The Area

Costa Cálida

Take 320 days of sunshine. Add 155 miles of coastline.  Mix with a hugely varied landscape. Then enjoy at an average year-round temperature of 18°C.     

With ingredients like this, it’s no surprise that the Murcia region and its coastline – the Costa Cálida – has become one of the ‘hot spots’ of Spain, particularly for tourism, property investment and relocation.

This south-east corner of Spain is as diverse in its geography as it is rich in history.

Wide, sweeping plains which contrast with the region’s mountains and valleys are only part of the varied scenery to be explored. For here, you will also find the only desert and the largest saltwater lagoon – the Mar Menor - in the whole of Europe.

Again, it’s that special combination of climate and landscape that attracts thousands of visitors each year in pursuit of their favourite sport or leisure activity, whether on land or on water.

Centuries ago, the area had a different attraction - its strategic location – and the ‘tourists’ arrived as invaders. A day out in Cartagena or Murcia, the region’s principal cities, provides a fascinating glimpse into the area’s heritage and history.

In and around Mazarrón
Mazarrón lies around 25 miles (by road) to the west of Cartagena. Together with its coastal satellite town of Puerto de Mazarrón, it has evolved and adapted through the years with the changing demands on its local and natural resources.

Mining for salt, zinc, lead, silver, iron, and red ochre gave the area its first foothold, but as the mines became exhausted and threats of invasion diminished, the focus moved to agriculture and fishing. The latter is still prominent and has become an important feature of the area’s local cuisine.

Today, Mazarrón and its neighbouring villages are one of Spain’s best kept secrets as the new location for renting a holiday home and buying property as an investment.

Until recently, the area was not as accessible as many of the more popular tourist destinations along the Costa Cálida. But with San Javier airport less than one hour’s drive away, a new airport opening at Corvera (around 30 minutes away) in 2007 and much improved road and motorway connections, this part of Spain is really taking off!

So why choose Mazarrón as your new destination in Spain?

Some of our customers tell us “it’s one of Spain’s best kept secrets”. Others enthuse that “this is the real Spain”.

In our opinion, the answer is quite simple. Location.

The Bay of Mazarrón and its coastline enjoy some of the best beaches in Spain. The clear Mediterranean waters are ideal for swimming, sailing, fishing and diving. You might even want to try dolphin watching!

On shore, there’s never a shortage of something to do. Simply watch the world go by from one of the local bars, cafés or restaurants – or if you’re feeling more energetic, then sign-up for one of the many activities available in and around the town throughout the year.

See our Leisure In The Sun section for more information.

Locally, you could start with a visit to the town’s salt factory – it’s open to the public and located in the middle of the fishing port.

Further afield, there’s a fabulous choice of professional standard golf courses to challenge a variety of handicaps. The Murcia region is fast becoming known as the Costa del Golf and the quality of the courses, many designed by golfing legends such as Jack Nicklaus and Dave Thomas, are nothing short of world-class.

Alternatively, if you prefer a stroll in air-conditioned comfort for some retail therapy, you’ll be spoilt for choice in Cartagena and Murcia. Two new retail parks have recently opened their doors in Murcia, so you can – literally – shop until you drop!