Shops and Services in Murcia
- Travel tip: The emergency number in Spain is three digit code: 112
- Fact: The E111 is now being phased out, so plan ahead and replace yours with the new European Health Insurance Card
Sweet shopping and healthy living
Murcia is a truly Spanish destination, with small villages hosting a variety of local shops to serve your day-to-day needs. That said, the larger towns and those around Mar Menor, which host more expats, have a larger supply of shops and services... many are even known to carry a British item or two.
Murcia and Cartagena, which are Murcia's largest cities, have serious shopping complexes as well as countless local outfits to quell most shoppers desires.
Many villages (and cities) have weekly outdoor markets which are great (and cheap) places to pick up the finest wares from the land.
San Pedro del Pinatar and Caravaca de la Cruz markets operates on Mondays, while La Union, Los Belones, Los Alcazares, Jumilla and Molina de Segura steel the show on Tuesday. Wednesdays see Santiago de la Ribera, Cartagena, Alcantarilla, Cieza, Totana, Yecla and El Mirador spring into action. Murcia, Lorca, San Javier and Los Urrutias both swing into action Thursdays, while El Algar's market hit the streets Fridays. Saturday witnesses the markets of Los Narejos, Torre Pachero, Águilas and Molina de Segura. Finally, on Sunday markets hit the streets in Mazarrón, Cabo de Palos and Los Nieto.
You'll discover that prices are very reasonable, alcohol and cigarettes in particular are a fraction of what they cost in the UK.
Staying Healthy
Spain's healthcare system is one of Europe's best. Most Spaniards can expect to see their GP within one day of booking.
Like the NHS, healthcare is free to all citizens. So visitors that bring their European Health Insurance Card or E111 can be assured of fast, free attention whenever it’s needed.
For minor complaints, Spanish pharmacies (Farmacias) are excellent and many medicines that require a prescription at home can be bought over the counter here. Look out for the flashing green cross outside the store.
For more serious health issues, there are quality hospitals located across Murcia in most large towns.
Just jumping out of the fast lane in the UK for a laid back life in Spain will do wonders for your health. Why not consider making Spain your home? After all, how many chances do you get to enjoy life?
