Costa Cálida travel information and video

Costa Calida

The Costa Calida is situated on the south eastern Mediterranean coast of Spain. It is bordered by
the Costa Blanca to the North, and the Costa Almeria to the south.

Beaches


The Costa Calida is blessed with many kilometres of fine sandy beaches, with some areas backed by
dunes and virgin pine forests. The many towns and villages on the coast are proud of their promenades and beaches. Town beaches are well served by bars and restaurants, many with great views of the Mar Menor and La Manga.


The seawater is warm and very pleasant for bathing. The Mar Menor is shallow (which helps it get warm quickly), and the beaches slope gently, making them ideal for families with young children, and anyone who prefers not to be buffeted by the waves.


The Mar Menor is surrounded by the districts of San Pedro del Pinatar, San Javier, Santiago de
la Ribera, Los Alcazares and La Manga.

Cartagena
The historic port town of Cartagena has many monuments, museums and architectural treasures from bygone days. This town was a strategic fortified Mediterranean port for more than two thousand years.

La Manga Club
The world famous 5 star luxury resort, La Manga Club, with its three 18-hole courses and world
class accommodation is situated close to the southern shores of the Mar Menor. A luxurious playground set in 1400 acres of lush, rolling countryside scattered with thousands of palm trees and surrounded by lemon groves.

Leisure & recreation
The Costa Calida has great sports and leisure facilities. The larger towns and villages all have
well equipped sports centres usually with tennis or paddle courts available for hire. Several riding stable offer guided tours and lessons. There are numerous golf courses on the coast, and many more within a I hour drive, either inland, or towards Alicante.

Many kilometres beckon walkers and long distance runners alike. Much of the area is quite flat, and with generally quiet roads, it is a joy for cycling enthusiasts.

There are several sports marinas where fishing boats can be hired, with or without crew.

Most water-sports a well catered for, with dive schools, windsurfing, sailing, and canoeing all
available at different locations.

Cuisine
The plains of the Costa Calida are incredibly fertile, and produce a vast array of fresh fruit and vegetables, which make up the base ingredients of the regions cuisine.

Rice is a staple here, and finds it's way into many dishes.

The abundant and varied seafood from the Mar Menor and the Mediterranean, along with game and farmed meat from the nearby mountains complete the picture.

Some typical dishes are: "arroz y conejo" rice with rabbit, "arroz de verduras" rice and vegetables; "arroz y costillejas" rice and ribs; "arroz marinero" seafood rice; "paella huertana" a vegetable paella; "potaje" a rich stew dish; "menestra" a dish of sauteed vegetables; "habas con jamón" ham and broad beans; "caldo
Murciano" a local soup dish; "zaragollo"; "chuletas al ajo cabañil" garlic chops; and "pescado a la sal" baked fish in salt. The king prawns are particularely fine, and the "huevas de
mújol" a type of caviar, are highly prised.

Many desserts and cakes, often based on the local almonds, are made here. Try the famous “Jijona”
ice-creams which are still made traditionally and have genuine “Nougat” ice-cream, also made with the almonds of the region.

The fine wines from Jumilla and Yecla are known throughout Spain and beyond for their earthy, full
bodied, rounded, fruity flavours.

Climate
Blessed by a mild Mediterranean climate it has around 315 days of sun per year. Minimum
temperatures range between 12-14C and maximum temperatures between 20-22C in winter. Summer temperatures vary between 18-20C minimum and between 30-35C maximum.
The average annual temperature is 18C.