DISCOVER COSTA CALIDA: THE 10 BEST THINGS TO DO AND SEE!

INTRODUCTION: 10 BEST THINGS TO DO & SEE IN COSTA CALIDA

10 BEST THINGS TO DO IN COSTA CALIDA, SPAIN: Are you planning your next Mediterranean vacation but you’re not sure where to go? Maybe you’ve heard of the Costa Calida but you know very little or maybe nothing at all about it? If that’s the case, then this post is for you. This article will definitely fill in the blanks and provide the information that you need to plan the best beach vacation ever. As someone who moved to Costa Calida 10 years ago and has extensively explored this region of the Mediterranean, I’m happy to share my insider knowledge of this beautiful Spanish destination.

The Costa Calida is located in the Murcia Region on the southeastern coast of Spain. Directly on the Mediterranean, it is called the “warm coast” and stretches about 250 km in total distance. Benefitting from the warm Mediterranean climate and 320 days of sunshine a year, the weather here is nice all year round and is an ideal holiday destination whether you’re looking for a beach vacation in the summer or golfing during the mild “winter”. (See the following posts on related articles Guide to the Mediterranean Coast and Guide to the Coast of Spain)

WHAT ARE THE 10 BEST THINGS TO DO & SEE IN COSTA CALIDA?

Costa Calida Beaches

Costa Calida Beaches: With 250km of coastline, there are over 150 beaches to choose from along its entire length. The waters are crystal clear, most have fine white sand and in contrast to the more touristy areas of Spain, you will find the beaches far less crowded. On many beaches, you will find boardwalks, washroom facilities, restaurants, and bars and many have lifeguard services in the summer months.

Visit Murcia

Visit Murcia: Murcia is the capital city of the Murcia Region and has a rich history. Unlike other more famous Spanish cities, it has managed to slip under the radar as a tourist destination, which makes it an ideal place to visit for those travelers looking for an authentic Spanish city to explore without the crowds. (see related post on Murcia to find out more about this city)

Visit Cartagena

Visit Cartagena: Cartagena is the next biggest city in the Murcia Region and is a port city dating back to Roman times. Here you can visit a fully restored Roman amphitheater discovered in the 1980s in the middle of the city. Here you can explore the city’s downtown,  walk along the city walls, visit its harbor, or take some hikes on the trails leading into the hills that surround the city. (see related post on Cartagena)

La Manga del Mar Menor

La Manga del Mar Menor: This town is built on a 200m wide sandbar that stretches about 18km, separating the Mediterranean from the inland sea called the Mar Menor (see related post on the La Manga). With crystal clear waters and white sand, there are beaches on both sides of the sandbar providing ample space and opportunity to carry out all kinds of water activities or just to simply lay in the sun and relax.

Mazarron

Mazarron: the coastline in this area has some of the most beautiful beaches in the Costa Calida region. Surrounded by rugged cliffs, here you can see some stunning sunsets. You can visit some of the various fishing villages along the coast and enjoy local fish caught daily at the local restaurants. (see our related post, Puerto de Mazarron)

Mar Menor

Mar Menor: This inland sea is one of the hidden gems of this area. This saltwater lake is about 21km long by about 10km at its widest and is no more than 7m deep, staying warm all year round. Being separated from the open water of the Mediterranean Sea by an 18km long sandbar, the Mar Menor provides a safe place free of waves, currents, or undertows, making this an ideal spot for water sports, and in particular for beginners. (see related post on the Mar Menor)

Water Sports and Beach Activities

Water Sports and Beach Activities: With 250km of coastline and with the Mar Menor inland sea, there is a large range of water activities to enjoy here such as swimming, snorkeling, SCUBA diving, windsurfing, kite surfing, stand-up paddle boarding and sailing. With ideal weather conditions all year round, this is a great place for water sports enthusiasts.

Hiking and Nature trails

Hiking and Nature trails: The Costa Calida coastline stretching from Cape de Palos and heading south is quite rugged and offers a wide range of hiking trails for every ability level. A large part of this area is untouched by modern development and offers the opportunity to explore the Mediterranean coastline in its natural state. (see related post on Calblanque Regional Park)

Cabo de Palos

Cabo de Palos: This small town is a small fishing village with a harbor literally chiseled out of the surrounding rock. The local restaurants get fresh catch daily making this a must-see destination for sea fish foodies. Here you can walk the trails around the town along its rugged coastline, visit the famous lighthouse, go for a swim at one of several small hidden beaches, head out for a hike into the Calblanque Regional Park, or go SCUBA diving with one of the local SCUBA diving operators in the area. (see related post on Cabo de Palos)

Cuisine

Cuisine: When in the area, make sure to try a few of the following dishes that are specific to this area such as Marineras (a crunchy ring-shaped bread topped with Russian salad and an anchovy), Pastel de Cierva (a sweet and savory pie made with a combination of chicken and sugar) and Paparajotes ( a sweet treat made from battered lemon tree leaves, fried and then dusted with cinnamon and sugar).

Visit the Salt Flats near San Pedro del Pinatar

Visit the Salt Flats near San Pedro del Pinatar:  For bird watching, the salt flats and sand dunes of Salinas and Arenales de San Pedro del Pinatar won’t disappoint. This nature reserve has bird observatories, walking and cycling routes, mud baths, archaeological remains, six beaches, leisure areas, a port, and a restaurant. (see related post on San Pedro del Pinatar)

Golfing

Golfing: If you like golfing then you definitely want to add the Costa Calida to your list of must-visit destinations. The region has several world-class golf courses to choose from and the ideal weather allows for golf all year round. There are golf courses to cater to all ability levels from beginner to pro.

TRAVEL TIPS: 10 BEST THINGS TO DO IN COSTA CALIDA

The summer in Spain can get extremely hot with many people leaving the hotter inland areas to head for the relatively cooler coastal areas. If you are looking at traveling to the Costa Calida you may want to visit in either the spring (May/June) or the fall (September/October), and avoid the crowds. In the small town where I live, the population swells from the normal off-season population of 10,000 upwards to 300,000 in July and August. If you do want to come in July and August, book early and be prepared for a busy summer!

FINAL THOUGHTS

The Costa Calida has some of the warmest year-round weather on the Spanish coast and offers a wide variety of activities to do and places to visit. The region is less commercially developed than in other areas of Spain and offers the opportunity to visit a part of the Mediterranean coast in its untouched natural state. However, the area still provides all of the amenities and accommodations that visitors have grown to expect from the busier tourist destinations in Spain, making Costa Calida an ideal holiday destination regardless of what time of year you come.

“Don’t Just Dream It! Do it!”

How about experiencing the Costa Calida on the Mediterranean firsthand? Use the map below to inspire you and plan your next Mediterranean vacation right now!