Although there’s little seasonal variation in temperature, Murcia is sparsely populated and relatively unaffected by heavy tourism; as a result, it’s a family-friendly alternative to neighbouring resorts. With white, gently sloping beaches and warm and pleasant waters, this coastline is perfect for those seeking a healthy outdoor life in beautiful tranquil surroundings.

The dry plains of Murcia’s inland contrast the well-irrigated, fertile ‘huerta’ – orchard lands – at the joining of the Segura and Guadalentín rivers. The coastline includes the Mar Menor, Europe’s largest coastal saltwater lagoon. The seawater there is warm and shallow. The beaches slope, making them ideal for families with young children or anyone avoiding waves.

The capital is the university city of Murcia, which, though rich with culture, isn’t thick with throngs of tourists. In fact, the whole of the Costa Cálida has escaped the intense coastal development of both the Costa Blanca and Costa Brava.

The most convenient airports are the busy Alicante or the closer Murcia-San Javier (or its planned replacement: Region de Murcia International Airport – due to open next year).

From sailing to whale watching to scuba diving, there are a plethora of peaceful ways to spend your leisure time. The towns are full of baroque architecture, fortresses and relics, like the impressively preserved Roman theatre in Cartagena. Murcia city’s Terra Natura Zoo is acclaimed for its humane approach and preservation of some of Spain’s indigenous species. Caravaca de la Cruz, in the northwest of the region, is one of the five holy cities of Catholicism, meaning it’s been chosen to celebrate the Holy Year every seven years. Then there’s the Entierro de la Sardina, where, at the end of Carnival, an effigy of a sardine is ‘buried’ in flames.

Stretching 250 km across the glorious Mediterranean coastline, the Costa Cálida, or ‘Warm Coast’, is named after its ‘just right’ climate. With white, gently sloping beaches and warm and pleasant waters, this coastline is perfect for those seeking an outdoor lifestyle in beautiful tranquil surroundings.

Nestled along the edge of the region of Murcia in the southeast corner of Spain, Costa Cálida enjoys average annual temperatures of 20ºC (rarely falling below 18ºC) and has less than 40 days of rain per year. Two seas meet along this coastline – the Mediterranean and the Mar Menor. If you are someone who prioritises health and wellbeing this could be the place for you. The Mar Menor sea inlet, Europe’s biggest saltwater lagoon, is believed to have great curative properties for ailments such as rheumatism and arthritis. This isn’t the only good news for those seeking to take care of their health and well-being, as the World Health Organisation also pronounced the province of Murcia the cleanest area in Spain with the least industrial pollution.

The mineral-rich waters of the Mar Menor aren’t the only way to stay healthy in Costa Cálida however, as there is also an array of world-class sports facilities to choose from. Perhaps the best known among these is the La Manga club, a 5-star luxury sports resort specialising in golf. You can also find horse-riding, dive schools, windsurfing, sailing, and canoeing all available at various locations along the Costa Cálida.

All these activities tend to work up an appetite and there’s great news for foodies, as the fertile plains of Costa Cálida produce a vast and colourful array of fruit and veg which all find their way into the local cuisine. Seafood lovers need look no further, with both the Mar Menor and Mediterranean offering up their mariscos (seafood) in abundance. You will also be spoilt for choice with plentiful farmed meat from the nearby mountains – and don’t forget to sample some of the fine wines from nearby Jumilla.