic altarpiece by Jaime Bort. The tower measuring 92 meters in height and was built in stages during the 16th and 18th century. As you walk around the streets and the squares of the city you will also see wonderful examples of 19th century architecture such as The Town Hall, The Victoria Hotel, The Tomea Theatre and particularly the Casino. The décor within the Casino is of great interest with a dance hall, neo-nazarí patio (13th-15th century Muslim dynasty in Granada) as well as the façade which was decorated by wonderful sculptures. The city has many museums were much of the historic splendour is on display, such as the Archaeological Museum, The Fine Arts Museum or the Salzillo Museum. The Hydraulic Museum offers another example, just like the bridges that cross the river and particularly the Old Bridge, of the close relationship that exists between Murcia and the River Segura.

The Sierra Espuna National Park

The Sierra Espuna National Park - Murcia's largest forest as well as being of outstanding natural beauty. The beauty and stature of this park is mainly due to the work and reforestation campaigns carried out during the 19th century by The Tree Apostle, The Murcian Philanthropist Ricardo Codorníu.

Aledo

Aledo, located in the Sierra Espuna National Park, in an area of outstanding scenic beauty, making it the perfect place for nature lovers to visit and enjoy. Aledo is rich in ceramic and pottery making tradition and maintains many of the local natural recourses and old arts. During the Islamic period Aledo was converted into a fortress until the 12th century when it was taken by troops led by Rodrigo Diaz de Vivar (better known as "El Cid"). Among the historical buildings and monuments, look out for the 11th Century Calahorra Tower, La Picota which was once used as a jail and the place of execution for outlaws. The Baroque works of art and sculptures by Salzillo are also on show through out this village in particular in the Church of Santa Maria.

Totana

Totana also located within the Sierra Espuna National Park, a welcoming town also famous for its pottery. The Church of Santiago built in 1553 is opposite the 17th Century fountain by Juan de Uteza contructed in Black and pink jasper. Seven kilometres away from Totana takes you through orchards, palm groves and pine woods to Ermita de la Santa, a tuscan style building with houses one of the finest examples of Medéjar craft centre in Spain.