Category Archives: Murcia

Dine In: Discover Arroz Caldero, Only in Murcia

Posted on July 13 2021 by Dream Casas

You may be familiar with the bomba rice dish paella, but get to know the caldero del Mar Menor or arroz caldero, a famous dish from Murcia with creamy rice cooked in sofrito with different kinds of fish. Literally translated, “arroz caldero” means rice cauldron and “caldero Murcia” is even more specific, Murcian cauldron.

History of Caldero Murcia

In the 19th century arroz caldero was prepared by fishermen on the beaches of the Mar Menor, which was in part a matter of economy as the small fish they were not able to sell went into the cauldron instead. You can see the kind of iron cauldron, used on fishermen’s boats, depicted by Spanish painter Joaquín Sorolla in his painting, “Meal on the Boat.” These days, October 12, National Spanish Day is considered “día de caldero” in Los Alcazares where you can make arroz caldero on … Read More

Murcia: Eating With the Seasons in Spain’s Fruit and Vegetable Garden

Posted on June 2 2021 by Dream Casas

If farmer’s markets are top of your list, you’re in for a treat when in Murcia. Known as “the crop garden of Europe,” the semi-dry climate in Murcia enables crops to flourish with a particular focus on organic agriculture and water conservation. The season for growing produce is long, thanks to the geography and climate. Did you know Murcia exports 70% of its vegetable production and 34% of its fruit?¹

When you think of the Mediterranean diet, look no further than Murcia. Here, fruits like citrus, grapes, and stone fruits, grow along with almonds, vegetables, and cereals such as rye and oats. Here are a few ideas of what to eat and make when in Murcia.

Oranges

While not initially native to Spain, sour Seville and sweet Valencian oranges come to mind. Pairing salty and sweet citrus in salads like … Read More

New Murcia Airport Makes Life Easier for Spanish Property Owners

Posted on February 8 2019 by Dream Casas

Last year when we wrote about the expected opening of the new Murcia Airport outside Corvera, only one airline was slated to schedule flights in and out of the location. Now that the airport is open for business, we are happy to report seven airlines are operating from Corvera (officially called Region de Murcia International Airport).

The new Murcia airport is expected to handle six million passengers in 2019, so an increase in airlines means more available flights for Spanish property owners who want to come and go as they please (and it’s more convenient for their guests, too!).

The Region de Murcia International Airport is located just outside Corvera, around 30kms from Costa Calida. It replaces the old Murcia-San Javier Airport as a state-of-the-art property with more capacity for travelers. Considering the San Javier airport was one of Spain’s most profitable with more than a million passengers traveling … Read More

What’s Happening in Costa Calida?

Posted on November 28 2018 by Dream Casas

With local festivities, traditional holidays and the New Year on the horizon, there’s never been a more magical time to visit Costa Calida. You’ll be greeted by friendly faces, the warmth of the Mediterranean, and a few other surprises when you make your trek to the coast. Let’s take a look at what’s happening in Costa Calida in the days and weeks ahead.

TRAVEL

As of now, Jet2 is the only airline confirmed to be switching flights from San Javier to Corvera after 15th January 2019. Therefore, if you want to travel from the UK to Spain, you might want to consider the train. There are two train stations close to the “Polaris Resorts” – one in Torre Pacheco, the other in Balsicas – for your convenience.

It’s easy to travel from the UK to Spain by train. You can breakfast in London, lunch in Paris and have dinner in … Read More

Murcian Sweet Surprises . . . No Diets Allowed!

Posted on July 3 2018 by Dream Casas

Who doesn’t like something sweet after a meal, or any time for that matter? And when you buy a villa in Spain you will have many opportunities to ruin your diet with these Murcian Sweet Surprises.

Paparajote
For foreigners this is a sweet surprise. It is a lemon tree leaf battered in dough of flour, egg, milk and shavings of lemon, which is fried and then dusted in cinnamon and sugar. Accompanied by a small glass of sweet wine it is a typical Murcian pleasure. However, don’t be deceived, the leaf CANNOT be eaten.

Asiático
Dessert or coffee? Now there’s no need to choose as you can have both, thanks to this two-in-one Cartagena original. Delicious coffee with condensed milk and brandy, accompanied by a few drops of Liquor 43, cinnamon, lemon zest and coffee beans.

Pan de Calatrava
This delicious dessert was born out of the Muslim influence in … Read More

Murcia Markets Make Buying Property in Spain Oh-So-Appealing

Posted on March 22 2018 by Dream Casas

Just as grabbing a café in the morning or a tapa after work is typical of the Murcian lifestyle, the indoor and outdoor markets are also important aspects of the Spanish culture. For those who have lived here long enough, going to the markets may be second nature. But for those who are new to the area and are considering buying property in Spain, one trip to the Murcia markets may be the key to understanding what it’s like to live in this special corner of the world.

Visiting a Murcian Market

We love the way one writer explains the markets in Murcia, “awash with color and noise.” It’s a lively scene to be certain; shopkeepers and customers catching up on the latest news while negotiating prices in what always seems to be a fiery conversation. Shoppers rummaging through incredibly vibrant produce while fishmongers display their freshest catches of … Read More

Murcia Among Most Popular Provinces for Spanish Home Sales

Posted on February 1 2018 by Dream Casas

Spain has enjoyed several years of rising home sales, with some of the highest figures since before the financial crisis of 2008. This past October, Murcia accounted for 23 percent of Spanish home sales – making it one of the most popular provinces to buy a property in Spain.

Now that we’re entering the busiest time in Spanish real estate, the six months leading up to summer, we expect to see the trend continue. We’re not alone; Property Wire confirmed Spanish home sales are anticipated to continue recovery in 2018.

Prices are also expected to continue their upward climb. In November 2017, home prices were up 4 percent, with the biggest trend focusing on “moderate price growth.”

Why and Where to Buy in Murcia

If you want to buy a property in Spain, then it’s a great time to look at Murcia. While home prices may increase this year, … Read More

Warm Up This Winter with Holiday Homes for Sale in Murcia Spain

Posted on January 9 2018 by Dream Casas

Once the air outside has you shivering and the winter winds are howling, you may find yourself dreaming of a warmer place to hang your hat. Somewhere you can trade your overcoat for swim trunks, your fireplace for a dip in the sea. It’s not very difficult to get caught up in the idea of a winter getaway, and – thankfully – it isn’t too late to catch some of the best holiday homes for sale in Murcia, Spain.

The Season’s Perfect Homes for Sale in Murcia

Located along the Costa Calida of the Mediterranean, Murcia sits in a warm weather climate that is dry most of the year. During “winter” you’ll find that it gets slightly cooler at night; yet, even this feels comfortable to the traveler who’s accustomed to a truly cold environment. While not all of Spain is warm during the winter season, Murcia is definitely a … Read More

Why Luxury Villas are Desirable Rental Properties in Spain

Posted on August 20 2017 by Dream Casas

As one of Spain’s prominent tourist destinations, Murcia enjoys a steady flow of visitors throughout the year – some who prefer to rent villas rather than book traditional hotels. But it isn’t just travelers who are looking for rental properties in Spain; the natives are also giving homeowners another reason to consider life as a landlord.

Let’s take a look at these two different – yet very important – audiences for those who own luxury villas in Spain.

Tourists Booking Rental Properties in Murcia, Spain

Murcia’s year-round warm climate, abundant sunshine, and outdoor lifestyle make it a popular choice for holidays and travel in general. Visitors who are looking for a home-like setting when it comes to accommodations typically look at renting houses or villas instead of hotels. Many of the luxury villas in Murcia are situated on, or very near, golf courses and other attractions. Some even … Read More

Mud Baths: Mar Menor’s Dirty Little Not-So-Secret

Posted on August 13 2017 by Dream Casas

When you think of living in Murcia, you likely think of the warm climate, calm waters and lots of time spent outdoors. If you’re a local, you might also know Murcia as the destination for mud – that is, the therapeutic, nutrient-rich mud baths in the Mar Menor.

It sounds like a messy pastime, but mud bathing has taken place here for centuries. In fact, did you know the Mar Menor is called the “sea of health” for its warm waters and healing muds? Plenty of bathers have come to the edges of the lagoon seeking the medical benefits of mud, namely for arthritis, rheumatism, broken bones and skin conditions. It’s also been the source of natural beauty treatments for just as long, although you can now pay for the experience in some of the area’s luxury spas.

If you like the idea of mud baths in the Mar Menor … Read More