Reports this week confirm that the British continue to represent the highest percentage of foreign tourists to Spain. Murcia Today describes it as the British love affair with Spain, but however you look at it, despite the recession, we still love to head off to the sunny climate which Spain guarantees.

Last year, a massive 13, 653, 864 British tourists visited Spain – this represents 23.7% of total international visitors and an increase from 2011.

As the sunniest mainland area of Spain, Murcia still has plenty to offer foreign holiday makers – it’s not just the sun, though, villas with private pools are excellent value for money on the Costa Calida too and a great place for a family holiday!

This weekend Murcia is celebrating the Epiphany and enjoying an extra day of rest.

As the three kings arrive on 6th January bringing with them gifts for the baby Jesus, children in the area will also eagerly await presents. Each town will be welcoming the kings in their own unique way – in some places they will be arriving by helicopter, others by boat and even on horseback.

There’ll be celebrations throughout the Costa Calida with spectacular parades in Murcia and other larger towns.

Monday will be a bank holiday throughout Spain giving everyone another day to celebrate!

As the UK sees it’s first snowfall of the winter, Murcia prepares for the fesitval of the Immaculate Conception (La Inmaculada) which will take place this weekend under sunny skies.

It’s a public holiday and is generally considered a family day. It celebrates belief in the immaculate conception of the Virgin Mary, often with parades, fireworks and processions taking place throughout the country.

Murcia is no exception – events are already underway; pre-Christmas fairs and markets can be found around the region and families will get together to celebrate.

Reports this week predicted an increase of around 39% to the average occupancy of holiday properties in the Murcia area following the opening of the new Corvera airport next year.

The report continued that proximity to an international airport is one of the most important factors in choosing a holiday destination – making Murcia villas the perfect choice.

Other factors included a good choice of local amenities, in particular bars, supermarkets and restaurants, all of which can be found in abundance in the Murcia area.

With this in mind – why not take advantage of the great-value holidays on offer in Murcia and escape the British winter.

Jet2 have just announced they’re adding 3 new destinations from Glasgow next summer and one of these will be Murcia.

Flights will take off to Murcia every Monday and Friday from May 24th 2013. Hopefully this increase in the number of flights to the area will keep flight prices down.

Great news if you’re looking for a villa holiday on the Costa Calida!

On holiday in Murcia or along the Costa Calida at the moment? Why not check out the fantastic events taking place this weekend to celebrate ‘el Dia del Hispanidad’.

Spanish speaking nations around the world are celebrating their ‘spanishness’ and the Murcia area is no exception.

Mock battles and processions will be filling the streets and squares in the city centre throughout the weekend.

Fiestas continue too – there’s ‘caldero’ (a tasty fish dish) on offer on the beach at Los Alcazares and jazz music in San Pedro del Pinatar.

Don’t forget your suncream – temperatures are still in the late 20s!

You might want to think twice before you pack away your party clothes for the winter – the party’s not over in Murcia! One of the most popular fiestas in the region, the Romans and Carthaginians in Cartagena is underway. Temperatures continue to soar and the Murcia region looks to be better than ever.

For those of you who haven’t visited before, the festival is a celebration of the rich history of Cartagena. In particular, the battle between the Carthaginians and the Romans is recreated throughout the week, climaxing with the big battle on Friday and a firework display on Sunday.

As always, the fiesta encampment (located on the grounds by the Cartagonova sports stadium) is a wonderful place to visit at any point during the week and is easily accessible from most villas in Murcia, with plenty of parking in the area. The overall atmosphere promises to be electric, as the crowds mingle with the participants in their traditional costume, with statues towering high above them.

This annual event is amongst many local events that make Murcia a great holiday destination. Whether you’re a local history enthusiast or just a fan of a fiesta, events like these are opportunities not to be missed – and only a short drive from your Murcia villa!

Digging out your winter jumpers and thinking about putting on the heating yet? If the thought of Autumn is filling you with gloom why not consider a last minute villa holiday in Murcia?

Temperatures have soared this summer in Murcia – it’s seen the second hottest August temperatures since 1961! And the good news is temperatures are still reaching 30 degrees and are forecast to continue, making Murcia villas with private pools the perfect choice to grab some sunshine.

Sea and Land Tour S.L based in Cartagena are offering 3 different and exciting activities.

Catamaran trips with snorkeling off the coast of Cartagena which can be booked for small family parties and larger groups. They also offer night time boat parties which include a DJ, a buffet and a free bar which can be enjoyed on the 4 hour trip. As well as offering boats that can be hired and catering, music and crew that can be arranged as required.

Contact Sea and Land Tours S.L : 0034 620 032 980