What to do in Murcia

The Region of Murcia combines Mediterranean coastline and inland mountains in a relatively compact space. Mar Menor is the largest saltwater lagoon in Europe: 135 km² of water with an average depth of 4 metres, generating almost always calm sailing conditions. Windsurfing and kitesurfing schools are established at La Manga, and the seabeds are a reference for introductory diving: visibility of 10 to 15 metres with lagoon fauna, different from the open Mediterranean. The inflow of open sea water has transformed the ecosystem in recent years — a topic guides and dive centres address during their dives. Inland, Sierra Espuña reaches 1,583 m and has more than 200 km of hiking and mountain biking trails. The natural park concentrates cross-country and downhill trails around Collado Mangueta. Outside the park, the peach-blossom cycling route (Cieza, February–March) combines road and track through flowering orchards: it is one of the most striking rides in the region. Calblanque Regional Park, to the southeast, is the most accessible wild-beach reserve in the region: no development, with coastal paths between pine forest and cliff, and several dive sites with gorgonians around the headlands. The contrast between the dry heat of the interior and the sea breeze on the coast means it is possible to do very different activities in a single day.