About Costa Calida
Introduction
Costa Calida, meaning “warm coast” is a superb 250 km stretch of coastline in the province of Murcia. It is an area of contrasts with areas that will suit those looking for a quiet retreat for their retirement, as well as busy resorts to suit those looking for a holiday home.
The Area and Its Climate
The Costa Calida is named for its microclimate that gives warm temperatures all year round (averaging in the high 20s in the summer and rarely dipping below 15°C in winter) and very low rainfall of around 34cm per year.
A highly fertile region characterised by oleanders, prickly pears and wild dwarf palms, the area mixes busy towns with bustling resorts and old fishing towns. Behind the mountains provide ample opportunity for exploration.
Major Towns and Resorts
Mar Menor - Unique and beautiful, the Mar Menor (little sea) is Europe’s largest saltwater lagoon, separated from the Mediterranean by a natural breakwater known as La Manga Strip, on which many of the area’s resorts are based.
Dotted along the 73 kilometres of Mar Menor coastline are numerous small towns and villages, San Pedro del Pinatar, Los Alcazares, Los Narejos, Islas Menores, Mar de Cristal and Playa Honda, offering mile after mile of gentle promenade beaches with numerous bars and restaurants to suit every taste and budget.
Thanks to its 320 days of sunshine a year and shallow, mirror-calm waters, the lagoon with its ‘Blue Flag’ beaches and white sands make it ideal for family holidays and those interested in sailing, diving and water skiing.
Even in the height of the season, the beaches never get ‘packed’ or claustrophobic.
The Mar Menor bay is also famed for its natural mud bath which is reputed to have special healing properties for people with rheumatic or arthritic problems. Almond trees, palms and windmills complete the picture, adding to the beauty of the landscape of this area.
Cartagena - founded almost 2,300 years ago, Cartagena has a heritage to rival that of any European city.
The last Moorish stronghold in Spain, the area is brimming with fascinating history and architecture, including a 13th century church whose remains stand on the steps of a Roman Theatre which dates from the 1st century BC and is one of the most important archaeological sites in Spain.
It was from Cartagena that Hannibal departed with his elephants to cross the Alps an event celebrated each September with a huge Roman festival spanning two weeks.
Still a significant naval port, it was here that the world's first submarine was born in 1884 and now displayed on the city front for all to see.
Apart from its historic treasures, Cartagena offers an active commercial life, rich culture, a wide range of leisure activities and superb cuisine characterised by locally caught seafood and excellent fruit and vegetables.
Murcia - the perfect place to gain a real insight to everyday Spanish life, Murcia is blessed with a rich legacy of art and contrasting cultures. Carthaginians, Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, and Moors have all left their mark on the stunning local scenery.
Founded in around 831 AD by the moors in the centre of the River Segura Valley, the importance of the city over the years can be seen in the many beautiful cathedrals, palaces and other public buildings around its many narrow streets.
Murcia is a great destination for those interested in extreme sports, too, with potholing, white-water canoeing, cave-diving, deep-sea diving, paragliding and hang gliding all readily available.
As well as great shopping, food lovers will enjoy the huge selection of tapas bars to be found in Murcia’s sleepy squares as well as the city’s more formal restaurants.
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