Why move to Murcia Province
Although there’s little seasonal variation in temperature, Murcia is sparsely populated and relatively unaffected by heavy tourism; as a result it's a family-friendly alternative to neighbouring resorts.
The dry plains of Murcia’s inland contrast the well-irrigated, fertile ‘huerta’ — orchard lands — at the joining of the Segura and Guadalentín rivers. The coastline includes the Mar Menor, Europe’s largest coastal saltwater lagoon. The seawater there is warm and shallow. The beaches slope, making them ideal for families with young children or anyone avoiding waves.
The capital is the university city of Murcia, which, though rich with culture, isn’t thick with throngs of tourists. In fact, the whole of the Costa Calida has escaped the intense coastal development of both the Costa Blanca and Costa Brava.
The most convenient airports are the busy Alicante or the closer Murcia-San Javier (or its planned replacement: Región de Murcia International Airport – due to open next year).
Because of the farming of fruits and vegetables, food processing and shipping are big industries. The siesta is almost always observed. There are only 3 international schools in the capital; 8 in the region in total, so you will need to speak Spanish, especially if you want to live among the picturesque Barracas (thatched cottages) of the inland villages.
From sailing to whale watching to scuba diving, there are a plethora of peaceful ways to spend your leisure time. The towns are full of baroque architecture, fortresses and relics, like the impressively preserved Roman theatre in Cartagena. Murcia city’s Terra Natura Zoo is acclaimed for its humane approach and preservation of some of Spain’s indigenous species. Caravaca de la Cruz, in the northwest of the region, is one of the five holy cities of Catholicism, meaning it’s been chosen to celebrate the Holy Year every seven years. Then there’s the Entierro de la Sardina, where, at the end of Carnival, an effigy of a sardine is ‘buried’ in flames.
