The Costa Cálida (hot coast) in the province of Murcia between Cartagena and Cabo de Gata, and explicitly the section from the Bay of Mazarrón to the beaches of Lorca near Calnegre, is one of the last unspoilt beach sections and not overly touristic areas on Spain's Mediterranean coast.

Here one has been circumspect enough not to build up the coastal sections with oversized tourist silos and, although touristy, the area has been able to remain its own charm.

There is hardly any rainfall in this region, the average yearly temperature is around 18 ° C, and even during the winter months the sun shines almost 6 hours a day - ideal to escape the dreary Central European winter weather and soak up the sunshine carefree!

The water quality on this stretch of coast is remarkably good, not least because waste water treatment plants were constructed here in good time. The former environmental sins associated with centuries of mining in the region, which have partially left some of the most bizarre landscape formations and colours, have by now been compensated and nature and coastal waters have regenerated themselves again.

This is, among other things, a reason for the abundance of fish on this coast, as well as the continued existence of the protected Neptune Gras - important pastures and nursery for many kinds of fish, as well as hiding places for octopus and sepia. The port of Mazarrón is, besides being a very beautiful, highly modern marina, still to this day an active fishing port with regular morning fish auctions and, although highly frequented, one can discover shoals of hundreds of fish in the unusually clear water of the harbor basin.

COUNTLESS BEACHES

Countless beaches (including nudists) and pristine bays along an approx. 25 km long, totally undeveloped coast (unique in Spain!) invite you to sunbathe or to go hiking; coastal cliffs with caves and the diversified marine life are popular with divers and snorkelers. There are 2 marinas and several diving sites locally and nearby. With some luck you can watch whales and dolphins off the coast; there are several vendors in the harbor offering trips to the open Mediterranean. Due to the sheltered position of the bay the water temperature is a few degrees warmer than elsewhere and can easily rise above 27 ° C in the summer and even in the winter hardly falls below 15 ° C.

Winter is the ideal time for hiking on the paths along the coast or in the nearby mountains, or also for playing golf - the region offers several golf courses. In the months of February and March, the almond- and fruit blossoms in the hinterland bathe the landscape in a sea of bright white and pink hues (for example around the Sierra de Espuña or in the region of Jumilla and Cieza). A spectacle of nature beyond compare!

Mazarrón and the surrounding area have far more to offer than sun, sea and mountains. The region is rich in history and one frequently walks over historical grounds. Cave paintings bear witness to early settlements, and everywhere one comes across remains of former rulers, who utilised these abundant and strategically important parts of the coast, be it the Greeks, Etruscans, Phoenicians, Romans or Arabs; all have put their mark on this region. While in Cartagena (New Carthago) - already inhabited by Iberians and newly founded by the Phoenician ruler Hastrubal, the father of the arguably well-known Hannibal - a Roman amphitheater and other ancient remains were extensively restored and made accessible to tourism, two 2700 year old Phoenician ships were discovered on Mazarrón's coast; virtually just on the doorstep of your holiday home, one of which was raised and restored, and is now displayed in Murcia, the capital of the region.

The second ship still lies sheltered aground, awaiting its salvage, which should occur soon. Only a few kilometers further, along the beautiful coast with its extensive beaches, in Bolnuevo, there are remnants of a fortified settlement, dating back to 4000 B.C. Puerto de Mazarrón devotes a museum to the roman factory for the production of (Garum), a fishpaste, and very close to our holiday homes remains of a cistern from the 1st century are to be found.

Spain, and in particular the south of Spain, is the country of good and rich food and drink. The cards are stacked against anyone who attempts to start a diet in Spain, especially if the intention is to lose weight.  Lurking on every corner are Tapas Bars and restaurants with fantastic dishes and beverages, often own creations; that will try to sow your clothes tighter, and frequently succeed.

Just a few kilometers from the coast to the north you enter the wild and romantic Sierras, whose peaks rise up to 1500m and invite to long mountain walks that pass beautiful reservoirs (Embalses), shimmering turquoise and emerald green in the valleys, and which are most often suitable for taking a cool dip in wild nature in absolute privacy, whilst huge griffon vultures majestically circle the skies: very kitsch, but for real. Whilst the lowlands are mainly dominated by tomato plantations, one walks through olive, almond, tangerine, orange and lemon plantations, interrupted by vineyards here and there, as well as wild pine forests. In these areas too plenty of Tapas Bars and restaurants lurk in the small native villages, waiting to tempt travelers with the region`s specialities.

More information under e.g.:  www.visitamazarron.es (also in English); www.murciaturistica.es (also in English)