Sucina is a traditional inland Spanish village, located 29 kilometres from Murcia capital, 32 kilometres from Corvera Airport Murcia and 16 kilometres from the coast. The municipality has just over 2,000 inhabitants and agricultural is its main industry. In recent years, golf urbanisations have sprung up around the town, boosting the local economy with “residential tourism”.
There has also been some development in the village but much of the old charm has been retained, especially around the main square where the Nuestra Señora del Rosario church dominates the plaza.
Here you will find a bar, restaurant and bank, a local bakery is up the hill behind the church, and other services include a supermarket, medical centre, optician, hairdressing salon, hostels and petrol station.
History
Sucina’s origins can be traced to prehistoric times. It has many remains from Iberian and Roman settlements, but the foundations of the village as it exists today date to 1744 when the Nuestra Señora del Rosario parish church was built by Don Fernando Baltasar Arteaga. The village was developed around the church.
Beaches
Although Sucina is inland, it is just 15 kilometres from the neighbouring San Javier municipality, with access to the Mar Menor. Visitors to San Javier will find themselves spoilt for choice as the area has 40 kilometres of beaches, some within the shallow protected lagoon and others facing the open sea, and they have received European “Blue Flag” awards in recognition of their fine sands and clean waters. Two of the most notable beaches are La Manga and Santiago de la Ribera.
Golf
The Murcia region’s mild climate makes this area an ideal destination for golf-lovers, who can enjoy playing at any one of 22 golf courses virtually throughout the year, with facilities to accommodate golfers of every level.
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Cuisine
The fertile inland plains produce an abundance of fresh fruit and vegetables, seafood is caught daily by the local fishing fleet, and farmed meat and game are brought down from the mountains, ensuring a rich culinary selection to suit every taste – with rice being prominent.
Traditional dishes include:
- Arroz y Conejo – Rice with Rabbit
- Paella Huertana – Vegetable Paella
- Arroz de Verduras – Rice and Vegetables
- Arroz Marinero – Seafood Rice
- Arroz y Costillejas – Rice and Ribs
- Potaje – Rich Stew Dish
- Menestra – Dish of Sautéed Vegetables
- Habas con Jamón – Broad Beans with Serrano Ham
- Caldo Murciano – Local Soup Dish
- Huevas de Mújol – Type of Caviar
Fiestas
The fiesta in honour of Sucina’s patron saint, Nuestra Señora del Rosario, is celebrated in October with processions, music, singing and dancing. It is a lively three-day event accompanied by traditional food and drink.
Holy Week (Semana Santa) is also spectacular, with a re-enactment of the Calvary scene in the main square. Meanwhile, Carnival in February adds a splash of colour to winter days.