Villas in Costa Calida, Spain

The Murcian region is a sport and nature lovers’ paradise. Play golf on one of the many courses, learn to sail, do a spot of fishing, take a mud bath and enjoy a tranquil swim in an unspoiled cove. The regional parks are a paradise for climbing, hiking, mountain biking and horse riding, while beach and sun-seekers may prefer the warm waters of the Mar Menor lagoon, the largest natural pool in the world.

With 240 miles of coastline and over 315 days of sunshine each year, the Murcian coast is a beach lovers dream. Costa Calida gives visitors the choice of bathing in either of two seas. On one side, the warm peaceful waters of the Mar Menor with beaches like Cala del Pino (Pinetree Cove) ideal for families as the water is calm and shallow. On the other side, just a few metres away, are the waters of the Mediterranean, with beaches like Punta del Estacio. The beautiful Calblanque national park is highly recommended for those who want unspoilt areas. Here the beaches stretch for miles with lovely soft sand, crystal clear waters and a stunning mountain backdrop. Further down, the coastline of Aguilas boasts up to 35 coves. Areas such as Cala Reona, Calabardina, Playa del Arroz are but a few places where the unspoilt landscape is still the main characteristic.

Costa Calida is steeped in history and offers a real insight into Spanish culture, with fantastic examples of Baroque architecture such as the Casino and Romea theatre.

There are a number of beautiful cities that epitomise the history of Costa Calida. In Murcia you will find the 600 year old Santa Maria Cathedral, the highest in Spain. Lorca is tucked away in one of the most picturesque and majestic corners of Spain and has a stunning castle.

Caraveca de la Cruz is one of the five holy cities in the world and home to the Vera Cruz cross, a shrine for the Lignum Crucis, wood from the cross on which Christ was crucified, and many pilgrims travel from across the world to visit this spot. There is a variety of culture for everyone to enjoy in Costa Calida.

The lovely fishing village of Cabo de Palos is the perfect place for a long, relaxing lunch or dinner. The pretty harbour front looks out to sea and is lined with traditional restaurants. Choose the 'catch of the day’ (the garlic king prawns are delicious!) then sit back in the sun and watch the world go by. The Sunday market is also worth a visit, here you can buy anything from fish and fruit to pottery and leather. Many dishes are influenced by the local ingredients available. Pigs are bred in Lorca so understandably delicious pork dishes and sausages like chorizo are on the menu. Of course no trip to Spain is complete without sampling delicious tapas or paella which is available in nearly all towns and villages. If you fancy cooking for yourself, visit one of the local markets to get the freshest produce.

• Take a boat ride to the island of La Perdiguera to bathe in the crystal clear waters (boats leave from La Manga and several other towns).

• Visit the street market at Cabo de Palos on Sunday mornings.

• Visit the saltflats at San Pedro del Pinatar to bathe in the mineral rich mud, which is said to have healing properties.

• Canoe to the north of the Mar Menor to view huge flocks of flamingo and other birdlife, which create a stunning scene.

• Visit the capital city Murcia for fabulous shopping, or enjoy some tapas and people-watch in one of the tapas bars in the old square.