Along this 250 kilometre stretch of coastline there are cliffs, white sand beaches, and delightful coves, all washed by the transparent waters of the Murcia region.
Situated in the south east of Spain, the climate on this coast offers you more hours of sunshine per year and is home to numerous Blue Flag beaches.
La Manga, the epicentre of the Mar Menor
The Mar Menor, a coastal saltwater lagoon enclosed by a land barrier, is the best example of the wonderful landscape that awaits you here. 24 kilometres of fine sand separate the calm Mar Menor from the Mediterranean Sea. Here there are quiet beaches suitable for families and a bustling nightlife, great to visit at any time of year.Towards the south are other, smaller, coves, nestled among the rocks. Every part of the Costa Cálida offers different, but equally delightful, types of beach, from long stretches of sand to small cliffs full of fascinating nature to discover. A great example can be found in Cabo de Palos, very close to Cartagena, which boasts one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline in the region.Sandy beaches, colourful seabeds and big waves offer a complete seaside experience. Long, sunny afternoons, more active plans, such as kayaking or windsurfing, or diving among the stunning sea creatures that inhabit places like Cabo Tiñoso, Cabo Cope or Calnegre.There are also fishing villages which give the region a special charm. Águilas –which has a fun carnival-, Mazarrón or San Pedro del Pinatar are just some examples of the busy fishing activity along these coasts, which then forms part of its cuisine. The result is a cuisine combining the best of sea and land in recipes like caldero de pescado (fish stew) or the popular michirones (broad beans) in Cartagena.
A human and natural history lesson
Cartagena is a cultural stop not to be missed. Founded by the Carthaginians, whose city walls still stand, and then conquered by the Romans, it is the ideal place to experience over 2000 years of history. The Forum and the Roman theatre are authentic architectural jewels which have survived to the present day. If you’re here in September, you can enjoy the historical re-enactments and the atmosphere of the popular Carthaginian and Roman festivals. Another attraction for history lovers is the National Museum of Underwater Archaeology, where you can discover some of the secrets hidden in the sea and the shipwrecks of the region for centuries.Nature also gives a special charm to the scenery on land along the Costa Cálida. Head to Bolnuevo, near Mazarrón, and marvel at its famous yellow gredas, rock formations moulded through erosion into a distinctive mushroom shape. Other landscapes await you, ready to amaze you with their colours, such as the Arenales y Salinas de San Pedro, dunes and salt flats found in San Pedro del Pinatar, a refuge for birds and perfect for witnessing a resplendent sunrise with the colours of Mediterranean reflected in the water.
