La Union

This old market town stands in the south-east of Spain boasting a yearly average temperature of 17 degrees centigrade and warm winters.  The sun shines 320 days a year and the hottest time being July and August which can reach 40 degrees centigrade plus!

La Union’s history is mining.  In their day, the people of La Union mined metals such as lead, iron, zinc and silver from the mountains that surround you.  Today, there are many left over sights that bear the scars of a mining era.

Mining no longer is the main income for La Union and is turning itself towards the tourist industry and is investing money into the town.  Here are a few things to see and do in La Union.

We hope you enjoy your stay.

·  Antiguo Mercado Publico (1907).  Old market building – music festivals (the most famous festival in Spain – Festival Nacional del Cante de Las Minas.  Every August, it’s the celebration of mining, music and flamenca dance) and exhibitions held here. The Tourist information is inside this building too. Can’t miss it – it’s huge!!

·  Casa del Pinon (1899). 

·  Casa Cortes (1906).  Making of ceramics

·  Inglasia Parroquial del Rosario (1902).  Church in the centre of town

·  Inglasia del Los Deolores. Church closest to the apartment. 5 minute walk.

·  Local railway.  Hop on at the platform in front of the cemetery (easy parking) to take you to Cartegena (Naval port and main town), or go the other direction to Los Nietos where you will find a lovely beach.  Price is approx. 1.20 euros per person each way. Ie: to Cartegena return for one person = 2.40 euros.  Time table is in this folder.

·  Coffee shops, bars, restaurants, panadarias (cake shops!) post office, banks, supermarkets, internet cafes and a market on a Tuesday morning are available in town.

Beaches

There are many beaches around this area.  The nearest is just 10 minutes away by car.  Many of the beaches are situated around the Mar Menor and on the Mediterranean coast.  Many beaches have blue flag status, mostly fine sand, some are a bit coarser. Here is a list of the loveliest beaches of the Murcia region. See maps for locations.

Mar Menor

Playa Honda (sand is a little coarser here)

Playa Paraiso (sand is a little coarser here)

Islas Menores

Los Nietos  (can be reached by train from La Union)

Punta Brava

Los Alcazares beaches (many – all fantastic)

Santiago de la Ribera

Lo Pagan

And the Mar Menor beaches of La Manga Strip

Other beaches

Cabo de Palos

El Mahon

Torre de la Horradada (several beaches along here)

Calablanque – naturist. (no facilities there so be prepared)

And the Mediterranean beaches of La Manga Strip

Protect yourself against the hot Spanish sun – it can burn!

High factor sun cream a must

Parasol to break from the direct sun

Drink plenty of water

Have fun!

Markets

There is a market for every day of the week, they are typical Spanish markets full of culture and excitement, not to mention bargains! Here is a list of the markets...

Restaurants

There is such an array of choice!Basically, what ever town, village or beach you go to, you will not go hungry!

We have our favourites, mainly Spanish restaurants, but if you are partial to Chinese, Indian, Italian or English fish and chips, they are not too very far away.

There are some business cards at the end of this folder and in the large blue box filled with leaflets and information.

If you find a restaurant you like, please pick up a card (tarjeta de la restaurante) and add to our collection.  Thanks.

Bien apetito!!

Golf

If golf is your thing then you will be in the right place. The Murcia region is well known for its beautiful golf courses and all within a short drive from the apartment. Here are some details about some of the courses nearby...

La Manga Golf Club,   Los Belones,    www.golf.lamangaclub.com

La Serena Golf,            Los Alcazares   www.laserenagolf.es

Roda Golf                    San Javier

La Torre Golf Resort,  Roldan,              www.latorregolfresort.net

Horse riding

We found a couple of places nearby that will take you out on hacks if you are experienced, or gentle rides - if you are inexperienced. Both do a beach ride at Calablanque beach. Both about the same in price but there was one that stood out from the other for the care of their horses.  The choice is yours.

El Puntal, Owner is Monica Moser (speaks good English).  We found the riding centre with no problem at all. Head to La Manga Golf Club (there is a garden centre on the roundabout before the road heading to La Manga), about half a mile from the roundabout there is a left turning (signpost El Puntal). Follow this all the way round to the left.  The staff are friendly and approachable although you will need to practice some of your Spanish here!!  El Puntal also offers an artist school and a restaurant (opens from 5pm).  It is very clean and tidy and horses are well cared for. Has ponies and horses for all ages and experience.

Opening times:

Monday to Sunday: 09.00 to 14.00  then 16.00 to 20.30

Prices:

1 hour lesson: 20.00 euros

2 hours pony 15.00 euros

1 hour excursion: 20.00 euros

2 hour Calablanque beach ride: 40.00 euros

Tel: 639684237

Rancho de la Fuente:  Owner Nicole Deschamps (Speaks good English).  A little more complicated to find (have to go through Los Belones town and turn off the main street, back over the motorway and through another village – see leaflet). Does treks, rides to the beach and courses. Rancho de la Fuente is a bit more ‘rustic’ in appearance. Has ponies and horses for all ages and esperience.

Prices and times of opening not available but contact numbers are:

Tel:  968137239 or 618966326

(In Spain all mobile numbers start with a 6 and landline numbers with a 9.  You do not have to put a zero in front of the number as you do in the UK).

Scuba Diving

The Hormigas Islands near Cabo de Palos have been declared a Marine Reserve due to their exceptional beauty and the conservation of the sea floor, and are acknowledged as being one of Spain’s premier dive sites

Water Sports

There is a wide range of sailing, windsurfing, diving (at Islas Hormigas) and canoeing schools along the coast.

Balloon Flights

Definitely for the more adventurous, take a 40 min balloon flight in the areas of Bajo, Vinalopo and Bajo Seguar. The trip offers incredible views of the south of the province of Alicante and at the same time provides a secure and suitable flight for the general public.The whole excursion lasts 3 hours including 40 mins flying time. At the end of the lfightr a picnic is provided and you can celebrate the experience with Cava. Excitement Touristic Balloon Flights – 966 637 401

Terra Natura - Espinardo, Murcia

Terra Natura is split in to four different areas, America, Asia, Europe and Pangea. Of particular interest will be the parks replica of the Masai Mara Game Reserve, where visitors are able to take land rover rides through the ‘African Savannah’ to see the animals as they might on a real safari. The 400 animals will include: lions, hippos, giraffes, wolves, deer, zebras, bears and many others. The park also features an area replicating Iberian flora and fauna, a water park area with waterslides, swimming pools and a solarium, an aviary plus cafes, restaurants and shops.

Mar Menor Ferry

Why not take a ferry ride from Santiago de la Ribera to La Manga Puerto Tomas Maestra Harbour? The ferry departs every day from 10 a.m. (every 2 hours). Enjoy the splendid views of the Mar Menor as you cross the calm waters. La Manga Harbour has a selection of bars and restaurants to relax and enjoy a drink or a meal.

Cartagena Port Catamaran Cruise

Discover Cartagena by taking the catamaran cruiser. The cruiser offer daily tours of Cartagena, taking approx 1 hour. From the sea you can admire this historic fort and hilltop castles, you will also be able to discover the harbour area. The tour departs from the quayside at Cartagena Marina, no need to book.

Charter Muffy

Charter Muffy offers all year round day cruises, boat charter, angling and diving trips. Enjoy a relaxing day trip visiting and exploring local islands and beaches. Along your journey swim and snorkel in the warm Mar Menor waters. See the Mar Menor by night with a short cruise to the Isle of Pediguera, explore the island and enjoy an evening meal watching the sunset. Charter Muffy can also arrange sea and lake fishing trips. For further information on how to book an excursion or to discuss your requirements email info@chartermuffy.com.

Mar Menor Go Karts

Mar Menor Go Karts is a great day out. The Go Karts are for all ages and there is also a refreshment cafeteria. Mar Menor Go Kart track is positioned close to San Javier Murcia Airport heading towards Los Alcazares and is open from 11am - 11pm. There is no need to book and discount is given on groups of 10 or more.

Shopping

La Union has a large shopping area spread all over the town.  It will cater for the needs of the holiday maker with several supermarkets, panadarias (cake shops/bakers), pharmacies, shoe shops, a market on a Tuesday morning and several bars and restaurants.  Please be aware that the supermarkets in La Union do not open on Sundays.  The nearest one is at Cabo de Palos and is called Upper.

If you want to venture out further for your shopping spree, Cartagena and Murcia are large towns for shopping, mainly boutique type areas.

Larger ‘out of town’ malls have sprung up if you wish to drive to them.  Our nearest is Espacio Mediterraneo, shopping and leisure center – has C&A, Carrefour, H&M Zara and many eating venues including McDonalds!  Motorway A30 (Murcia – Cartegena) exit 191.  Not open Sundays.

Another is further towards the airport off the motorway at junction 777,  Dos Mares, large supermarket, book shop, travel agent, confectioners clothing etc, food emporium upstairs (and yes there is a McDonalds and Burger King!).  There is also an indoor bowling alley (as there is at Espacio Mediterraneo) and cinema – if you wish to improve your Spanish!! Dos Mares is open 365 days a year!

Most bigger towns will have shops of varying degrees.  Just ‘shop’ around a little!