The Costa Calida
In the south eastern part of the Iberian peninsular around 40 kms east of the city of Murcia lies the spectacular COSTA CALIDA (The Warm Coast) which rims the region and sits between the Costa Blanca to the North and the Costa Almeria in the south. Its enviable climate and fine beaches are making this an increasingly popular area for visitors from home and abroad.
The Costa Calida stretches for some 250 kms, enough to satisfy any serious coastal traveler whether your preference is rugged coastlines or unspoilt sandy beaches , crystal waters or romantic coves.
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.
Special interest has to be the 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. A huge salt water lagoon was formed which is proudly protected by the rough Mediterranean seas on the outside, with many types of exciting water sports being practiced in its more calmer waters.
The most touristic areas along this part of the coast are Santiago de la Ribera, La Manga del Mar Menor, Puerto de Mazarron, Aguilas and Cartagena.
The Puerto de Mazarrón is a seaside resort town with superb hotel facilities and an infectious and lively nightlife. The area jealously guards some quite splendid beaches along many parts of unspoilt coastline. Mazarron remains an important fishing village vital to the local economy, a trip to the port to see the catches of the day being auctioned off is well worth a visit. The bay around the town is enclosed by the Sierras Moreras and Almenara moauntain ranges which gives, Algorobo, and gives Mazarron Bay a "microclimate" resulting in a special climate boasting more than 300 days of sunshine every year. The town also has some excellent buildings including the Town Hall , several churches and the ruins of Velez Castle.
Drive south west 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 is the Plaza España with its lovely gardens, the church of San Jose, the ornate Town Hall, the old harbor and the castle which was built in 1579.
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 where previosuly 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 ( no jokes about Spanish builders please !! ). The different styles and cultures within the Cathedral are very impressive including 23 different chapels. You may suffer from historic overload in Murcia as there seems to be a monumental building on every corner. Most of which are in pristine condition after long and costly restorations.
Other buildings of note that are a must visit include the Bishop's Palace located near the Cathedral dating back to 1748.The Convent Church of Santa Ana which provides an historical menage from the from the 18th and 15th centuries. Other sites that are worth visiting are the Church of San Miguel and the Almudi dating back to 1602. Murcia city offers so mich to its visitors and you can always unwind and join in one of the many fiestas that are celebrated with vigour and as a matter of life and death for many a local !. Murcia is aslo an important Universtity city so there is a youthfull air and many lively a bar in areas around the campus . is the main port in Murcia and was founded by the Carthaginians in 221 BC originally named Carthago Nova. Its importance has remained throughout the centuries up to this very day .
There is an excellent museum in the city offering visitors a superb collection from the pre-Roman and Roman times that testify the historical role played by the city.
Murcia is one of Spain's smaller regions and is located in the south east of Spain between the autonomous regions of Andalucia to the south and Valencia to the north. The regions ancient history was sculptured by the Carthaginians, Romans and the Moors, all of which occupied and left their marks on this sometimes overlooked and underrated part of Spain.
Murcia, according to the World Health Organisation has the healthiest climate in Europe with more than 320 days of sunshine per year, thats enough to satisfy even the the most demanding sun worshiper. From a geographical point Murcia really is a region stark in contrasts from its dry plains to rich cultivated areas growing a surprisingly large selection of fruits and vegetables, including cotton, apricots, oranges, grapes and lemons. Murcia also has its fare share of picturesque and wild mountainous areas and of course a fantastic coastline , the Costa Calida around 250 kms long.
The highest point in the region is the Revolcadores massif, around 2,027 meters in height, followed by numerous other smaller mountain ranges located in the Center and North-West of the province, such as El Carche, La Pilar , the Sierra Espuña, Pila, and Ricote, these sierras include national parks boast important forested areas.
With so much to offer, Cost Calida is best explored by car. Car hire Spain is very well served by the major suppliers and competition is strong so prices are kept low. The summer months are very popular with
holiday makers and prices tend to rise in July and August. Booking in advance is the best way to secure the lowest prices and using a car hire
specialist like Rhinocarhire.com
The Costa Calida offers a fine slection of accommodation all along this special coastline, here is a good selection of some of the most hotel in the area:
The Hotel Bahia located in Mazarron
s next to La Reya Beach.Rooms at the Bahía are simple and comfortable. The Bahía Hotel has a bar and a Mediterranean restaurant. There is also a garden and a terrace.
The hotel has a quiet setting on the coast of Murcia. The historic city of Cartagena is about 25 km away. Cabo Cope Nature Reserve is also a short drive from the hotel.
In Aguilas the Apartamentos Turisticos Aguilas de los Collados are very family friendly . Located just 2 km from Calabardina beach , it is a well-equipped apartment complex in a peaceful and convenient location.
With its fully-soundproofed and air-conditioned rooms, the Aguilas de los Collados complex is the perfect, relaxing base from which to explore the nearby town of Aguilas.
 Google Map of the Costa Calida
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