Costa Calida

🌊 Why Visit Costa Calida, Spain?

Costa Calida, Spain's "Warm Coast," is an absolute gem that's been flying under the radar for far too long! This stunning stretch of Mediterranean coastline tucked away in the Murcia region boasts year-round sunshine, crystal-clear waters, and some of the most unspoiled beaches in Spain.

From the buzzing port city of Cartagena with its incredible Roman ruins to the peaceful beaches of the Mar Menor, Costa Calida offers a perfect mix of culture, relaxation, and Spanish charm without the crowds you'll find on other coasts.

Top reasons to visit Costa Calida:

• 🌊 Europe's warmest waters – the Mar Menor lagoon stays beautifully warm even in winter

• 🏖️ Unspoiled beaches – miles of golden sand and hidden coves without the massive crowds

• 🏛️ Rich history – explore incredible Roman ruins, Carthaginian sites, and charming fishing villages

• ⛳ World-class golf – championship courses with stunning coastal and mountain views

• 🍤 Amazing seafood – fresh catches from both the Mediterranean and the unique Mar Menor lagoon

Top Resorts in Costa Calida

Costa Calida has a brilliant mix of beach resorts, historic cities and peaceful coastal towns. Here's some of our top picks:

• La Manga del Mar Menor – This incredible 21km sandy strip separates the Mediterranean from the Mar Menor lagoon, giving you two seas to choose from. Pick Mediterranean waves on one side or warm, calm lagoon waters on the other – brilliant for families and water sports fans alike.

• Cartagena – One of Spain's most historic port cities with over 3,000 years of history. Explore the incredible Roman Theatre, wander modernist streets, and feast on fresh seafood by the harbour. Perfect for culture lovers who still want beaches nearby.

• Murcia – The region's vibrant capital city, home to a jaw-dropping baroque cathedral and brilliant tapas scene. Just 30 minutes from the coast – ideal for a city break combined with beach days at the Mar Menor.

🎭 Top Things to Do in Costa Calida

Costa Calida perfectly balances beach relaxation with cultural discoveries and outdoor adventures, all bathing in the gorgeous year-round sunshine and uniquely warm waters.

Beach Paradise

• 🏖️ La Manga del Mar Menor – This incredible 21km strip separates the Mediterranean from the Mar Menor lagoon, giving you two different seas to choose from on either side

• 🌊 Playa de los Narejos – Brilliant family beach with shallow, warm waters and excellent facilities in the heart of Los Alcázares

• 🏄 Calblanque Beach – Wild and unspoiled coastline in the natural park with dramatic cliffs and crystal-clear waters

Cultural Treasures

• 🏛️ Roman Theatre of Cartagena – This incredible 1st-century theatre is one of Spain's most impressive Roman sites, right in the heart of the historic port city

• ⚓ Naval Museum Cartagena – Discover Spain's maritime heritage with fascinating exhibits including a real submarine you can explore

• 🏰 Castillo de los Moros – Stunning clifftop castle with breathtaking views over the Mediterranean and surrounding countryside

Natural Wonders

• 🦩 Mar Menor Regional Park – Europe's largest saltwater lagoon with unique ecosystems, flamingos, and incredibly therapeutic mud baths

• 🌿 Calblanque Natural Park – Pristine wilderness with secluded beaches, hiking trails, and some of the clearest waters on the Mediterranean

• ⛰️ Sierra Espuña – Perfect for hiking and discovering traditional villages nestled in pine-covered mountains

Active Adventures

• ⛳ Championship Golf – Play year-round on world-class courses like La Manga Club with stunning views and perfect weather

• 🤿 Diving & Snorkeling – Crystal-clear waters and marine reserves make this a brilliant spot for underwater exploration

• 🚴 Cycling Routes – Explore coastal paths and mountain trails with routes for every level of cyclist

🏨 Where to Stay on your Costa Calida Holidays

Costa Calida offers fantastic accommodation options that make the most of those uniquely warm waters and year-round sunshine. We've got plenty of stunning hotels to choose from, but if you're not sure where to start, we've picked a range of our favourites for you below, from great value family-friendly options to luxury spa retreats.

Great Value Hotels

• 🏨 Hesperia Murcia - This brilliant value city hotel puts you right in the heart of Murcia with modern comfort and easy access to the historic center. Perfect for exploring the region's cultural treasures while enjoying contemporary Spanish hospitality, plus you're just a short drive from those gorgeous beaches.

• 🏨 Ibersol Hotel Atrio del Mar - Right on the beachfront with fantastic facilities and that proper welcoming atmosphere that makes families feel right at home. The location gives you direct access to those famously warm Mar Menor waters, while the four star hotel amenities keep everyone entertained between beach sessions.

Mid-Range

• 🏨 30 Degrees Hotel Dos Playas - This stylish beachfront hotel offers the unique experience of being between two seas – the Mediterranean and Mar Menor lagoon. Modern facilities (including a kids club) meet brilliant location, giving you choice of two beaches, one for the morning, one for the afternoon!

• 🏨 Monarque Costa Narejos - This very popular hotel is located in buzzing Los Alcázares with direct beach access and fantastic family facilities. The shallow, warm waters of the Mar Menor right on your doorstep make this absolutely perfect for families with little ones, while the resort amenities (gym, pools, spa, kids club) keep everyone happy.

• 🏨 Hotel 525 - Contemporary comfort meets authentic Spanish charm in this brilliant mid-range option. The modern facilities (jacuzzi, spa, sauna, etc) and welcoming atmosphere create the perfect base for exploring Costa Calida's beaches, culture, and outdoor adventures.

Luxury Options

• 🏨 Hotel Cavanna - This sophisticated retreat offers elegant accommodation with premium facilities and that refined atmosphere perfect for romantic getaways. The attention to detail and beautiful surroundings create a properly luxurious Spanish coast experience.

• 🏨 Caleia Mar Menor Golf & Spa - The ultimate luxury experience combining championship golf, world-class spa treatments, and stunning accommodation. Set in beautiful grounds overlooking the unique Mar Menor lagoon, this place offers everything from relaxing spa days to challenging rounds of golf, all with that five-star service that makes every moment special.

Whether you're looking for great value family fun, mid-range comfort, or luxury indulgence, Costa Calida's unique combination of Europe's warmest waters, unspoiled beaches, and authentic Spanish culture creates the perfect getaway that's still refreshingly undiscovered!

When to Visit Costa Calida

☀️ Summer (June–August) | Highs of 28-32°C

Peak beach season when the Mar Menor reaches its bathwater-warm temperatures. The San Javier International Jazz Festival (July) brings world-class acts to open-air venues just minutes from the beach – proper good evenings of music under the stars. The Rock Imperium Festival in Cartagena (late June) draws rock and metal fans to the historic port city with a backdrop of Roman ruins. Summer also brings the Fiestas de la Virgen del Carmen (mid-July) to coastal towns with stunning sea processions honouring the patron saint of fishermen.

🌸 Spring (March–May) | Highs of 18-24°C

Brilliant for sightseeing without the summer crowds. Holy Week (Semana Santa) in Cartagena is declared of International Tourist Interest – the atmospheric night-time processions through the narrow streets are genuinely spine-tingling, with centuries-old brotherhoods and beautifully lit floats. Murcia City celebrates with the Bando de la Huerta festival where locals dress in traditional huertano costumes, and the spectacular Entierro de la Sardina (Burial of the Sardine) brings carnival floats, fireworks and thousands of toys for the kids.

🍂 Autumn (September–October) | Highs of 22-28°C

Still warm enough for beach days and the sea stays lovely. The Festival Internacional del Cante de las Minas in La Unión (August–September) is one of the world's most prestigious flamenco competitions, held in a stunning modernist former market building. The Carthaginians and Romans Festival in Cartagena (late September) brings the city's ancient history to life with spectacular re-enactments, parades and battle scenes.

❄️ Winter (December–February) | Highs of 15-18°C

Mild and peaceful – the Mar Menor stays warmer than the Mediterranean, making it pleasant for brisk beach walks. The Águilas Carnival (February) is one of the most famous in Spain, with elaborate floats, costumes and processions running for two weeks. Golf courses are in prime condition and practically empty. Christmas markets pop up in Murcia city and Cartagena with festive atmosphere and local crafts.

Nearby Coasts

Fancy exploring more of Mediterranean Spain? These brilliant coasts are all within easy reach:

• Costa Blanca – Spain's famous "White Coast" with Benidorm's buzz, Alicante's old town charm and quieter spots like Altea. Just an hour north along the coast – brilliant for a day trip to Torrevieja's famous pink salt lakes or the island of Tabarca.

• Costa del Sol – Andalusia's legendary sunshine coast with Málaga's culture, Marbella's glamour and over 320 sunny days a year. A bit further (around 3 hours) but makes for a brilliant extended trip if you want to explore southern Spain properly.