Murcia, the capital of the
region, is located inland.
Cartagena
is the leading port in Murcia. Founded
by the Carthaginians in 221 BC and oriinally
named Carthago Nova, Cartagena has maintained
its importance through the centuries.
Its museum has excellent pre-Roman and
Roman collections that testify to the
transcendence of the great historical
role played by the city.
La
Costa Calida (The Warm Coast) rims the
region of Murcia. Its climate is particularly
temperate and it has fine-sand beaches.
Of special interest are the Mar Menor,
a salt-water lagoon that is part of the
Mediterranean and is especially apt for
certain water sports. Its most important
tourist centres are: Santiago de la Ribera,
La Manga del Mar Menor, Puerto de Mazarron,
Aguilas and Cartagena.
