For those who love plenty of sun, water, nature and culture, Spain’s Costa Cálida is the ideal holiday destination. With more than 300 days of sunshine a year, it is the dream location for winter visitors and epicureans.

The Costa Cálida, or ‘warm coast’, is the coastal area of the Murcia region, in south-east Spain. It is a 250-kilometre-long alternation of long white sandy beaches and rugged rocky coves and cliffs. Its northernmost point is El Mojón, on the border with Alicante province (Costa Blanca); its southernmost point is at Águilas, on the border with Andalusia (Costa de Almería).

The Costa Cálida is also called the Costa with the two seas. Because next to the Mediterranean lies off the coast the famous inland lake Mar Menor, where you can swim and practice water sports almost all year round. Around the Mar Menor are the most popular seaside resorts. The interior of this Costa is mountainous and rolling, sometimes rugged. It is very fertile with many green fields.

More than 300 Sundays a year

The coast is blessed with some 315 sunny days a year, warm summers and very mild winters. So it is a pleasant Costa to visit all year round, and certainly interesting for people who want to spend the winter in the Spanish sun. Just keep in mind that the seaside resorts are less lively in winter than, for example, on the Costa Blanca. But that need not be a minus point for those who like some peace and quiet. The Costa Cálida, especially the Mar Menor, is a dream destination for (water) sports enthusiasts. Surfing, diving, supping, kiting, golfing: it’s all possible. Walkers and cyclists also get their money’s worth, as do nature and bird lovers.

Lively seaside resorts

Around the Mar Menor are some lively seaside resorts. Here are 5 tips:

1. La Manga strip

The Mar Menor is separated from the Mediterranean by a narrow headland: La Manga strip (22 km). With many little ports, bays and anchorages, this area is popular with water sports enthusiasts. It is also a paradise for children: the water is pleasant in temperature and shallow. So they can play to their heart’s content here.

2. Los Alcázares

This is the largest seaside resort on the Mar Menor, known for the many bathing houses that run into the sea and which the Arab kings built as their summer palaces. The largest marina on the Mar Menor, Thomas Maestre, is located here.

3. San Pedro del Pinatar and Lo Pagán

San Pedro del Pinatar is one of the main tourist destinations on the Costa Cálida, loved by water sports enthusiasts. The cosy marina is a great place to hang out in the many restaurants and bars. Lo Pagán is best known for its medicinal open-air mud baths, ideal for those suffering from skin disorders or rheumatism. In the Parque Regional de las Salines y Arenales Natural Park, you can spot flamingos all year round.

4. Cartagena

This Roman port city more than 2,200 years old is one big open-air museum. Its historic castle, beautiful promenade and numerous modernist houses make a visit to Cartagena well worthwhile.

5. Cabo de Palos

This charming fishing village is located at the beginning of La Manga strip. There is a large weekly market, a beautiful port, cosy restaurants… Cabo de Palos is home to one of Spain’s two largest diving centres and the Islas Hormigas underwater nature reserve.

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