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).