Things to do on the Costa Calida

When looking for property on the Costa Calida it's useful to know what attractions the region has to offer – and there are many! The Costa Calida has something for everyone – whether you are a culture buff or dedicated sun-seeker; sports fan or gastronome; whether you desire the non-stop excitement of a busy resort or the quiet pace of life of a traditional Spanish village: it's all here on the Costa Calida.

Where to start? Well, one of the most famous and unique locations on the Costa Calida is the Mar Menor – a naturally formed, warm water lagoon and one of the best places in Europe to learn all kinds of water sports. Whatever you want to do, if you can do it on, or in, water, you can do it here – swimming, scuba-diving, water-skiing, wind-surfing, kite-surfing, sailing – the list is endless. The Mar Menor is separated from the Mediterranean by a narrow strip of land which is home to the exclusive La Manga resort – 1500 acres turned over to outstanding leisure facilities, golf, hotels, health clubs, places to eat and drink – and the chance to rub shoulders with plenty of footballers' wives!

Not your thing? The Costa Calida has plenty of culture and history too, with many fascinating towns and cities waiting to be discovered. The Costa Calida is the coastline of Murcia region so the incredible city of Murcia is a good place to start. Dominated by its cathedral, with its 96 metres high tower and 25 bells (building started in the 14th century and went on for the next four hundred years) Murcia has new discoveries around every corner, with churches, museums, palaces and monuments. Well worth a visit is the beautiful 18th century church of Santa Ana – not least for the cakes which the nuns bake and sell through a revolving hatch so as not to break their vows of no contact with the outside world. They certainly wouldn't approve of Murcia's 19th century casino – but it's worth a look too. Among the museums of note is the Salzillo Museum with its outstanding collection of multi-coloured sculptures by the 18th century sculptor, Francisco Salzillo. Another chance to see them is when they are carried proudly through the streets at Easter as part of the city's celebrations. Other museums include the Museo de Arquelogia (Archaeological Museum) and the Museo de Bellas Artes (Fine Art Museum).

Other towns in the region worthy of special mention are the ancient naval port of Cartagena, and the Renaissance town of Lorca with its amazing 12th century castle. Calasparra, 45km North West of Murcia, has much to see too – nestled in the mountains alongside the Segura River and a place where you can enjoy river rafting, rock-climbing, hiking, and fishing. Just outside the town are networks of caves with ancient wall paintings, and fascinating rock formations. Lo Pagan is a town boasting the largest expanse of open-air mud-baths in the whole of Europe – and people flock there to sample their alleged miraculous curative properties.

For nature lovers there are areas of outstanding natural beauty which are havens for flora and fauna of all kinds. The regional park of Las Salinas y Avenales de San Pedro del Pinatar is a site of special conservational interest as it is the most important wetlands area in Murcia. Also deserving of a mention is the Regional Park of Calblanque, near the Mar Menor, which consists of beautiful, unspoiled stretches of salt flats, empty beaches, tiny coves, and rolling sand dunes – all of which are specially protected.

Along the coast and inland you will find hundreds of beautiful, traditional Spanish villages – where time seems to stand still. This is where you will find the ‘real' Spain, and a relaxed way of life that you can probably only dream of now. This is where to sample the cuisine of the region which, as you would expect, takes its cue from the natural resources of the area: seafood, olives, almonds, rice, oranges. Discover delicious paellas and fish stews, tapas, salted fish dishes, fig bread – and wash it all down with any (or all!) of the three outstanding wines of the region: Bullas, Jumilla and Yecla.

It's all here on the stunning Costa Calida – take a look at Home Espana's huge range of property in Murcia and the Costa Calida: we have apartments, villas, cortijos, fincas, coastal properties, inland properties, properties that are ready to move into, properties that need a lot of TLC, resale and new build. Somewhere in our extensive database if the Spanish home of your dreams – why not make yourself a cup of tea and get browsing…then give us a call.