The Costa Cálida

Nestling between the Costa Blanca and Andalucía, the Costa Cálida is one of the least known and most unspoilt areas of Spain - guaranteed to give you a taste of  'real Spain'. With over 315 days of sunshine every year, it is little wonder that they named it the warm coast, and the unspoilt inland waters of the Mar Menor - the largest natural lagoon in Europe - offer safe and warm water for bathing all year round.

Take time to enjoy the lifestyle of the Mar Menor and Costa Calida.  There are stretches of unspoilt beaches and bustling bars and restaurants where you can enjoy fantastic seafood, meats, fruits, cheeses, and rice from around the region at very reasonable prices.  Not to mention the wines … visit the local bodegas (wine cellars) and get a real taste of Spain.

If you prefer to shop, the metropolitan cities of Murcia and Cartagena and the busy seaside towns of Los Alcazares, Santiago de la Ribera and San Pedro del Pinatar have excellent shopping centres. There are daily markets  in the towns and villages throughout the region.  One of the largest and best markets of all is the Sunday market at Cabo de Palos: here you will find everything from fresh fruit and vegetables, to leather goods and everything in between.

If you are looking for a more sporting holiday, golf, of course, is key in Murcia, as well as water sports, such as wind surfing, kite surfing and jet skiing.  Visit one of the many equestrian centres for a riding lesson through the stunning countryside and along the beaches of the Mediterranean. Less than an hour from the coast, and you can enjoy year-round hill-walking in the Sierra Espuña - with well-marked network of paths for all levels of walker. The region also boasts a network of naturally-heated spas where you can relax and recuperate weary limbs and joints.