Costa Calida is a luxuriously sunny coastline stretching from San Pedro del Pinatar in the north to Aguilas in the south. Calida means 'warm', on appropriate name for this region, which enjoys around 315 days of sunshine annually, and an average temperature of 18-20C.

Costa Calida is the perfect playground for sailing, diving, windsurfing, jet skiing, or swimming in the warm, crystal clear waters. The ideal spot is the Mar Menor, to the south east of Murcia. It is a coastal salt-water lake, the largest in Europe, separated from the Mediterranean by the La Manga peninsula. Meaning 'small sea', Mar Menor is just seven meters at its deepest and during summer the water can rise to 5C higher than the nearby Mediterranean - it's shallow, calm waters also make it ideal for fun family activities.

The narrow La Mannga del Mar Menor peninsula houses a strip of fine hotels, homes and apartment buildings. The world-famous La Manga Club overlooks the water and occupies an area the size of Monaco. Nestled among the lemon groves, the Club has three superb golf courses and one of Europe's finest tennis centres.

Murcia, the region's capital, was founded over a thousand years ago, and boasts breathtaking Moorish architecture, as well as several fantastic museums and art galleries. The modern city complements the baroques, world-class restaurants and top level sporting events, from soccer to bullfighting.

Down the coast in Cartagena, a city steeped in 3,000 years of astonishing history. Cartagena has one of the world's largest ports and a recently discovered Roman theatre. Further down the coast at Mazarron, you'll find the 'enchanted city', one of the most unusual sights you'll ever see - a spectacular landscape where the elements have eroded the shimmering white sandstone also offers some beautiful, quiet beaches, as well as excellent diving, especially of Aguilas.