Mazarron
Mazarron is a municipality situated in the autonomous community of Murcia, bordering Cartagena, Lorca and the Mediterranean Sea. The area is located 70 kilometres from the city of
Murcia on the Costa Calida.
It’s a popular destination for tourists, who come to enjoy the wonderful climate, 35 kilometres of
beautiful coastline and the wealth of leisure activities available in the area.
History
The town and region dates back to around Middle Palaeolithic Age, and there are remains from its initial inhabitants in the Morote and Las Palomas caves and in Los Tollos, El Palomarica and Hernandex Ros caves there are Solutrean remains. Further evidence of life and culture dating back to the Upper Magdalenian and Epipaleolithic ages are found in the Algarrobo cave.
The name derives from its occupation in the time of the Moors, who named the town Almzarron, which came from the Arabic al-mezer, meaning ochre or red. The regions minerals are rich in this area, hence the title.
There are many archaeological remains of interest throughout the area and you can visit the Town
Archaeological museum for further information on the long history of Mazarron.
Around Mazarron
Mazarron is broken up into small districts, with the main tourist areas being along the coastal region, including Puerto de Mazarron, Bolnuevo, Playasol, Playagrande and Bahia.
However, moving inland into the municipality and the landscape turns into vegetation and agricultural land, where tomatoes, cereals and citrus fruit are major produce for Mazarron.
Further inland you come to the Sierra, a mountainous and unpopulated part of the municipality, where the land is more arid and mountainous. The beautiful forest reserve of Coto Fortuna is a beautiful area for those who enjoy rambling and outdoor pursuits.
Places to visit
If you are interested in exploring the history and culture of the region then you are in luck as
Mazarron is rich with archaeological remains and ancient buildings, which tell the tale. Interesting sites include the Old Alum Factory, the Velez Castle, dating back to the 15th century, the old Mazarron Mining Reserves, the 16th century San Andres Church and the Roman Milestone, dating
back from the 3rd century, there are indeed much more historical sites of interest.
The capital city of the autonomous community of Murcia is 70 kilometres away, or a day trip, to visit this interesting city, and also to enjoy some excellent shopping.
Beaches
The area boasts 35 kilometres of fine sandy beaches, many which have been awarded the blue flag for cleanliness and facilities.
Golf
Mazarron is an excellent choice if golf is high on your agenda, in the local vicinity there are several
excellent courses, including: Hacienda del Alamo, Lorca Club de Golf and Camposol Golf.
Outdoor pursuits
The local town hall organise lots of outdoor pursuits including mountain walking, sub-aqua diving, sailing, amongst others.
During the summer months you can enjoy live music most evenings on the Paseo (promenade) in Puerto Mazarron.
Cuisine
The plains of Murcia are incredibly fertile, and produce a vast array of fresh fruit and vegetables, which make up the base ingredients of the regions
cuisine. Rice is also staple here, and finds it's way into many dishes.
The abundant and varied seafood from the Mar Menor and the Mediterranean, along with game and farmed meat from the mountains complete the picture.
Some typical dishes include: Arroz y Conejo (rice with rabbit), Arroz de Verduras (Rice and Vegetables), Arroz y Costillejas (rice and ribs), Arroz Marinero (seafood rice) and Paella Huertana, a delicious vegetarian paella.
Non-rice dishes specialities include Potaje, a rich stew dish; Menestra, a dish of sautéed vegetables; Habas con jamón" (ham and broad beans and Caldo Murciano, a local soup dish. The king prawns fished in the area are also particularly fine, and the Huevas de Mújol, a type of caviar, is also a high delicacy of the region.
Climate
Blessed by a mild Mediterranean climate it has
around 315 days of sun per year. Minimum temperatures range between 12-14C and
maximum temperatures between 20-22C in winter. Summer temperatures vary between
18-20C minimum and between 30-35C maximum. The average annual temperature is 18C.