Why choose the Costa Calida?
November 29th, 2007When you are thinking of moving to Spain, the very attractive climate of the Costa Calida with its low rainfall and more than three hundred days of sunshine a year must place it high on your list of places to live. When you add to this the fact that the sea temperatures are mainland Spain’s warmest making it possible to swim from March until November, how can you resist it? This area is served by two airports, Alicante and San Javier (Murcia) both are used by most of the budget airlines. There is also an excellent road network, making it very easy to access and move around the area.
The Costa Calida or Murcian coast starts at the Mar Menor, a salt water lagoon. Around this lagoon there are a number of places where ex pats have chosen to make their home, such as San Pedro de Pinitar, Los Alcazares, and La Manga to name just a few. In and around this area you can find all of the facilities and services that you will required, helping you enjoy your life in the sun. The protected water of the Mar Menor makes it an ideal place for families with young children to go. The water is shallow and areas protected by nets make it safe for bathing in. It is also a fantastic place for all types of water sports.
At the south end of the Mar Menor there is an area called Parque Regional de Calblanque. This is a protected area in which there are a number of fine sandy beaches backed by sand dunes. Some of these beaches are signposted to tell you that they are used by naturists as you will find is the case all the way up and down the coast.
Moving on down the coast a little you come to Cartagena a city with a very obvious naval past. The port area is dominated by the military arsenal which is still in use and is heavily guarded. In the port there are still signs on naval presence but more recently it is being used as a stopping point for cruise liners whose passengers bring a little life and prosperity to the local businesses. Near to the port lies the old part of the city with its narrow streets, filled with shops, bars and restaurants. If you take a little time to walk around you will find a number of reminders of Cartagena’s Roman past.
A little further down the coast and crossing some mountains lies Puerto de Mazarrón town. The former is predominantly a Spanish resort although these days it has become more popular with expats and the latrer being a more traditional Spanish town. There are many unspoilt and often unused beaches on this part of the coast if you are prepared to go off the beaten track.
Between Mazarrón and Águilas there is the parque regional Calnegre - Cabo Cope. This is a rugged part of the coastline with a mix of beaches and rocky coves perfect for a quite picnic or just some where to relax and have a quiet swim far from the hustle and bustle of the tourist beaches. This brings us to Águilas a pretty and vibrant town where fishing, tomato growing and tourism are in evidence. Águilas appears to have a healthy tourist industry but it has also managed to retain its Spanish charm.
All in all, the Costa Calida has a great deal to offer residents or visitors to the area, with its abundance of quiet beaches and coves. The crystal clear water is prefect for diving and snorkelling. Add to that, the endless miles of hills and trails that can be used for various activities, such as mountain biking, motor cycling, quad biking or hiking and you have a paradise on the med. If this is not enough for you, then travel a little inland and you can find even more jewels in the Murcian crown!
This information is provided by Maura Dunne. Maura is a property locator for Murcia Properties