Open Shopping Centres
Shopping can be a pleasant activity in the Region due to its all year round benevolent climate. This is one of the elements that has contributed to the development of the “open shopping centre” (Centro Comercial Abierto). These are associations of historical areas’ shop owners that, in partnership with local authorities, work to improve the shopping experience in their towns. These common efforts may include discounted or free parking, pedestrianisation, entertainment, coordination of seasonal decoration, etc. In this way you have the added value of taking a historical tour through the city’s life while you shop.

Murcia

Two inter-connected areas in Murcia could be considered a shopping tour.It is not the only one possible, but this time we will aim at describing at least one of the tours possible in this multi-faceted city. We will start in the modern, near El Corte Inglés area, with the permanent street market of San Esteban, known by the locals as the hippymarket.

Across the road we find the El Corte Inglés department store, with everything, from food to haute couture boutiques. Around the store we find other brands and shops, including Mango, Zara, Springfield or Pull and Bear.

Let’s head now to the centre strolling in Gran Vía towards the former Galerías. Maybe if you haven’t been around Spain for a while you may be wondering what has happened to the Galerías Preciados department stores. They were absorbed by El Corte Inglés, and that is why it seems that, redundantly, there are two per city. In this former Galerías you can find now electronics, music and video, some of the books and most of the sports, as well as a cafeteria.

The Gran Vía is not exactly the perfect place for having a walk during shopping hours, as it is mostly full of pedestrians. Nevertheless, it is usually worth it as some interesting shops line it in both sides. We will, however, turn left at the former Galerías and into the back of the Romea Theatre, to later on turn around it and arrive through the charming arches to the newly refurbished Santo Domingo square.

Since mediaeval times the street stretching in front of you towards the cathedral has been a shopping area: it was built by royal order through the Moorish zoco(market). It is called Trapería, connecting with the middle ages guild that occupied it, as it is its transversal Platería(silversmiths’ guild). Through Platería you can reach Murcia’s heart, as near its end you can see the plaque that marks kilometre zero of the Region’s roads. There is where we will let you and your card rest this time.

Addresses

Cartagena

A trip to Cartagena is not complete without a stroll through the shopping area. A good starting point could be the newly rebuilt port, with its magnificent ancient wall and new marina and bars. Past the former Town Hall building (now under repairs) is the Calle Mayor, the main street of the old quarter. Lined by traditional shops and restaurants, here you can get an ice cream and stroll down to the port, sit down and quietly watch the world go by, or follow the flow towards its heart and the numerous shops it shelters, from traditional instruments or sailing equipment to Mango, Zara, Pull and Bear, Springfield, Benetton, Massimo Dutti…

Addresses

Lorca

Shopping Centres

Supermarkets

Pharmacy Schedules

For updated information on Pharmacy rotas, please consult the online version of the free newspaper The Costa Cálida Informer at www.costacalidainformer.com.