Costa Calida (Alicante)

Costa Calida (Alicante) holidays

Sun, sea and sand is practically guaranteed on the “warm coast”. This is where balmy seas are ideal for swimming, sun-kissed beaches beckon for bathing and the historic streets of Cartagena and Murcia are set for exploring. In the middle of it all is the exclusive resort of La Manga, where the golf courses are famed for being some of the best in Spain – and don’t be surprised if you bump into the odd celeb. As for the Mar Menor lagoon nearby, it’s one of the best swim spots on the Med. Boutique shopping, sensational seafood and swish nightclubs are also on the agenda, so if it’s high-end R&R you’re after, you’ve come to the right place. 

Costa Calida Alicante resorts

Villas Available Here

La Manga

A narrow sandbar placed along south-eastern Spain, La Manga divides the Mediterranean from the beautiful inland lagoon of the Mar Menor, ‘little sea’.

Villas Available Here

Mar Menor

If golf, yachts and exclusive spots sound like your sort of holiday, then Mar Menor is made for you.

Language

Spanish

Currency

Euro

Time difference

+1hr

Cost of a beer

around €1.25

3-course meal

around €30

Flight times

2.5-3hrs

Sun-kissed shores

Like everything else in the region, the seas here are warm, making them perfect for swimming or even just a quick paddle. The beaches are swathed in soft golden sand and backed by bar-lined promenades, dunes or pine forests depending on which one you pick. You won’t leave disappointed.

A sheltered spot

The Mar Menor, or ‘little sea’, is a saltwater lagoon separated from the Mediterranean by a spit of land known as La Manga. Its mild, shallow waters and pristine sands have made it the region’s most exciting area, so it’s no wonder it pulls in the crowds.

Hannibal’s capital

The historic city of Cartagena has been an important naval port for over 2,000 years. Hannibal and his elephants made it their Spanish base en route from Carthage to Rome. The city’s old town’s peppered with Roman, Phoenician, Byzantine and Moorish monuments, including an impressive amphitheatre and two fortresses!

Beaches

Various sandy beaches around the region slope gently into warm, shallow waters, making it a super-safe spot for swimming. For slightly more secluded sunbathing, head south or to the cosy shores and rocky coves around Cartagena and Puerto de Mazarron. It’s all about the can’t-beat crystal clear waves here.

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Cartagena's Cala Cortina

Cartagena's Cala Cortina

Costa Calida (Alicante)

This secluded cove is the main beach near to the urban centre of Cartegena, so it attracts lots of sunseekers. It’s 250 metres long, and has Blue Flag status, a picnic area and a busy fish restaurant....
Playa Cavanna

Playa Cavanna

La Manga, Costa Calida (Alicante)

The Playa Cavanna Beach boasts 2.5 kilometres of silky sand broken only by the occasional palm tree. From the sun loungers available to hire you can take in the bay and look out across to Isla del Ciervo....

Sights

Salt flats, lagoons, lighthouses – whether you go north or south, you’ll find some staggering natural sights around the Costa Cálida. Cartagena’s old town comes with Moorish castles, a Roman theatre and a historic port which is still an important naval base. You’ll be treated to plenty of photo opportunity spots.

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El Faro de Cabo de Palos

El Faro de Cabo de Palos

La Manga, Costa Calida (Alicante)

El Faro de Cabo de Palos is a beautiful lighthouse of cultural interest located on a rocky promontory at the foothills of the coastal mountains of Cartegena. At night it can be seen from the beaches lighting up...
Mar Menor

Mar Menor

La Manga, Costa Calida (Alicante)

The Mar Menor is Europe’s biggest salt water lagoon, separated from the Mediterranean sea by a 22-kilometre strip of land. The warm, shallow waters are ideal for nautical sports, and the area is a magnet for...

Activities

Golfers will find themselves spoilt for choice – you’ll be met with immaculate 18-hole glory. The region’s flat terrain makes it easy to explore its quiet roads and virgin pine forests on foot, bike or horseback. There are some pretty hot water sports platforms around here – some being a few of Spain’s best.

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Calblanque Nature Park

Eating and drinking

Rice is the local staple and you’ll find it on most menus, accompanied by fresh seafood, vegetables, pork ribs and pretty much any other meat you care to mention. As for sweet stuff, locally-grown almonds make their way into most cakes and desserts – the nougat ice-cream is to die for.

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La Manga Club restaurants

La Manga Club restaurants

La Manga, Costa Calida (Alicante)

In the brilliant range of restaurants at La Manga Club you’ll find something sumptuous for everyone. From hearty burgers, ribs and steaks to light lunches by the pool. Much on traditional tapas, paellas and...
Beach bars

Beach bars

La Manga, Costa Calida (Alicante)

When you’ve had a long day taking in the sun and ambling along the beach take a load off and settle into a couple of cool beverages whilst the light fades. If you’re peckish try the local tapas whilst looking...

Shopping

Get a taste of traditional Spain at the region’s regular outdoor markets. Here, you can barter for bargains on everything from fresh fruit to clothes. Woven baskets and ceramics are some of the local handicrafts to keep an eye out for. Save some time for the shopping centres, too.

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Market at Cabos de Palos

Nightlife

The resorts around Costa Cálida pack in plenty of places to party around narrow strips of land, from live music bars to neon-lit clubs pumping bass until the early hours. Cartagena does a strong line in harbour-front bars, while La Manga has its fair share of pubs and clubs.

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Bars and clubs on the main strip
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