The Costa Calida (Murcia)
With 250km of coastline, the Costa Cálida (Warm Coast) is one of Spain’s fastest growing holiday hotspots. Along with the Mar Menor, the coast of the Costa Calida is home to water sports, fishing, scuba diving, sun bathing and nature reserves.
The Costa Calida covers the area from the top of the Mar Menor right along to Aguilas. It has in recent years been more popular due to the ease of access of cheap flights and improved road systems. Although the region was a late starter in the building stakes, it has benefited from the mistakes made in other areas and has ensured that there are plenty of green areas, and high rise buildings are only allowed on the La Manga strip and then only to a height of 9 storeys.
Main Towns and Villages
Balsicas Located only 15 minutes away from the Mar Menor and Murcia or San Javier airport in Spain, Balsicas is a typical Spanish village having its name originate from rafts constructed centuriesago. Given its location the town is perfect for tourists and locals who want to engage in golf, recreation and more.
Corvera is a municipality of Murcia with a population of 2,051 inhabitants and an area of 44.86 sq kms. It is 20 kms away from Murcia, it is where the new airport of Murcia will be constructed in 2008. Among the many services offered by this town, the major attractions include good local shops, weekly markets, bars, cafes, restaurants that suit all tastes and budgets, golf, horse riding, tennis, walking, climbing, and excellent medical facilities. Corvera celebrates several annual local fairs and fiestas. One of the most popular parks, the El Valle-Carrascoy regional park, having peaks rising up to 637 meters above sea level, is a must-see for all travellers. It has been declared a conservation area with a large number of nature trails and ecosystems.
Fuente Alamo is about 35 kms from Murcia, the regional capital of the region in south eastern Spain. It is well-connected to the major cities. Its year-round mild climate, as well as its nearness to the coast and beautiful scenery, makes it perfect for rural tourism. It has become one of the best stopping places for people whose interests lie in rural tourism, village attractions, country mansions and various traditional windmills. The area is also home to Hacienda del Alamo Golf Resort.
La Union is situated in the region of Murcia and has some beautiful architecture and besides the folklore richness of this area, La Union is the base for the National Flamenco Contest in August, which has gained worldwide recognition.
Mar de Cristal is separated from Los Nietos by a small river and is located on the shores of the Mar Menor ion the Costa Calida. Mar de Cristal is a compact and friendly little resort with three good beach areas and a new, pretty promenade with bars and restaurants. A good sized marina adds to the charm as well as it’s proximity to the famous La Manga Golf Resort, which boasts many restaurants and a casino in addition to 3 upmarket golf courses.
Mar Menor, which means “Little Sea”, is well known for its lovely location and amenities. It is located in Murcia on the east of Spain. As part of the Costa Calida, Mar Menor is fortunate to be situated in a region that has both a saltwater lake and a Mediterranean shore. The mud and clay found in the area are known for hundreds of years to have essential therapeutic properties. With many well equipped golf courses, municipal parks, and beautiful resorts, Mar Menor is one the most visited places in Spain. It is where the famous La Manga Resort is located. At Mar Menor, the fun of watersports are endless. All guests can sail, dive, windsurf or jetski as much as they want.
Mazarron is situated in the south west of Murcia and has been home to Arabs, Phoenicians and Romans, all of whom have succumbed to the charms and influences of the bay and surrounding area. The town’s coastline is bathed by the Mediterranean Sea with over 30 beaches and beautiful landscape.
San Javier is situated in a coastal spot just off the Mar Menor, the biggest saltwater lake in Murcia, Spain. Its total population is 16,700; it is located near San Javier international airport which is perhaps why more visitors find travelling to and from San Javier practical and convenient. The town enjoys a warm climate for more than 320 days a year and winters are very mild. A visit to San Javier is ideal for people who love to stay under the heat of the sun while they’re having a good time.
San Pedro del Pinatar, which means St. Peter of the Pine Woods, is located in a coastal spot on the Mediterranean, just above the Northern shores of saltwater lake of Mar Menor. Its salt works are the most significant marshland area in the region of Murcia in south eastern Spain and were designated a Nature Reserve Regional Park in 1985. The infrastructure in this resort town is well developed, especially in the suburb of Lo Pagan where you can find lengthy beachfronts, marinas and a dazzling promenade. In spite of these changes, San Pedro del Pinatar has also retained much of its tradition and culture.
Sucina is known as the Field of Murcia, and is situated in the precoastal sector that descends from the mountain ranges from Altaona, Scallion and Columbares. Recently the town’s population has increased steadily its primary products are citruses and vegetables such as melon, artichoke, tomato and the majority of the inhabitants still engage in agriculture, mostly the dry land cultures, such as almond trees, carob trees, and olive trees.
For further information please http://www.murciaturistica.es/PORTAL/ptm.home.menu?idi=2 which is the official tourist information site for the Murcia Region.