Along the coast of the Mar Menor and Costa Calida are numerous sandy beaches, lively ports and deserted coves with impressive cliffs and crystal clear water, attempting families, couples and sports enthusiasts alike. The water is very clean and clear, with many beaches being awarded the ‘blue flag’. So whether you are looking for a family fun beach holiday, great watersports or a relaxing break, a beach holiday on the Costa Calida, Murcia is an ideal location. Many water sports are available including; scuba diving, jet skiing, windsurfing, kite surfing, fishing etc.
There are two distinct parts to the coast. The east-facing part is dominated by the Mar Menor ("Little Sea"), Europe’s lagrest natural lagoon over 10 miles long by 6 miles wide. The waters of the Mar Menor are 5 degrees warmer than in the Mediterranean Sea, and also much shallower with a maximum depth of 7m. Great care and attention is paid to litter collection, and lifeguards/police patrols operate in popular spots. The long, thin strip of land between the lagoon and the Mediterranean is La Manga ("The sleeve") and the whole warm lagoon is lined with clean, gently sloping beaches and pretty, low-rise resort towns.
Most holidaymakers go for self-catering accommodation, booking direct from owners and considerably cheaper in relation to the other Costas in Spain. Holidays spent in a luxury villa with private pool and so near the beaches of the Costa Calida would be holiday heaven to many sun-seekers. Families are extremely well catered for in the nearby golf resorts with onsite facilities and entertainment.
Visit the beautiful beaches along the coast of Murcia and the Costa Calida.
Starting from the north and south, you will find the salt marshes at San Pedro Del Pinatar & Lo Pagán. Migrating birds use the marshes as a stop-over and bird-watching is popular. The mineral content of the mud makes it a sought-after remedy or conditioner, especially for the skin, and there are several therapy spas. Lo Pagan has 2 sandy beaches separated by a marina and fishing harbour. A long promenade stretches to the rear of both of these beaches and joins up with Santiago de la Ribera. Perhaps the most attractive of the Mar Menor resorts, Santiago de la Ribera sits on the shores of the Mar Menor directly in front of San Javier and the two are closely linked. Home to a superb marina area and some of the best restaurants in the region. Here you will find a ferry that travels across the Mar Menor to the Tomas Maestre Marina on the La Manga Strip every 2 hours.
At the centre point of the Mar Menor coast sits Los Alcázares & Los Narejos and have an excellent range of modern facilities, including a sizeable marina. They also have a long history, both as fishing ports and as spa towns. Los Alcazares has a promenade that is over 4km long stretching from the airport right through to the marina at the southern end. There are many beach bars and restaurants that line the beach. The beaches at Playa Los Narejos and Playa del Espejo have won the famous Q Awards for their high standards.
A relatively new resort, Los Urrutias has almost a mile of golden beach with good facilities, enhanced by an unusual offshore marina in a hexagonal shape. Behind the beach is a modern, spaciously laid out town with an attractive promenade and public spaces. The coast either side is protected land, preserving the quality of the environment.
At the very southern end of the Mar Menor, these two beach areas have seen quite a bit of expansion in the last few years and have evolved into fully fledged resorts. With the hills of the Calablanque Nature Park behind, the protected Marchamalo salt flats to the side and the whole length of the Mar Menor in front though, the area is set to mature nicely.
Across from the Marchamalo salt flats, Cabo de Palos is a small point of land jutting out into the Mediterranean. Naturally equipped with many small bays and inlets, it has always been a centre for fishing and the main port area is one of the prettiest on the entire coast. Using fresh local fish and vegetables, some of the best restaurants in the area line the traditional quayside and charge amazingly reasonable prices.
Calblanque is an area of exceptional beauty and tranquility with fine golden, sandy beaches and clear, sparkling waters. It stretches along 13 km of the coast and consists of beaches, peaceful coves, ancient sand dunes, stunning rock formations, beautiful walking trails and pine forests. The peaceful beaches are one of the main attractions - the most popular being Playa Calblanque, Playa Larga and Playa de las Cañas. There are many peaceful coves to explore and due to the remoteness of the area you may even find yourself alone in one of these coves.
West of Cartagena, a wild and craggy coast has kept development to a minimum and it's not until the huge bay of Mazarrón that there is much sign of activity. Within the bay itself and immediately around are 30 beaches and a number of small but growing resorts, some of which will be linked by a new 6-mile seafront promenade.
Just before the border with Almería is Águilas with almost 15 miles of undeveloped coast including a beautiful series of 4 bays and over 30 coves, with a crescent of mountains behind, between which sits the town of Águilas. Established as a port in Roman times and protected by a fine 1597 castle that survives to this day, it is a classically friendly and relaxed southern Spanish town where strangers become friends in record time. Home to great natural beauty, a spectacular carnival and a perfect lifestyle.
