The Rich Phoenician and Arab History of Murcia

Murcia is located on the south east corner of the Iberian Peninsula, approximately 65 kilometres south of Alicante on the Costa Blanca. The city is strategically situated between the regions of Valencia, Andalusia and Castile La Mancha. Though it is normally called Murcia Airport, the airport is actually based in a town called San Javier which is approximately 20 kilometres south of the Murcia.

Over the last few years, Murcia Airport has become busier, thanks to the arrival of several low-cost airlines. According to the Spanish airport authorities, Aena, passenger numbers have jumped from less than 100,000 in 1995 to a staggering 1,6 million passengers in 2006. Flying to Murcia - San Javier from the UK gives one the choice of several different airlines offering regular, scheduled flights from 16 different UK airports with low cost carriers such as EasyJet, Ryanair or Monarch Airlines.

Although the airport is on the Costa Calida, it also lends itself well to people travelling to the southern tip of the Costa Blanca, particularly resort towns such as Torrevieja or La Manga del Mar Menor. It is also conveniently situated for people travelling to several of the provinces of Andalusia like Almeria or Granada. This may be on of the main reasons for the popularity of the Murcia airport.

The province of Murcia is characterized by its rich Phoenician and Arab history of commerce and agriculture. Murcia is irrigated by the Rivers Segura, Murdo and Sangonera which create ideal farming conditions for the many citrus orchards. In contrast the area also has expanses of dry, arid land where olives and vines thrive. Excellent wineries have developed near the towns of Yecla, Bullas and Jumilla.

The Mediterranean coastline of Murcia runs from the beach of El Mojon in the north to the beach of La Carolina in the town of Aguilas to the south. The beaches are complimented by a wide choice of hotels, restaurants, golf courses and everything a holiday-maker could wish for. All along the coast, there are peaceful resorts and charming traditional fishing villages, with the only truly major towns being Torrevieja and the historical port of Cartagena.

If you’re travelling to Murcia then you will find that you can get around much better if you hire a car. It’s very reasonable to hire a car in Murcia, when you compare this to the cost of public transport.

If you choose to use a car hire, you can arrange for these services at the airport. It is a good idea, though, to make the reservation before you leave home to ensure a car is available and get the best price. Although there are a lot of car rental companies offering their services at San Javier airport if you want the most convenient rental service make sure to check if the car hire company offers an on airport collection, because only a restricted number of companies can be found in the main terminal building. Sometimes their services may be a little bit more expensive due to the airport taxes they include in there rates, but occasionally you may be able to get a cheap rental car at Murcia airport.

but of course you can contact them ahead of time and make your reservation. If you intend to travel a lot in the Murcia region, a car hire company may be the best option to choose.

Polaris World Golf Resorts - Living the Polaris World Dream in Murcia

The Murcia Region of Spain is one of the most beautiful, nature endowed and highly privileged areas in Spain. Living in Murcia can give you a taste of what it is like to live in the Mediterranean and to live amongst beautiful sceneries.

Polaris World

Polaris World is a leading property company that offers you the most ideal living conditions and ambience. The atmosphere of relaxation and security and the high quality lifestyle while enjoying the mild Mediterranean climate and practicing your favourite sport - all these are found in Polaris World and more!

There are currently 12 Polaris World Golf Resorts that have all been intricately designed, landscaped and constructed. Each resort offers an entirely different type of property to suit your every need. While some golf resorts offer apartments, others offer villas and townhouses, or a combination of both.

Central to the feature of each resort are a comprehensive town centre and a Jack Nicklaus designed golf course with comprehensive sports facilities. Three out of 12 resorts house magnificent 5-star hotels from the Intercontinental Hotel Group, each of which is fully equipped with all the amenities that you need.

To give you an idea of what you can expect, let us go through some of the resorts developed by Polaris World. For a full list of Polaris World Resorts why not visit our site Polaris World UK

Mar Menor Golf Resort

Mar Menor Golf Resort is just a 10 minute drive from the San Javier Murcia International Airport and 5 minutes away from the amazing beaches of Mar Menor. It houses a wide range of properties and facilities to include townhouses, villas, apartments, an 18-hole golf course, a 5-star hotel, clubhouse, spa, sports centre, pools, shops, restaurants and bar.

Mar Menor is very ideal for those looking for a second home or those wanting to settle right under the Spanish sunshine.

La Torre Golf Resort

La Torre Golf Resort is also superbly located with easy access to the beach, towns (such as Murcia’s historic) and the airport. The resort is built around a beautiful lake with its town centre bustling with cafes, pubs, and international restaurants. A luxury hotel is also situated in this resort complete with spas, fitness centres and sports facilities.

The Polaris World Hospital and International School run by King’s College is located here. La Torre is definitely a world class all around resort that can appeal to holidaymakers and relocators alike.

El Valle Golf Resort

El Valle Golf Resort is Polaris World’s flagship project which also features an 18 hole Jack Nicklaus designed golf course with fine selection of a varied homes, luxury apartments and villas. This pueblo style resort also includes a 5-star restaurant, high class boutiques, bars, sports facilities, restaurants, and a sophisticated business centre.

El Valle is ideal for that 5-star golfing treat and proves to be the resort of choice for most people.

Hacienda Riquelme Golf Resort

Hacienda Riquelme Golf Resort features a golf course surrounded by the beautiful, awe-inspiring countryside of Murcia. It sits right next to countryside villages where you experience the most peaceful side of Spain.

Hacienda Riquelme features a variety of golf apartments and penthouses, built around a 200-year resort Hacienda owned by the Riquelme family which has been restored and converted. As in the other resorts, Hacienda Riquelme is home to premier facilities.

It offers you magnificent retreat from the hustles of city life, while enjoying your favourite sport at your disposal.

La Loma Golf Resort

La Loma Golf Resort is effectively the centre sporting facility of Polaris World Resorts. It includes a 9-hole golf course, football pitches, Olympic size pools, tennis courts, highly extensive facilities for sports training, as well as a sports academy and physiotherapy centre.

The magnificently designed homes that were designed to take most advantage of light and space, are unique with their open-plan living feature.

La Loma is best for sporting enthusiasts or those who would simply like to settle in a home with extraordinary architectural features.

Terrazas de La Torre

Aside from the special amenities found in all Polaris World resorts, Terrazas de La Torre Golf Resort features golf view apartments built right around two lakes and pools. NEWLEY RELEASED - Islas de Las Terrazas is a new island development set within the Las Terrazas de La Torre resort. All properties are set on two islands overlooking the lake and golf course.

Condado de Alhama Golf Resort

The Condado de Alhama, on the other hand, offers a unique living space consisting of independent group of resorts, with each being uniquely designed and bearing its own identity. It is built around three Nicklaus golf courses, two of which are considered Bears Best.

With all the descriptions above, you may have an idea by now of the kind of atmosphere and the type of life one can enjoy in Polaris World Golf Resorts. All developments and properties built by Polaris World come with an insurance of ten years against any form of structural defect that can plague your property.

Buying a property with Polaris World translates to buying a property that has been carefully designed to fit your every need, want and preference. Well known architects Jose de Yturbe and Melvin Villaroel have both designed quality and functional architecture beautifully integrated right into the amazing Mediterranean landscape and scenery.

Polaris World goes beyond providing holiday homes and residential abodes right beside breath-taking sceneries. They seek to provide quality living in all aspects to make you and all their clients’ way of life easier, more comfortable, healthier and better. They have integrated medical and health services, educational facilities, supermarkets, banks, cinemas, hair salons and practically all that you will ever need to have conveniently located in your area of residence. An in-house telecommunications company has also been created to enable clients to be well-connected locally and internationally through various channels to include television, telephone, and Internet connectivity.

Every home, whatever the design or architectural feature, offers you quality living conditions right next to the best golf courses that can not be found elsewhere. Effortless security, world-class Nicklaus signature golf courts, amazing scenery, unmatched satisfaction, leisure, superb services, superior accessibility, convenient town centres, excellent planning, design and architecture, high quality of living, ideal conditions, great weather - these are just some reasons why you should not think twice about buying a Polaris World Property. Everything you need and want is in here. Discover the wonders of Polaris World Golf Resorts and discover a new way of life that can only be enjoyed in this corner of the world.

New Prestigious Golf Resort in Murcia, Spain

Located in incomparable natural surroundings at the foothills of the Sierra de Santa Ana in the countryside of Murcia and overlooked by the magnificent castle of Jumilla, lies the new prestigious Golf Resort El Castillo in Murcia, Spain. This exclusive gated development is located around a splendid 9 hole golf course where you will be able to enjoy the benefits of a luxury resort, the tranquillity of the mountains of Jumilla, a luxury property in Spain and of course, the enjoyment of your favourite sport of golf in this beautiful climate. Here you will find everything you would expect from a prestigious luxury golf development.

This beautiful property development is located just a 5 minute drive away from the town of Jumilla, a town rich in history and culture and where still many of its tracks of evolution are there for you to see. The town has many ancient and historic monuments. The prestigious development is nestled in an enclave of nature in an important wine tradition region and the landscape provides a haven for nature enthusiasts, where you can enjoy the beauty of the flora and wild fauna of the Sierra Larga, Sierra El Carche (a Redional Nature Reserve), Sierra del Buey and Siera de Santa Ana, amongst others.

The resort has been designed to blend in with its stunning location and for you, the home owner to enjoy the natural surroundings. The extensive open areas provide ample space for you to walk in and enjoy nature. The buildings reflect the local style of architecture and the quality of the materials used are notable in the construction. Architectural design of these luxury properties has been based upon the optimization of space, the advantage of natural light and in keeping in harmony with the surroundings. The superb finishes reflects the care taken in conforming to local architectural guidelines. Fittings include solid pine or oak doors, fully fitted kitchen including refrigerator, extractor fan, dishwasher, cooker, sink and electric oven, first quality floor and wall tiles, fitted wardrobes in all bedrooms, pre-installation for air conditioning

The superb golf course has been designed by the very prestigious company Sierra Clara which is based in Huelva (Spain). The company are renowned for their environmental friendly design, for instance, Golf Dunas de Doñana. The course will also house a driving range and a clubhouse.

In addition to the magnificent golf course, El Castillo will have many other superb facilities making it one of the top resorts in the area: there will be an equestrian centre of thoroughbred Spanish horses. The centre will have a riding school, have planned excursions and will also offer stabling facilities. Sports areas will be scattered around the development and there are plans to build at least one paddle course, two tennis courts and a badminton court, basketball court and several communal swimming pools. Children’s’ play areas will be built in green areas around the development, with soft rubber flooring and games especially designed for children will be spread around the golf course. There will be a commercial centre with a range of bars, restaurants, shops and other facility and medical services. There will also be a luxury hotel offering first class accommodation to guests and visitors to the resort.

These new luxury homes are a superb investment and are conveniently located. The airports of Alicante (El Altet) is just a 1 hour and 15 minute drive away and Murcia (San Javier) a 1 hour drive. A new airport at Corvera which will further improve international links is currently under construction and is expected to be completed in 2009. The beautiful blue flag beaches of the Costa Blanca and Costa Calida can be reached within the hour. A new high-speed rail link that is currently under construction will connect Jumilla with Madrid, Barcelona and Seville.

The developers of this new golf development is comprised of a highly qualified team with more than 30 years experience in the construction sector and in the promotion of luxury homes. A complete design and decoration service is also available. Whatever the preferences, these will be taken care of in order to adapt homes to the most exquisite taste, whether it be modern, classic, Mediterranean or rustic.

These properties are a must if you are looking for an investment on a golf course or if you are looking for a luxury property in Spain.

Murcia Invests Out of Downturn and Into Tourism Upturn

Economic downturns always have negative consequences but their effects are not always wholly bad in the long run. As business gets increasingly competitive, the importance of staying ahead of the game becomes an ever greater priority. When it comes to the travel and tourism industry, the importance of attracting new and existing customers can act as a focus for action in difficult times. The cloud of downturn may result in the silver lining of a better managed local tourism industry, easing short term difficulties and enabling significant benefits over time.

Such is the thinking of the authorities in the Spanish province of Murcia, who have decided to invest large sums to improve and modernise transport infrastructure in the area. In addition to the economic benefits of increased spending like higher employment, it is expected the improvements being made will boost tourism trade in the long term. One of the key aims of Murcia’s local government is to increase access to the area, located in south east of the country on the Mediterranean coast.

Although the authorities are not complacent about the various attractions on offer throughout the province, they believe their most important and pressing task is to improve the logistics of travel, making entry, exit and movement within easier. This will greatly help and support their efforts to improve visitor numbers and improve the experience visitors to Murcia will have. Although things to do in the sunny province are wide in range, the authorities have concluded that they will not be sufficient on their own unless better and easier transportation is made available.

As attractions are spread throughout the 4,500 square mile area, infrastructure improvements leave no transport mode or area neglected, spanning road, rail and air. Culturally, the province boasts museums, monuments, exhibitions and theatres. Being a seaside area, there are beaches, spas, footpaths and caves as well as architectural areas. Sporting facilities also include golf courses, enable water sports such as yachting and also allow adventure tourism. In addition to restaurants, cinemas, casinos and bullrings there are also an array of shopping centres and markets. A dedicated and concerted effort to improve access to these attractions will be vital to the continued and improved success of the Murcian tourism industry.

200 million Euros will be spent from central Government funds on improving motorways running through Murcia. In addition, the provincial Government is spending 8.7 million Euros improving roads linking the port town of Campo de Cartagena with the Mar Menor lagoon, home to the greatest natural lake in Spain.

One of the key reasons behind the improvement to the road network is the new airport being built at Corvera, 20 miles from the coast. Murcia airport, a 266 million Euro project, is under construction right now and is expected to be fully operational by winter 2010. The large amount of money being invested illustrates the importance the authorities attach to the role of air transport as part of the regional travel industry. The existing airport, situated further away, has shown a year on year increase in passenger numbers of over 20 per cent. It is hoped the new airport at Corvera will be better able to serve the tourism needs of the region as a whole, largely aided by the recent and ongoing road improvements.

Added to road and air is rail. The planned new AVE network, which stands for ‘Spanish High Speed’, already runs trains in parts of the country at speeds of up to 186 miles per hour on dedicated track. The ‘Mediterranean Arc’ phase of this national rail project will connect the capital Madrid with Valencia, Alicante, Murcia and Almeria and is expected to be completed in 2009. The replacement of dilapidated cars with new, high speed trains will boost passenger numbers and cut journey times, enabling better access to the area and other parts of the country.

Such improvements to Murcia’s accessibility will boost visitor numbers, local tourism trade and demand for accommodation in both the short and long term. Mike Hamilton, Sales Director of local developer Casas de Lorca comments, ‘The improvements to transportation around Murcia are hugely important to the continued and growing success of the area as a tourism destination. These developments will ensure increasing numbers of people will be able access the rich plethora of history, culture, attractions and activities that characterise the province. Over the next few years the effect on sales and rental demand for property and accommodation in towns such as Lorca will be profound, not least because it will be even easier to get to and from.’

Lorca is found in the Spanish province of Murcia and is a town full of cultural and historical features including museums, churches and a castle. Lorca is called the city of the sun and has many leisure facilities such as a theatre, cinema and hosts many concerts and festivals throughout the year.

The Casas de Lorca villas are only a twenty minute drive away and the location of these villas enables stunning panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Each classic designed villa has an astonishing 5 acres of land which brings to Spain a new concept in real privacy and lifesytle. There are three airports within an hours drive and high speed trains mean links to Madrid are very popular too.

Casa Cordoba is a classic Andalucian styled 3 or 4 bedroom villa uniquely built around an internal glass walled courtyard. The views through the living room and the high tower fill the villa with lots of light and provide stunning views of the surrounding countryside. Prices start from £236,900 / €319,000.

Magnificent Murcia - The Undiscovered Spanish Holiday Hotspot

Just when you thought that every aspect and area of Spain had been explored, every secret delight of this stunning European nation had been uncovered and that each pristine beach, vibrant city and cultural and historic sight had been seen, the Spanish authorities announce that a brand new international airport is to be constructed in a hidden corner of secret Spain.

This new airport will open up the skies and indeed the entire region of magnificent Murcia to a global audience, revealing a brand new holiday hotspot in one of the leading travel and tourism destinations in the world for us all to explore and enjoy.

The autonomous region of Murcia is tucked away in a lesser known and once secluded part of south-eastern Spain. It has a fabulous Mediterranean coastline, an enviably attractive climate, a vibrantly exciting regional capital city, the largest saltwater lake in Europe, a wealthy cultural heritage, property prices well below the national norm and now, emerging and soon to be booming tourism and real estate markets.

If you’re seeking a brand new Spanish holiday hotspot or if you’re looking for a corner of Spain in which you can live, retire or invest in property whilst remaining confident in the knowledge that you’re getting in ahead of the rest, Murcia will be your destination of choice in 2008, and here are the top five reasons why: -

1) The region of Murcia will see construction of its international airport begin in 2008 with construction time estimated to take just two years. The region’s councillor for public works, housing and transport, José Ballesteros, is said to be confident that the airport’s private owned status will mean that it can attract low cost airlines and provide travellers with low flight costs and greater flexibility compared to state owned airports. It is understood that Mr. Ballesteros has already been in meetings with the lower cost European carriers such as Ryanair, Air Europa, Air France, Iberia and TUI which bodes exceptionally well for the likely number of tourism arrivals that the region can expect when the airport comes online as early as 2010.

Current predictions for the increase in arrivals that the new airport will bring to Murcia are in the region of 1.5 million passengers when the airport opens, increasing to over 5 million by 2015 - and if you’re going to be one of these passengers you will benefit from easy and affordable access to one of Spain’s most beautiful and unspoiled regions.

2) Murcia embodies diversification in terms of the travel and holiday experience it can offer its visitors. From the fabulous Mediterranean coastline with its soft sandy beaches, pretty fishing villages and inimitably evocative ocean views, to the mountainous and rural interior where the landscape is stunning, the climate is perfect and the lifestyle is so life-enhancing and laid back. Whatever type of holiday location you prefer, you will find it in Murcia.

3) Not only can Murcia offer visitors a laid back holiday location, it is home to a city of the same name where holidaymakers and residents alike are treated to a vibrant and positive atmosphere and where they can enjoy an exciting café, bar and restaurant scene, where they can indulge in fantastic retail therapy or take in the historic attractions of everything from the world famous Santa Maria Cathedral in Murcia to the Almudí Palace, from the Monteagudo Castle to the Ramón Gaya Museum in the Plaza Catalina.

4) Property prices in Murcia have completely defied the national norm in recent months. Whereas prices for homes in many of the most well known areas of Spain have declined in the last twelve months, prices in Murcia have continued to rise steadily at about 4% year on year At the same time, it is worth noting that the Kyero.com Spanish House Price Index records the median price of a home in Murcia as lying well below the national average, proving that there is plenty of room for price growth over the coming years. Interest in property for sale in Murcia has been increasing ever since talk about the proposed airport began. Now that construction of the airport has been given the go ahead, local developers are witnessing a strong increase in interest. Mike Hamilton, Director of Casas de Lorca a highly regarded real estate development company in Murcia, recently commented on his personal predictions for real estate in the region in light of the airport announcement:

“My predictions for the coming year are for a gradual rise in demand. Murcia is one of the fastest growing regions in Spain anyway, and a new international airport will further drive growth. The supply of property in the holiday home market has increased over the last 3 years and demand had been struggling to keep up. Therefore prices are currently very attractive but should naturally begin to rise towards the end of the year as demand begins to take over supply. The demand in the retirement or early retirement market still vastly outweighs the supply so I predict prices will increase more in this sector. This is where Spain is still a firm favourite versus emerging countries. So far in 2008 we have seen business more than quadruple and 90% of our clients are looking for properties to relocate to. We are looking forward to a very good year.”

5) Murcia is affordable, it is about to become highly accessible, it has the best climate in Spain, it is not over developed, it is rich in culture, history, heritage, gastronomy, nature, sport and leisure. It is a region in which to live, to retire, to enjoy a holiday and what’s more, it is one of the corners of Spain where there is still a buoyant property market, where prices remain affordable, where the real estate for sale is expansive and exclusive and where an investment made today could well reap significant dividends, gains and yields over the short to medium term.

Whether your interest in Spain lies in finding a hidden corner in which to lay your hat and find a home or in holidaying in a highly exciting emerging destination, Murcia embodies the realisation of all your personal interests. It is quite possibly the final part of Spain to be made so much more accessible thanks to the new international airport, and it is certainly a region of this beautiful nation that should not be overlooked or ignored for a moment longer. Discover the real Spain, visit Murcia.

Exciting New Golf and Sports Resort Planned for Murcia, Spain

At approximately 5000 acres, the Marina de Cope near Aguilas in Murcia, Spain is destined to be the largest tourist resort development in Europe.

The declassification of up to 27,000 acres of Spanish coastline has paved the way for this, the ultimate tourist destination - encompassing 22,000 hotel beds, 9,000 residential units, five golf courses and a vast 69 acre marina that can accommodate up to 2,000 boats.

The Marina de Cope also promises two mixed-use town centers, village entertainment district, cultural civic center and a prestige sports complex which, in addition to the five golf courses, will offer tennis, soccer, cricket and polo. Construction will begin in 2007 and is scheduled to be completed by 2022. Upon completion, the Marina de Cope project will bring the largest transformation to the Murcia region in recent times.

The Marina de Cope project happens to coincide with the opening recently of a new dual carriageway, the AP-7 (Autopista del Mediterraneo), hugging the Mediterranean coastline between Cartagena in Murcia and Vera in Almeria.

Also in 2007 the tender was awarded to build Murcia/Costa Calida’s new international airport, just 15km south of the city of Murcia in Corvera. This international airport is expected to be operational by 2010 according to the regional President of Murcia, Ramon Luis Valcarcel. And is expected to be used by one and a half million passengers during its first year of operation, although that is expected to triple in the short to mid term

Already, four low-cost airlines which currently operate out of San Javier (Ryanair, Jet2, Easyjet and Air Berlin) will transfer operations over to the new Murcia International Airport in Corvera when it opens in 2010.

There’s absolutely no doubt that exciting times are ahead for the Murcia/Costa Calida region of Spain.