This wonderful part of the Murcia Region is within easy reach of some fabulous things to do, from shopping to skiing, from hiking to mud baths, from water slides to monasteries, there is something for everyone!
Enjoy!
There are many Roman spa towns and villages such as Totana - famed for its Monastery and Sierra Espuña National Park, with its wild boars, stunning stock of trees and rare plant life. Clustered around this Magnificent Nature Reserve, there are the equally interesting towns of Alhama de Murcia, Aledo and Lorca. These are all between 35-40 minute drive from the Port of Mazarrón. Just a bit further inland, you can find the wonderful Valle de Ricote, and the town of Archena - famed for its Roman Spa with underground thermal pools which is around 1 hr 10 mins drive from Mazarrón.
SIERRA ESPUÑA NATIONAL PARK:
The Regional Park of Sierra Espuña contains Murcia's largest extensions of forest, as well as being one of its most best areas of outstanding natural beauty. Its lush green vegetation is due in large part to reforestation campaigns carried out towards the end of the 19th Century by Murcian philanthropist Ricardo Codorníu, known by the nickname the Tree Apostle.
The Regional Park of Sierra Espuña and its surroundings has become the first protected natural space of the Region of Murcia, supported by the European Charter of Sustainable Tourism, CETS.
Among the multiple points of interest within the Park you will be able to visit: Los Pozos de la Nieve, the Hermitage of la Santa, the Recreational areas of el Hilo and la Perdiz, the Valley of the Leyva, and the Forest House of La Carrasca, with good panoramic views and where is relatively easy to see the barbary sheep.
Flora - Aleppo, black and corsican pine, holm oak, almond tree, kermes oak, juniper berries, juniper, elm tree and buckthorn.
Fauna - Golden eagle, eagle owl, goshawk, sparrow hawk, partridge eagle, booted eagle, pilgrim hawk, tawny owl, squirrel of Espuña, wild boar and barbary sheep.
To see - National Hunting Reserve and old lime stone ovens.
Facilities – Visitor's and Management Centre, information points, Nature Classroom, recreational areas, shelters, lookout points and pathways. Lovers of hiking have a network of forest roads and paths which are closed to vehicles.
HOT SPRINGS:
Mazarrón is one of the best places to enjoy thermal waters in a rural setting, far from high-rise hotels. More specifically, in El Saladillo, with a short walk through the surrounding open land takes you to the thermal spring. An ancient volcanic flow provides a constant stream of water at 50 degrees, which flows into several splash pools and onward via several channels into the local Rambla. Immerse yourself in the health giving waters which are full of vitamins and minerals, leaving you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.
SHOPPING:
For a city shopping experience, the capital city of Murcia and historic naval port of Cartagena are just a 40-50 minute drive away from the Port with a variety of large shopping centres on the outskirts of both Murcia (Thader and Nueva Condomina and also IKEA) and Cartagena (Cenit Mall)
SPORTS & ACTIVITIES:
A variety of water sports, such as jet skiing, snorkelling and scuba diving as well as many walking groups. If you are looking for the nearest golf courses, you will have a 20/35-minute drive inland. And if you are looking for some winter snow or skiing you have Granada and its famed Sierra Nevada Slopes and the Alhambra Palace just a 2.5-hour drive away. Just before Murcia there is a water theme park and zoo for the younger at heart.
Terra Natura Murcia is just off the A30 in the north of Murcia city and the water slides which are open during the summer months, can be seen from the road! Terra Natura is a zoo whose main values are ed-ucation, conservation and research. The park is divided into two different habitats, Africa and the Iberian Peninsula, where visitors can meet and learn about more than 50 species. In addition, during the summer Aqua Natura Murcia is opened, which is a fabulous water park where fun is guaranteed for the whole family, having water pools, slides and activities for all ages and heights!
AIRPORTS:
The nearest airports from the Port are at Corvera (45 minutes) and Alicante (1hr 30 mins)
