A Bit of Nature and A Bit Of Kiss Me Quick!

By Tom Tansey

In this and the next edition of the Chronicle, we are offering holidaymakers ideas for day trips and half-day trips around the region of Murcia and beyond.

As a dad to three kids and having lived here for almost six years, I’ve managed to keep the kids amused, interested or simply occupied with all of these places at some time or other, and would recommend them all. However, whilst not all of our destinations will be specifically for children, I shall indicate which are more suitable for families. None of our destinations will be more than a 90 minute drive from the heart of Murcia and I have tried to combine coastal destinations with those more inland, so you can get a true flavour of our wonderful region. I shall also combine a bit of nature with the more ‘kiss me quick’ options.

Before we start some words of warning. Heat! If you’re out here on your jollies, you must pay respect to the great big tanning lamp in the sky.

• If on a day trip, never sit in the sun for more than a few minutes without protection. Always carry a bottle of high-protection sun lotion and top it up regularly.
• You’re on your holidays, you can get away with wearing a daft hat; it’s part of the fun, but don’t forget that daft hat could be a lifesaver as it gives your head vital protection from the sun.
• Finally, drink loads of water, as dehydration can cause heat stroke; a real medical emergency that can be fatal if not properly and promptly treated.

Honestly folks, if there’s one way to ruin your hols, it’s not respecting the sun. Serious burns and heat stroke can affect anyone, can land you in hospital, and as I write the Spanish met. office is warning us of a hot summer ahead, so please take care.

OK, so where do I suggest you go?

Well, I’m going to start off with the daddy of holiday destinations in this part of the world, and whilst it lies outside of the region of Murcia, it would be daft not to mention Benidorm. I live in the south of the region and can get to Benidorm in 90 minutes by car, from Cartagena. I estimate about an hour and a quarter straight up the A7. Anyway, it’s a full day trip, but one worth doing.

Famous for all the wrong reasons, Benidorm is, in fact, in the main, a rather stylish resort, patronised as much by Spaniards as northern Europeans, so don’t be put off by the sleazy stereotypes purveyed by the eponymous sit-com, amusing though it was. The beaches are magnificent, and to the west of the town, beyond the Old Town, lies the Poniente beach, a huge crescent of spotless, finely combed sand, which tends to be quieter than its more brash (but great nevertheless) cousin, the Levante. When we go to Benidorm, we park ourselves on the Poniente and perhaps head only to the Levante for a stroll along its always interesting paseo (promenade) via the Old Town. In the Old Town, you will find some absolutely brilliant tapas bars and restaurants, if you’re keen to avoid the many fast-food outlets. We tend to avoid the ‘Brit corner’ around Rincon de Loix because it’s just not our cup of tea, but for some it’s fun!

Actually, it might be worth missing the beaches altogether, as Benidorm has some great theme parks which the whole family can enjoy. The main four are Aqualandia (a water theme park, better than its competitors in Vera and Murcia), Mundomar (Marine and exotic bird park), Terranatura (wildlife park) and the mighty Terra Mítica, Europe’s largest theme park, with shows and incredible rides. None of theme are cheap, but discounts are available on line (www.benidorm-spotlight.com), in various promotions in the press, through supermarkets, toll-booths and leaflets given out in Benidorm.

From chalk to cheese, I now want you to think about nature at its most simple and beautiful, which we have in abundance but a 30 minute drive from both Mazarrón and Cartagena in the Parque Natural de Sierra Espuña. The Sierra Espuña is a stunning mountain park between the towns of Alhama de Murcia and Totana. Created by the ‘tree apostle’, Ricardo Codorníu at the end of the 19th century, the Espuña is almost completely forested with pine and is in fact taller than any mountain in the UK.
A great ½ day out is a drive over the mountain starting in Alhama de Murcia, stopping for lunch at the Restaurante Fuente del Hilo (or as we know it the ‘Wild Boar’ - closed Mondays & Tuesdays. Tel. 968 43 92 23) near to the visitors centre, where there is information on walks, from the simple to the more tricky. Alternatively there are many picnic spots (no BBQ’s or fires EVER at this time of year) and if you’re lucky you will see eagles and other large birds, wild boar (javalí - very tasty they are too!), and wild mountain goats, muflones. Take your camera! The roads are fine, if obviously somewhat narrow and winding, but the summit is off bounds to visitors.

You can exit the park at the south-western end near to the village of Aledo (with its wonderful viewpoint), taking in the monastery of Santa Eulalia (a beautifully peaceful and spiritual place, and great tapas), the huge statue of Christ (where on a clear day you can see the coast some 40kms away) and the town of Totana (great ice-cream in the town square). My kids love the mountains and eating outdoors, but it is a long half-day in the car, which necessitates regular stops. The ice cream at the end is usually a winner.

My final recommendation for family fun this month is the Meta Riding Centre, near Los Ventorillos, Alhama de Murcia on the MU603, El Palmar-Mazarrón road.

Here, Liz and daughter Veronica, together with Spanish riding instructor Inma, will welcome you to their centre which has facilities for 8 horses, an arena and a terrace area with refreshments and snacks. The horses vary in size depending on the rider’s needs and the team at Meta offer a range of options depending on what you or the kids fancy. The Pony Club starts at 9.30am and offers children the full 4-hour Meta experience of grooming, tacking up and a riding lesson too.

Alternatively, a one-hour riding class from a qualified instructor includes mounting, and dealing with balance and helping overcome any fears the rider might have. Walks through the centre’s nearby orange groves can be accompanied or unaccompanied depending on the rider’s abilities and families of all ages, from grandparents to small children, are welcome.

Meta also offers riding for people with disabilities. For more information call Liz on 636 17 21 98.