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SPAIN: LIFESTYLE AND TRAVEL GUIDE TO THE MEDITERRANEAN COAST

SPAIN: LIFESTYLE AND TRAVEL GUIDE TO THE MEDITERRANEAN COAST

GUIDE TO THE MEDITERRANEAN COAST OF SPAIN
Spanish Coast
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INTRODUCTION: GUIDE TO THE MEDITERRANEAN COAST OF SPAIN

Are you thinking of taking a trip to the coast of Spain? Are you trying to figure out what would be the best place to visit, the best time of year to come, the best place to hike, the best place to SCUBA dive, and the best beach to go to, then this site was made for you and this post will help answer a lot of your questions. I first visited Spain in 1991 and fell in love with the Mediterranean Coast immediately, returning dozens of times over the following years, until I eventually moved here.

My goal over the next few years is to continue exploring the Mediterranean coast of Spain, from one end to the other. Through my blog posts, I want to share as much as I can about my travels and experiences in this Mediterranean country. My posts will provide tips and advice to improve your travel experience and hopefully inspire you to come and experience this area for yourself. The climate, the lifestyle, the culture, the endless beaches, the islands, the water, the beautiful landscape….It doesn’t get better than this!

(For more about the Mediterranean check out our post ” Guide to the Mediterranean Coast”)

MAIN TAKEAWAYS

  • Discover Spain and experience a different lifestyle and pace of life
  • Learn some travel tips to improve travel and help navigate your way through Spain
  • Get some retirement tips and advice related to Spain
  • Find out about all the leisure and sports activities you can do all year long
  • Discover the Mediterranean Diet first hand: eat and live healthy
The Mediterranean Coast, Playa de Muro, Mallorca, Spain
Mallorca

LIFESTYLE AND TRAVEL GUIDE TO THE MEDITERRANEAN COAST OF SPAIN?

TRAVEL

Travel Tips

The main tip here is to do a little research before your trip which will help you to avoid most pitfalls and resolve most hick ups before they even happen.

Travel Planning

Make sure you spend a little time planning in advance of your trip. Itineraries, airport check-in, money, flight, hotel, etc. A little time spent in advance on the details will help in setting up the best trip possible

Travel Products

Make sure to plan what you want to bring on your trip to make you comfortable. This will ensure that you are well-rested, entertained, and prepared to start your vacation activities as soon as you arrive. (see related article Top Travel Essentials)

Travel Accessories

From earplugs to earbuds, and from neck pillows to cell phone chargers, there are key items that you will want to bring with you to make your trip as comfortable as possible. (see related posts: Travel Watches, Daypacks, Travel Cameras, Top Travel Essentials)

Packing Tips and Essentials

Review your planned activities before your trip, make a list of things to bring, and do a test run packing your bags. This might take a few tries.

Travel Insurance

Whether you are planning a short 1-week trip or planning on staying for several months, you should absolutely consider travel insurance. (see related post: World Nomads vs SafetyWing)

Cruises/Air/Train

Once you arrive at your main destination, you may want to consider a weekend trip to the capital city, a week-long cruise, or a train through the mountains. There are all kinds of options available. Check with your hotel or go online to get the best up-to-date info that will point you in the right direction.

Car/Scooter/Boat Rentals

There are various rental options throughout the Mediterranean countries. Rules and regulations will vary by country so it’s advisable to research these before your trip. (Tip: many rental agencies will require an international driver’s license, getting one before your trip is advisable.)

Hotels/Bed and Breakfasts

 Accommodations are an important aspect of your trip that can either make or break the experience. Consider what your needs are in advance, research your destination, and check reviews and comments before booking your accommodations

Mar Menor

“Day Dreaming Again?”

“Don’t Just Dream It! Do it!” How about experiencing Spain first hand? Use the map below to inspire you and plan your next vacation in Spain right now!

LEISURE ACTIVITIES

Beach activities

The Mediterranean has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. During the summer holidays, the Mediterranean beaches are the destination of choice for millions of Europeans.

Bike tours

This is a great group activity and with the incredible climate and beautiful landscape, booking commercial bike tours is a great way to sightsee and experience the Mediterranean coastline

Boat tours

During the summer, there are hundreds of boat tours operating everywhere along the coastline. This is a great way to see the coastline from out on the sea. Tours range from half an hour to a full day. Some excursions can even be taken on sailboats

Yoga

many hotels and resorts along the Mediterranean offer yoga classes throughout the summer. In some locations, the classes are directly on the beach.

Exploring National and Regional Parks

National parks are set up in different countries in the region to preserve some areas to keep them in their natural state. Many will have marked trails open to visitors who can then experience the Mediterranean in its original form. (see related post Hiking in Calblanque Regional Park near Cartagena)

Amusement/Adventure/water parks/ziplining

Add this to your trip itinerary. There are various “amusement” parks located at different places along the Mediterranean coast offering family fun during the high season.

Paragliding

Unless you are scared of heights, this activity is pretty well open to anyone who wants to experience a thrill. During the height of the tourist season, there are many operators along the Mediterranean offering this activity

Exploring caves and gorges

 With such a long coastline, there are thousands of caves and gorges to explore ranging in difficulty from beginner to pro. Check with local tourist outfits about guided tours with the proper safety equipment

Cycling routes

Cycling is a popular sport in Europe and with the climate on the Mediterranean, you can cycle year-round. With its popularity and accessibility, there are cycling routes throughout the area.

Spanish Cuisine

Spanish cuisine is both a social and culinary experience. The food itself is a flavorful blend of fresh, local ingredients featuring a variety of tapas, seafood, and regional specialties such as paella and gazpacho. (see related article on The Mediterranean Diet)

Mediterranean Diet

SPORTS ACTIVITIES

Running

the climate in the Mediterranean is ideal for running year-round so for many travelers, getting some jogging in is often a part of their vacation plan. For more serious athletes there are road races and marathons throughout the region, mainly outside of the hot summer season. (see related articles: Valencia Marathon and Running in the Heat)

Cycling

exploring the Mediterranean coastline with a bike is a relaxing way of covering a lot of miles and experiencing everything firsthand (rather than through a windshield in a car).

Windsurfing

harnessing the wind power with windsurfing is an exhilarating experience. There are tons of beautiful locations to windsurf on the Mediterranean, and with the right equipment all you need is wind

Kitesurfing

Where windsurfing stops, kitesurfing begins. A little more technically demanding, once mastered this sport is about finesse and feel, less about brute strength. More wind!

SUP

A relative newcomer to water recreation, this relaxing sport is ideal for those looking to connect with water without too much exertion. With a relatively gentle learning curve, this activity is ideal for many. (see related post: Best SUP’s for Beginners)

Kayaking

with kayaking, you can slice through open water, quietly and effortlessly, and on inland lakes and streams to explore

SCUBA

In some areas of the Mediterranean, the waters are very clear providing for some excellent SCUBA diving conditions. With abundant sea life and hundreds of years of shipwrecks will provide ample opportunity for exploration.

Snorkeling

The clear waters of the Mediterranean and thousands of miles of coastline and beaches, provide ideal conditions for snorkeling

Hiking/walking

 There are thousands of miles of coastline on the Mediterranean and varying landscapes throughout. After thousands of years of human settlement, there are ample trails and paths for every ability level, from beginner to seasoned pro. (see related post: Hiking in Calblanque Regional Park near Cartagena)

Swimming

During the summer months, there is nothing better than taking a dip in the Mediterranean, and with thousands of beaches to choose from, the choice is yours.

Rock climbing in the Mediterranean

There are some mountainous areas along the Mediterranean that provide ideal conditions for rock climbing.

Surfing

Although no tides on the Mediterranean, there are some areas along its coast that, when the weather conditions are right, benefit from good wave conditions for surfing. One such place is near my home near Cartagena.

Calblanque Beach near Cartagena

COASTAL REGIONS

Costa Brava

Located in northeastern Spain, Costa Brava has an incredible coastline with rugged cliffs, hidden coves, and beautiful beaches. The area is dotted with medieval towns and little fishing villages.

Costa Dorada

Costa Dorada has beautiful sand beaches, perfect for sunbathing and water sports, and many family-friendly resorts. The area is also known for its Catalan cuisine.

Costa del Azahar

This is the name for the coast of the provinces of Castellon and Valencia. In terms of tourism relatively unspoilt, it is one of the most beautiful and unspoilt

Costa Blanca

Costa Blanca (or White Coast) is located in the Alicante province and runs about 200km north to south. The main city is Alicante which is an ancient port city with a long history. The coastline is primarily sand beaches ideal for sunbathing and water sports. At its southern end, there are large salt flats, ideal for flamingo watching. (see related post: Costa Blanca, Costa Blanca Weather, Benidorm, Calpe and Alicante)

Costa Calida

Meaning “Warm Coast” in Spanish (about 280km long), it’s known for its hot summers and mild winters. The area is relatively arid with some areas classified with a desert status. A significant feature of the Costa Calida is the shallow inland sea called the “Mar Menor” which is ideal for water sports year round. (see related posts on: Costa Calida, Mar Menor, Cartagena, Murcia, La Manga)

Mar Menor

This saltwater “lake” used to be a Mediterranean bay before being closed off by a 20-mile-long sandbar about 1000 years ago. The Mar Menor is ideal for watersports like windsurfing kite surfing, kayaking, and SUP. (see related post on, Costa Calida, La Manga and the Mar Menor)

Costa Almeria

Located on the southeast coast of Spain, the Costa Almeria runs about 220km and has a semi-arid climate, pristine beaches, and historic landmarks. (The major city is Almeria)

Costa Granadina (or Costa Tropical)

Located between the Sierra Nevada Mountains and the Mediterranean Sea, this section of the coast of Spain enjoys a subtropical climate, lush vegetation, and exotic fruits such as mangoes and avocados, making it a unique destination along the Spanish shoreline.(The main coastal town is Motril, Capital city is Granada )

Costa Del Sol (Andalusia)

Stretching along the southern coast of Spain, is a world-renowned tourist destination. Costa Del Sol has over 300 days of sunshine annually, attracting sun worshippers from all over. There are resorts up and down this 150km stretch of coastline and is popular among British, German, Scandinavian, French, and Moroccan tourists.(Major centers are Estepona, Nerja and Malaga)

Costa de la Luz

“Coast of Light” is a section of the coast of Spain along the Atlantic, stretching from Tarifa in the south up to the Guadiana River in the north. For years a major holiday destination for Spaniards and more recently also for foreigners.(Major centers are Cadiz, Huelva, Tarifa)

Balearic Islands

Balearic islands lie just off the east coast of Spain in the Mediterranean. This is a major tourist destination for millions of visitors every year. It has beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters and amazing weather.

Mallorca

This is the largest of the 3 Balearic islands and the main destination for millions of tourists every summer. The island is large and very developed and there is something for everyone here. Whether you are looking for more of a party location with vibrant nightlife or a more relaxed and low-key location to just lay in the sun and do nothing, this island has it all. (see related post on Playa de Muro in Mallorca)

Ibiza

If you are looking for a vacation destination with a little more party atmosphere then this is the island of choice. It is famous for its nightlife and entertainment, and beautiful beaches.

Menorca

In stark contrast to Ibiza is Menorca. Of the Balearic islands, this is the one that is less crowded and more subdued and relaxing. The island is less developed, the beaches are beautiful and the water crystal clear. A tranquil and serene getaway, perfect for nature lovers.

Ceuta

 is an autonomous city of Spain located on the North African coast directly across from Gibraltar, bordering on Morocco. It is on the boundary between the Mediterranean and the Atlantic Ocean.

Alicante, Spain
Alicante, The coast of Spain

FINAL THOUGHTS- SPaIN: LIFESTYLE & TRAVEL GUIDE TO THE MEDITERRANEAN COAST

The Mediterranean coast of Spain is a unique area that attracts millions of visitors every year, with most coming in the summer months. Regardless of where they come from, there is something about the Mediterranean Coast that holds a certain attraction that is undeniable. This is not just a Spanish phenomenon since the same can be said for most of the other countries bordering on the Mediterranean.

Whether it’s the endless shoreline, the easygoing lifestyle, the Mediterranean cuisine, the ideal climate for an active lifestyle, or just lying on the beach basking in the sun, the appeal seems universal. This is an incredible place to discover and hopefully, through my posts, you will find out more about this area and be inspired to come see for yourself one day.

Ready to Explore The Coast of Spain?

Reg Auge

Reg holds an MBA, is a former Captain in the Canadian military and has worked as a consultant in industry for over 20 years. From his home in Spain, he has spent the last 10 years traveling throughout the Mediterranean, exploring the various countries and regions. He also regularly runs, windsurfs, and kite surfs, maintaining a healthy and active way of life. Captivated by this Mediterranean lifestyle, he began a Blog last year to inspire like-minded souls to learn about and discover this unique region for themselves.

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