Costa Calida

The Costa Calida is the coastal area of the Murcia region, extending 250km from the province of Almeria northwards towards Alicante. Because of its sunny climate and attractive beaches the area can offer the visitor a diverse range of activities, from water sports and diving, to hiking and hill-climbing, and much more.

Holiday-makers can enjoy modern amenities such as golf courses, casinos and a lively nightlife, as well as sightseeing trips to charming fishing villages, unspoilt coasts, old churches and lighthouses. Costa Calida also has some of the most important wetlands in the region where flocks of pink flamingos nest each year on the salt flats, as well as Europe’s largest area of open-area mud baths, recommended for all kinds of skin complaints.

Most importantly, the Costa Calida is home to the 'world's largest pool', called Mar Menor (‘Little Sea’) and reputed to be one of the best places in Europe to learn water sports because of its shallow lagoon with warm waters and gentle winds. A summer retreat enjoyed in ancient times by the Phoenicians and the Arab Kings, the lagoon is separated from the Mediterranean by a strip of land 22km wide called ‘La Manga’, whose sandy beach and clear water have made it one of the most highly-regarded resorts on the Mediterranean.

Central in the region, the city of Cartagena has been a major port for 3,000 years, due to its unique coastal position. You can still see many old forts and castles on its hilltops, and the large navy base with its old and new buildings and naval museum are all worth visiting. The city also has a wealth of archaeological treasures including a recently discovered Roman theatre.