Costa Calida holidays

Costa Calida holidays

Deals from £194 per person

Boasting over 250km of stunning coastline and more than 320 days of sunshine a year, Costa Cálida is one of Spain’s best-kept secrets. Nestled in the Murcia region, Costa Cálida holidays offer everything from beautiful beaches and family-friendly resorts to historic towns and unspoiled natural landscapes. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach getaway or an action-packed adventure, holidays to Costa Cálida can be as laid-back or as energetic as you want them to be.

Little ones in tow? Costa Cálida family holidays are perfect, with resorts like La Manga offering endless activities for kids and grown-ups alike. Couples looking for tranquillity can retreat to the serene beaches of Mazarrón, or explore the ancient streets of Cartagena for a taste of old-world charm. The region is also home to the Mar Menor, Europe’s largest saltwater lagoon, where water sports enthusiasts can dive, sail, or simply soak up the sun.

Things to do

A holiday to Costa Cálida is all about variety. If you’re a nature lover, head to the Calblanque Regional Park, a protected coastal area with golden sands, rugged cliffs, and scenic hiking trails. For a cultural experience, visit the historic city of Cartagena, home to impressive Roman ruins, a bustling marina, and excellent museums. And if you’re a sand spot seeker, you’ll be spoilt for choice with over 35 beaches along the Mar Menor, perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and paddleboarding.

Families will love the adventure parks and activities on offer, from water parks to boat trips exploring hidden coves. At La Manga, your mini-mes can learn to sail in the calm waters of the Mar Menor, while parents relax on the beach with a refreshing drink. For those seeking a more active holiday, there’s the option of hiking in the Sierra Espuña mountains or playing a round of golf at one of the region’s renowned courses.

Don’t miss the chance to indulge in Costa Cálida’s culinary delights. With fresh seafood, traditional tapas, and world-famous Murcian wines, dining here is a treat. Head to a beachfront restaurant and enjoy a plate of paella or the region’s signature Caldero rice dish while watching the sunset.

Places to stay

Costa Cálida has a wide range of accommodation options to suit all kinds of holidays. La Manga is a popular spot for family holidays to Costa Cálida, offering hotels, villas, and resorts packed with things to do and first-class amenities. For a quieter escape, the town of Puerto de Mazarrón provides charming oceanfront hotels and holiday apartments, perfect for unwinding by the sea.

The historic city of Cartagena is ideal for those wanting a mix of heritage and relaxation. Stay in the heart of the city and enjoy easy access to Roman ruins, museums, and lively bars as well as swanky restaurants. If you prefer a more rural vibe, consider staying in the picturesque inland town of Lorca, known for its medieval castle and traditional Spanish charm.

More Travel Guides

We also have travel guides available for destinations including: Costa Blanca | Costa Brava | Costa del SolBenalmadena | Fuengirola | Marbella | Nerja | Torremolinos

Map of Costa Calida

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15-35 ℃

Costa Cálida enjoys a warm Mediterranean climate, with hot summers and mild winters. The hottest months are between June and September, where temperatures can reach up to 35°C, making it perfect for sun-seekers. 

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Roughly 2 hours 30 minutes

Flights to Costa Calida land at Alicante airport, which is about 1.5 hours’ drive from the centre of the resort.

Costa Calida is best for...

The whole clan: With calm, shallow waters, the Mar Menor is ideal for family-friendly beach days. Kids will love splashing in the safe lagoon or trying out water sports like kayaking and paddleboarding. The nearby Terra Natura Murcia zoo and waterpark offer an exciting day out for all ages.

Golfers: Home to several world-class golf courses, Costa Calida is a golfer's paradise. Try your hand at La Manga Club, a resort boasting three 18-hole championship courses that attract enthusiasts from all over the globe.

History lovers: Explore the ancient city of Cartagena, where Roman ruins, amphitheatres, and fascinating museums provide a glimpse into Spain's rich history. It’s a must-visit for culture and history enthusiasts alike.

Fast facts for Costa Calida

Language: While the official language spoken here is Spanish, the locals have a good command of English. However, an attempt at the basics is always appreciated, so pack your phrasebook or download a useful language app and try out a few simple phrases for yourself.

Currency: You’ll need to exchange your pounds and pence for Euros before heading off on your Costa Calida holidays.

Local time: Costa Calida is 1 hour ahead of GMT/UK time.

Fly to: Flights to Costa Calida land at Alicante airport, which is about 1.5 hours’ drive from the centre of the resort. 

Flight time from UK: The flight time to Costa Calida is 2.5 hours.

Tourist Information: Further tourist information can be found at https://www.turismoregiondemurcia.es/en/home/ 

Visa / Health: Before you travel, visit https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/spain for recommendations and advice on visas and health for your holiday to Costa Calidal.

Getting around Costa Calida

By train/bus: Getting around Costa Calida is easy with a reliable bus network that connects Murcia with the main coastal towns. Trains are also available between key destinations, making travel straightforward.

By taxi: Taxis are widely available and can be flagged down in the street. Keep an eye out for the "libre" sign or a green light indicating availability.

By car hire: To explore the stunning beaches and charming inland villages at your own pace, hiring a car is the most convenient option.

Events in Costa Calida

Carnival: When Lent approaches, the people of Costa Calida know how to party! Towns like Águilas put on some of the region’s most famous Carnival celebrations, where streets burst with vibrant parades, dazzling costumes, and lively floats. Whether it’s a weekend of festivities or a full week of fun, expect plenty of dancing, music, and merriment that lasts long into the night.

Semana Santa: Easter’s Holy Week is a deeply rooted tradition in Costa Calida, with towns like Cartagena and Murcia hosting dramatic processions. Streets are lined with onlookers as beautifully adorned floats and solemn candlelit parades bring the history and spirituality of the season to life.

Fiestas Patronales: Throughout the year, towns in Costa Calida celebrate their patron saints in full Andalusian fashion. Lorca’s Fiesta de San Clemente in November is a must-see, with historical reenactments and medieval markets taking over the streets for a week of fun, food, and festivities.

Costa Calida weather

Temperatures: 15°C - 35°C

For sunseekers, the best time to visit Costa Calida is between June and September when temperatures climb to the high 20s and low 30s, with around 11 hours of sunshine each day. Spring and autumn are ideal for those who prefer milder warmth, with temperatures hovering in the low-to-mid 20s. Even in winter, Costa Calida remains pleasantly warm, rarely dipping below the mid-teens. It's a year-round destination for sunshine lovers! 

Best hotels in Costa Calida