Travelling to Spain and to the Murcia Valencia border region in
particular could not be easier. By air is the simplest and quickest
way of reaching Spain and these days from the UK there is a choice of
airports offering good value flights. Namely, Gatwick, Bournemouth,
Luton, Stanstead, Manchester and Edinburgh to name just a few.
Travelling from Bournemouth as a family or a couple on holiday to
Murcia or perhaps even as a trip to secure the purchase of a holiday
home, it is necessary to fly to Alicante as the San Javier airport in
Murcia is not serviced by flights from Bournemouth. For those who live
on the South Coast of England, Bournemouth is particularly attractive
and a sensible option as lower cost airline Thomsonfly operate to
Spain from there. If flights are booked far enough in advance the
prices can be very reasonable. Of course in the Winter months prices
are generally lower anyway and particularly if travelling out of
school holidays. However the weather in Murcia cannot be guaranteed
during the Winter months, but it is often much more pleasant than in
the UK. Bournemouth airport is a small but international
airport and at first sight the traveller might be mistaken for
thinking they are not in the right place, however inside there is a
restaurant and small duty free shop.
Flights to the Murcia Valencia border region in Spain can be taken to either San
Javier airport in Murcia or to Alicante in Valencia. San Javier airport is a
military airport and so flight times are more restricted than at Alicante.
Easyjet and Flybe operate to San Javier and Thomsonfly and other airlines
operate to Alicante. Twenty minutes from San Javier airport and an hour from
Alicante airport is the area known as El Mojon. This area is a protected area
with protected beaches and salt flats. It is an ideal destination for families
and couples alike and in particular those looking for a relaxing
holiday or indeed looking to purchase a holiday
home or move permanently to Spain.
The new airport due
to open in 2009 in Murcia is around 30 minutes from the El Mojon
region. Being an international airport and not military, the flight
times will be more extensive than the current San Javier airport.
The impact on tourism to the
El Mojon, Torre areas will be a positive one and will no doubt increase the
number of British people purchasing
holiday homes along the el Mojon beach. The
area known as El Mojon is between Torre and San Pedro and is a destination for
many British holidaymakers and
second home owners. Many British and Spanish
people have bought in this area due to the fact that the beach is blue flag
status and is protected in many ways. Firstly, the salt lakes make the area
attractive to wild life and the air has a unique quality making it some say,
effective for treating ailments such as rheumatism. Secondly, the beaches are
protected and
buildings
are not allowed to exceed a certain height.
El Mojon has been developed
over the last 5 years or so and is still growing, however at least there are
restrictions being placed on the height of buildings and many green areas and
children’s play areas have to be built in to designs by developers. The beaches
at El Mojon are clean and have a blue flag rating. As the sea is approached, to
the left is a stretch of beach that is clean and free from dogs, with easy
access for the disabled by way of a wooden pathway over the sand. This is
approached by an attractive boardwalk that runs parallel to the El Mojon beach.
Children’s climbing frames are situated every 400 metres or so and a guard is on
duty in busier months ensuring that visitors adhere to the rules of the beach
(no dogs, no vehicles etc). Rubbish bins are conveniently placed on El Mojon
beach which means it is kept clean and tidy, there is also a toilet that is
clean. To the right past the promenade at El Mojon and nearer to the restaurant
Diamantes, is another Beach part of a protected area in the Murcia Valencia
region of Spain. The beach is less manicured but it is nonetheless enjoyed by
visitors and walkers in particular as further afield from this beach the salt
flats of Murcia can be reached and walked along by way of wooden boardwalks.
The boardwalks and pier takes the walker along through the salt flats and down
to the yachting club and restaurant near to San Pedro.
In the holiday times in Spain
such as Easter, the cafes on the beach and in the play areas behind El Mojon
beach open serving hot and cold drinks, including alcohol, ice creams and
snacks. Coffee with milk or “Café con leche” is the thing to ask for if you
prefer your coffee as you drink it in the UK, otherwise if you simply ask for a
coffee, you will not be served it with milk. When the weather is hot and sunny,
the place to go is El Mojon beach, ensure that plenty of sunscreen is used
especially on children. However, when the weather is not so good there are bars
and restaurants in Torre, a small town along from El Mojon. Torre de la
Horadada has a small square where the eateries face into, and so although the
weather may not be sunny, if it is not raining, it is still pleasant to sit
outside Lilly’s restaurant and enjoy the meal of the day for a set Euro price.
Lilly’s restaurant in Torre is an English speaking restaurant, serving
international cuisine, such as spaghetti and steaks. However if a more oriental
taste is to the visitors liking, further in land, the Wok Buffet next to the
Caprabo supermarket, serves freshly cooked chinese food that the diner selects
himself and takes to be cooked by the chef. Children love coming to the Wok
Buffet as they can really participate in the whole dining experience, from
selecting their food and then watching it being cooked in front of their eyes.
The buffet is varied and has a selection of different meats and fish and
vegetables that are raw that are cooked by the chef, and in addition, crispy
duck, satay sticks, pancakes, rice and noodles are pre cooked and kept hot for
the diner to tuck straight into whilst waiting for their main dish to be
cooked. The buffet at Wok Buffet just outside Torre in Valencia is very good
value at Euro 9.50 and it is enjoyed by holidaymakers and ex-patriots alike.
Holidaymakers and those owning
holiday homes, might come back to the Murcia Valencia region year after year,
and still not see all that the area has to offer. Hiring a car is an ideal way
to explore further afield and take in the architecture that Cartagena has to
offer. Cartagena is South along the coast from El Mojon.
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Guide to El Mojon, Murcia, Spain
