Exploring Murcia

Located at the south-eastern corner of Spain, the region of Murcia is in possession of some truly magical stretches of coast, remarkably unspoilt beaches, and historic cities, not to mention some of the most breathtaking rural scenery you are ever likely to encounter in Spain.

The Costa Calida

Those looking to soak up the sunshine on this wonderfully relaxed coast – which even in peak summer season doesn’t suffer from overcrowding – choose from the many beaches found along the Mar Menor sea inlet.

The inlet benefits from two coastlines: the Mediterranean on one side and, to the other, Europe’s biggest sea lagoon, which forms the stretch of land known as La Manga del Menor. The coast here enjoys an average year round climate of at least 20 degrees Celsius, rising into the humid thirties in the summer months and is also recognised as one of the cleanest in Europe, continually gaining awards from the World Health Organisation.

Many watersports activities such as sailing, windsurfing and jet skiing are particularly popular along La Manga del Menor’s beaches. However, many who flock to the Costa Calida find it hard to resist the allure of one of Europe’s premier holiday resorts – La Manga Club. The resort here is spread across a huge 1400 acre site and has been designed tastefully to meet the needs of travelling tourists, be it families or couples. Here you will find truly awesome golf courses, modern sports facilities and a plethora of truly excellent restaurants, bars and entertainment spots (including a casino) combined with a range of apartments and a five-star hotel. The water itself is shallow enough for children to bathe safely, whilst the golden, sandy beaches are patrolled by lifeguards for extra comfort.

Moving further south beyond La Manga del Mar, further attractive coastal resorts can be found between the small town of Cabo de Palos and the port city of Cartagena. The landscape here dramatically changes into a more rugged terrain with dramatic cliffs and sandy coves.  Cabo de Palos itself is still a working fishing village and is worth a visit to sample the locally caught fish in one the many superb seafood restaurants. Diving is common in these parts, with many visitors going on underwater expeditions to see the stunning marine life as well as shipwrecks that still remain under the sea’s surface.

Just a short drive from here is the Calblanque Regional Park, which offers some of the most stunning scenery found on the coast. The area is a protected by a series of rugged hills which can only be explored via small roads by car. You’ll also find some of Murcia’s most fantastic and unspoilt beaches in the park – a seemingly undiscovered haven of tranquillity and beauty.

Further untainted stretches of the Costa Calida can be found beyond Cartagena at La Azohia Cove, Mazarron, Calabardina and Aguilas. Many of the beaches here qualify for the ‘blue flag’ safety rating, making them popular with families travelling with smaller children.

La Azohia - like Cabo de Palos - is a small fishing village and is a charming, laidback settlement which sits quietly beneath the hills.  The beaches here are a mix between sand and pebbles.

After taking in the panoramic scenery of La Azohia, you will be further mesmerised by the stunning coves and beaches which lie in wait as you reach Puerto Mazarron.  Here you will also find two larger beaches as well as a good choice of shops, restaurants and a dazzling new marina and promenade.

Another of Costa Calida’s protected areas can be found further south from here in the form of the Cabo Cope Natural Park. Cabo Cope has made significant efforts through the years to protect the local marine life, making it a good area for keen divers.

Nearby, Calabardina has two extremely large beaches which rank among the most popular on the Costa Calida. Likewise Aguilas, which is backdropped by an old castle, which marks the point where the headland parts, creating two sandy beaches right next to one another, both featuring long promenades ideal for a romantic walk by night.