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Where it all started

Murcia and the Cartagena coast: our first Spanish home

Our life in Spain began in a rented house near Tallante, with Puerto de Mazarrón as our local beach. This is our guide to the Murcia coast, Cartagena and the inland towns worth the drive.

Our 18 months in Murcia

Twelve viewings, and the last one was it

  • The search. We flew into Málaga and viewed twelve properties from Sedella to Murcia. The very last one ticked every box.
  • The house. We rented it for 18 months, not far from Tallante, in the hills between Cartagena and Mazarrón.
  • Everyday life. Puerto de Mazarrón was our beach and supermarket run, and Fuente Álamo was our weekend market.
  • Why we left. The house had what looked like serious subsidence, and the landlord wouldn’t fix it. So we moved on to Hondón de los Frailes.

The coast: Mazarrón to Cabo de Palos

Beaches, coves and fishing villages

Cartagena: the city on our doorstep

From Tallante, Cartagena was our nearest city, and it’s one we still go back to. It has over 3,000 years of history, a Roman theatre right in the old town, a big naval harbour and a lively centre full of tapas bars.

It’s an easy day out from anywhere on the Murcia coast, and from the Vega Baja too.

Things to do in Cartagena

Inland Murcia: castles, crosses and pilgrim paths

Towns worth the drive

Bars we’ve tried in Murcia

Explore nearby

Murcia coast FAQs

Is the Murcia coast good for expats?

It’s a popular choice. There are big international communities around Mazarrón and the Mar Menor, the weather is warm most of the year, and prices are often lower than on the Costa Blanca. Inland, life is much more traditionally Spanish.

What is the Mar Menor?

It’s a large saltwater lagoon on the Murcia coast, separated from the Mediterranean by the long strip of La Manga. Its calm, shallow water makes it popular with families and for water sports.

Which airport is closest to the Murcia coast?

Región de Murcia International Airport at Corvera is the closest for most of the Murcia coast. Alicante–Elche airport is also within reach and has more flights.

Would you live in Murcia again?

We loved our time near Tallante and Mazarrón. We left because of the house, not the area.