Costa Calida Spain

Visitor Guide & Tourist Information

The Costa Calida is a hidden gem along the southeastern coast of Spain.

With its incredible beaches, stunning landscapes, and rich cultural heritage, the Costa Calida offers a delightful escape for sun-seekers and adventure enthusiasts alike.

One of the main attractions of Costa Calida is the La Manage de Mar Menor, a unique saltwater lagoon known for its therapeutic properties. The shallow and calm waters make it ideal for swimming, water sports, and relaxing beach days. The La Manga strip, a narrow land formation, separates the lagoon from the Mediterranean Sea and offers a range of resorts, restaurants, and recreational activities.

Nature lovers will be enchanted by the stunning landscapes of Costa Calida. The Sierra de Espuna Natural Park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, with its hiking trails, rock climbing opportunities, and abundant flora and fauna. The volcanic caldera of El Valle, located within the park, is a sight to behold with its panoramic views and diverse wildlife.

Costa Calida

History buffs will find plenty to explore in the region. The city of Cartagena is a treasure trove of ancient ruins and historical sites. Visit the Roman Theatre, which dates back to the 1st century BC, and the Roman Forum District with its impressive archaeological remains. The Naval Museum and the Punic Walls are also worth a visit.

For a taste of authentic Spanish cuisine, Costa Calida won't disappoint. Indulge in fresh seafood delicacies, such as Caldero, a traditional rice dish, or Mar Menor prawns. Don't miss the chance to try the local speciality, Michirones, a hearty stew made with beans, ham, and spices. Wash it down with a glass of local wine or the refreshing Agua de Alcachofa, an artichoke-based beverage.

If you're looking for a day trip, head to the charming town of Lorca, known for its medieval fortress, archaeological sites, and stunning architecture. The Lorca Castle offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, while the Holy Week processions showcase the town's rich cultural heritage.

For a dose of relaxation, visit the thermal baths of Archena or Fortuna, where you can rejuvenate in natural hot springs and indulge in spa treatments.

Top 10 Things To Do On The Costa Calida

Los Belones - Costa Calida
Los Belones - Costa Calida
  1. Visit the Mar Menor inland lagoon.
  2. Spend a day exploring the historic city of Cartagena.
  3. Visit the City of Murcia and walk along the River Segura.
  4. Enjoy a walk along the shores of the Mar Menor from Las Alcazares to the marina of Lo Pagan.
  5. Go shopping in Murcia city.
  6. Dine out al fresco by the small port of Cape Palos.
  7. Enjoy sailing and windsurfing in the Mar Menor.
  8. Play golf on one of the many championship courses along the coast.
  9. Explore the amazing beaches at Aguilas, Bolnuevo, Las Alcazares, La Manga and Puerto Mazarron.
  10. Have a fun family day out in a waterpark at Aguilas, Cartagena and Murcia city (Terra Natura).

5 Interesting Facts About the Costa Calida

La Manga Golf Murcia
La Manga Golf Murcia
  1. The province of Murcia produces more lemons than any other area in Spain
  2. The main industries in the area are tourism, agriculture, fishing, and mining.
  3. The Costa Calida boasts over 320 days of sunshine each year.
  4. The plains of the Costa Calida are extremely fertile with rice being the staple diet in the area
  5. La Manga is home to the stunning 5-star La Manga Golf  Resort which offers 3 superb golf courses set on 1500 acres of lush countryside. Many top sports clubs use the resort as a base for winter training including the England football team.

La Manga de Mar Menor

La Manga Mar Menor
La Manga Mar Menor

Special interest has to be the La Manga de Mar Menor, which due to a geographical accident of nature has made a coastal strip of land which, bar a few connecting channels, is completely closed off the Mediterranean sea.

This huge saltwater lagoon is protected from the Mediterranean sea on the outside which has created a perfect environment for bathing, swimming, boating and other water sports activities.

Cabo de Palos

Cabo de Palos - Murcia
Cabo de Palos

The small coastal village of Cabo de Palos is located just a short drive from La Manga de Mar Menor and has a small harbour for fishing boats and classy yachts.

The village offers a laid-back atmosphere, stunning rocky coves and a nice selection of charming bars and restaurants.

An important landmark is a lighthouse which dates back to 1865, it enjoys a prominent position on the rocky headland and is well worth a visit for the magnificent views over the Mar Menor and the La Manga strip.

Cabo de Palos forms part of a protected marine reserve so if underwater exploration is your thing then this is most definitely the place for you.

Los Alcazares

Los Alcazares

The coastal town of Los Alcazares offers visitors a more tranquil experience. There are enough bars and restaurants plus a long promenade that runs for miles along the shores of the Mar Menor lagoon.

The beaches offer good quality sand and the calm warm waters are ideal for bathing, especially for the kids. There are plenty of water sports activities on offer and some nice beach bars to hang out in the evening.

Los Alcazares has a few festivals well worth visiting including

the colourful Semana de la Huerta y El Mar, which fills the air with the delightful scent of local tapas,  colourful costumes of folk dancers plus a chance to buy some regional artisan arts and crafts.

The town also hosts one of the best mediaeval markets in the region. The market celebrates its Berber fiestas which commemorate the raids by Berber Pirates during the 16th and 17th centuries.

San Pedro de Pinatar

San Pedro de Pinatar

San Pedro de Pinatar is located a short drive from San Javier airport and boasts over 15 kilometres of sandy beaches. The town was built on fishing and salt production and more recently tourism.

The town enjoys a privileged location on the Mar Menor and the Mediterranean coastline attracting water sports lovers.

Worth visiting are the natural mud baths at Banos de Lobo.  The therapeutic values of the mud have been known for centuries and are used by the locals for both medical and beauty treatments.

Mazarron

Mazarron
Heading south from the city of Cartagena is the popular seaside town of Puerto de Mazarron with its excellent beaches and infectious lively nightlife.

The town is an important fishing village vital to the local economy, a trip to see the daily catches being auctioned off is well worth a visit.

The bay where the town is located is enclosed by the Sierras Moreras and Almenara mountain ranges which provides Mazarron with a “microclimate”.

Mazarron has a few historic buildings and several churches worth visiting.

Aguilas

Aguilas Murcia

Drive southwest from Mazarron along a very picturesque and beautiful coastline you will come across the pretty town of Aguilas an old old Roman fishing port.

Places well worth a visit here include the Plaza Espana with its lovely gardens, the church of San Jose, the ornate town Hall, the old harbour and the 16th-century castle.

The City of Murcia

Murcia City
Murcia City

The capital city of the Costa Calida is Murcia which is often described as one of the most beautiful and historic in the country.

There is a great selection of historic buildings and sites including s impressive city walls, churches which were previously mosques, and the Cathedral arguably the most prized building in the city. The first foundation stone was laid in 1388 by Bishop Pedrosa and took four centuries to complete.

The different styles and cultures within the Cathedral are very impressive including 23 different chapels.

Other buildings of note that are a must-visit include the Bishop’s Palace located near the Cathedral that dates back to1748.

Another place worth visiting is the Convent Church of Santa Ana which provides a historical menage from the 18th and 15th centuries.

Murcia Cathedral
Murcia Cathedral

Other sites that are worth visiting are the Church of San Miguel and the Almudi dating back to 1602. Murcia city offers so much to its visitors and you can always unwind and join in one of the many fiestas that are celebrated with vigor and as a matter of life and death for many a local !.

Murcia is also an important university city so there is a youthful air and many lively a bar in areas around the campus.

Cartagena is the main port in Murcia and was founded by the Carthaginian s in 221 BC originally named Carthago Nova. Its importance has remained throughout the centuries up to this very day.

You may suffer from historic overload in Murcia as there seems to be a monumental building on every corner, most are in pristine condition after long and costly restorations.

Cartagena

Cartagena Murcia
Cartagena Murcia

Although Cartagena is not noted as the main tourist destination in Spain, the city is one of the oldest in the world with over 3.000 years of history and is full of historic sites well worth visiting at any time of the year.

The city went into some decline during the mid-20th century but has undergone a major redevelopment in the past 20 years.

With its deepwater port area, Cartagena was the home of the Spanish navy for many years, however, as they moved out the archaeologists moved in transforming the many historic sites into stunning places to visit.

The cities undeniable historic symbol is the Roman Theatre Museum a true wonder of the Roman occupation, the site includes the Pascual Riquelme Palace and the Santa María la Vieja Cathedral, interestingly the Carthago Nova Theatre was not discovered until 1990.

Golf on the Costa Calida

La Manga Golf Clubhouse
La Manga Golf Clubhouse

It is fast becoming a popular area for golfers as well including the impressive La Manga Golf Resort which boasts 3 championship courses and with over 300 days of sunshine a year the interest in golf in this area is only likely to increase in the coming years.

There are a number of popular golf courses in the area including  La Torre Golf, La Roda Golf, Lo Romero Golf, Vista Bella Golf and Hacienda del Alamo.

Recommended Places To Stay In Costa Calida

You may like to check out these three captivating hotels that blend luxury with the region's natural beauty.

  1. La Manga Club: Nestled between the Mar Menor and the Mediterranean, La Manga Club offers an exclusive resort experience. With world-class golf courses, tennis facilities, and a luxurious spa, guests can indulge in a myriad of activities. The hotel's elegant accommodations and diverse dining options ensure a sophisticated retreat.
  2. Hotel Servigroup Galua: Situated in the coastal town of La Manga del Mar Menor, this beachfront hotel boasts a privileged location. Guests can enjoy direct access to the sandy shores and stunning sea views. With spacious rooms, an outdoor pool, and various dining options, Hotel Servigroup Galúa ensures a relaxing and enjoyable stay in Costa Cálida.
  3. Thalasia Costa de Murcia: Embrace wellness at Thalasia, a resort and spa in San Pedro del Pinatar. Surrounded by saltwater lagoons, the hotel features modern rooms, a rejuvenating spa, and direct access to the therapeutic mud baths. The tranquil setting and holistic offerings make Thalasia a haven for relaxation and well-being along the Costa Cálida.

 

SAN JAVIER WEATHER