THE LURE OF ITS COASTAL TOWNS

Costa Calida’s coastline runs from San Pedro del Pinatar at the northern end of the Mar Menor to the south of Puerto de Mazarron. The north is made up of the La Manga Strip and Mar Menor and the south extending from Cabo de Palos to the resort town of Aguilas.

Lo Pagan, a suburb of San Pedro del Pinatar boasts of two white sandy beaches. A long palm-lined promenade stretches to the rear of the beaches and joins up with the next resort town, the Santiago de la Ribera. Los Alcazares is the largest resort town on the Mar Menor with a four-kilometre promenade, tranquil beaches and a large marina. Further are the four charming seaside resort villages of Los Urrutias, Los Nietos, Mar de Crystal and Playa Honda.

Nestled between the Mar Menor and the Mediterranean Sea is the popular resort town of La Manga aptly dubbed “A Paradise Between Two Seas”. Cabo de Palos, a quiet fishing village located at the start of the La Manga Strip has a famous lighthouse and gourmet restaurants.

Southern Costa Calida has a diverse coastline where one can see beaches mold into rugged cliffs soaring into the sky. The historical town of Cartegena showcases several ancient edifices as well as boisterous fiestas. La Azohia is a scenic fishing village known for its tuna and calm aquamarine water, best for diving. Further south is the Puerto de Mazarron, a seaside resort town that boasts of excellent hotels, vibrant nightlife and pristine beaches. The exciting fish auction in the port is a must experience. Finally, furthest south is the ancient Roman fishing port of Aguilas. A must visit here is the Castle of San Juan de Aguilas built in 1579.

THE FEEL OF ITS WEATHER

Costa Calida is recognised by the World Health Organisation as one of the healthiest places to live in due to its ideal weather. Blessed with the typical Mediterranean semi-dry tropical climate, it experiences an average annual temperature of 18 degrees centigrade. Hot summers register maximum temperatures of 40 degrees centigrade and 11 degrees centigrade during the winter months of December and January.

Costa Calida enjoys more than 300 days of sunshine annually. Rain is generally scarce occurring mainly in the spring (April) and autumn (October) ensuring an almost dry summer.

THE CONVENIENCE OF GOING AROUND

Costa Calida has excellent transport services. From the City of Murcia, trains travel daily to Madrid. Trains also operate hourly to Lorca and Alicante. High sped train will soon be traversing the Region of Murcia connecting it to Madrid and the Region of Valencia.

At present, Murcia has one international airport at San Javier, 15 minutes from the City of Murcia. A new international airport is soon to open end of 2007 in the City of Corvera.

Daily flights to San Javier Airport are scheduled regularly. Car hire companies have booking areas at the San Javier Airport.

Local bus services operate in Cartegena, Alicante, Orihuela and Lorca. There are also daily buses going to Granada, Valencia and Madrid. If you have more time, you may also opt for a cruise (crucero).

The beauty and splendour of La Manga coupled with its unique geographical layout never fails to amase anyone. La Manga which literally means “the sleeve” is a narrow mass of land 21 kilometres long and approximately 300 metres wide. It separates the Mar Menor (Little Sea) and the Mediterranean Sea.

Originally, the La Manga Strip was a tranquil bay that opens to the Mediterranean. Volcanic movements through the years shaped the present-day physical form of La Manga. Today, the La Manga acts as a natural border for the Mar Menor, the largest salt water lagoon in Europe. Another part of the outer La Manga Strip faces the Mediterranean. Natural waterways called golas allow the Mediterranean waters to cross the Mar Menor.

In the 1960’s, the La Manga started to carve a name as a premier tourist spot especially with the establishment of the 1500 acre exclusive La Manga Club. This world-renowned club boasts of some of the best sports and leisure facilities housed in one self-contained tourist complex. It includes no less than three championship world-class 18-hole golf courses, a 28-court tennis centre and the luxurious five- star Regency Hotel.

Along the coast of La Manga, unspoiled seaside resort towns with lovely beaches beckon. Summer months entice multitudes of sun-worshippers eager to experience the Mediterranean tropical climate. The mild winter season provides a soothing ambience ideal for bone-weary people searching for a comforting hideaway.

Warm breezes, sun-shiny days and complete sports facilities make the La Manga a sailor’s paradise. At Puerto Tomas Maestre and at the Port of Cabo de Palos, one can find numerous sailing schools and diving clubs. Horse riding, cycling, boat trips also make the La Manga a favourite vacation destination.

Aside from sports and magnificent scenic views, the La Manga is also replete with history and culture. Musical productions, traditional fiestas and archaeological remains such as the Roman Theatre in Cartegena will leave any visitor spellbound.

A world of gustatory flavours awaits any visitor to the La Manga. Since La Manga is surrounded by two seas, expect a bevy of mouth-watering seafood specialties. Savour fish and shellfish from the sea prepared on hotplates or as base ingredients of the locally popular caldero, a staple rice dish of the fishermen. Fresh fruits and vegetables from the lush green market gardens abound.

Today, the La Manga Strip is flourishing. Exclusive hotels, ultra-chic bars and discos, the world’s finest spas, entertainment hubs, concept restaurants, recreational centres, you name it, La Manga has them. Even the residential property business has been on the rise.

The Mar Menor (Little Sea) is one of the crowning glories of Costa Calida. It is located on the east coast of Spain within the Region of Murcia just above the City of Cartegena. The Mar Menor is recognised as Europe’s largest salt water lagoon. This 170 sq. km. lagoon is separated from the Mediterranean Sea by a small strip of land, the La Manga.

The reputed healing effects of Mar Menor’s high salt and other mineral content sea water and mud have lured tourists to flock to Mar Menor. The Mar Menor is an abundant source of various beneficial minerals such as calcium, magnesium, iodine and bromide. Their palliative qualities are believed to ease some ailments notably rheumatism, sore throat, gout, among others.

One can soak in the natural saltwater of the lagoon. Ions from the seawater enter one’s bloodstream and are circulated throughout the body to produce healthier skin, strengthen heart muscles, improve circulation and one’s respiratory system and increase the number of red blood cells. It also provides physiological benefits of deep relaxation and revitalisation.

The mud bath, on the other hand, also increases blood circulation due to the presence of minerals that provide healthful osmotic effects on the different tissues of the human body. The mud therapy rids the body of certain toxins.

One can luxuriate in the natural saltwater or healing mud for free or one can go to the many hotels that line the Mar Menor coast. These hotels offer a wide range of natural spa therapies.

Besides its natural healing waters, the Mar Menor is a haven for water sports. It is an ideal place to learn sailing, diving, windsurfing or jet skiing. The warm and calm water of this secluded lagoon has an average depth of seven meters and about a metre deep around its shoreline. It is 26 kilometres long and 1.5 kilometers at its widest point.

Along the coast of Mar Menor are traditional villages relatively unspoiled by commercialism. Nature lovers will marvel at the beautiful and well-preserved Regional Park of Calblanque where isolated beaches, rugged cliffs and solitary coves can be found along the 13-kilometre span of protected coastline. The area is intertwined by hiking and cycling routes that allow access to mainland Spain.

Rejuvenation, luxury, privacy and splendour – it’s all right here in the Mar Menor.