The Costa Calida (Warm Coast) area is reputed to have one of the most pleasant climates in the world - according to the World Health Organisation. There are so many reasons for coming to this area and many people who come as holiday makers recognize this and eventually return to live here.
The Costa Calida stretches from the Mar Menor south to Almeria - where the Costa del Sol commences. This is very much THE up and coming area of Spain with massive investment taking place.
CLIMATE
The Costa Calida, being in the southern region of Spain, offers one of the most pleasant climates in Europe. With mild winters, hot (but not oppressive) summers and an average of 320 sunny days a year, it's not hard to see why it's such a popular Spanish tourist destination and residential or retirement choice.
The average hours of sunshine per day ranges from around 6 hours in winter to a full 12 hours at the height of summer. This compares to the London average of 1 hour in January and February to a maximum of 7 hours in June. Rain on the Costa Calida is rare, especially in the summer months - the total annual rainfall averages 5 to 6 cm (2 to 2 1/2 inches) on the coastal plain, although the inland mountainous areas are slightly wetter..
Points of Interest
Just south of La Manga, this has been a protected natural area since 1987 and nature reserve since 1992, Calblanque is an amalgamation of wonderful sand beaches, sandbanks, arid hills, cliff tops and salt flats all of great ecological value. This Nature Reserve represents one of the last untouched areas along the Mediterranean coastline.
CARTEGENA
At the southern end of the Costa Blanca, this ancient naval town is set in a magnificent sheltered bay. The best views can be obtained from the Castle la Concepcion in the Parque Torres. Keep an eye out for "La Linterna" an ancient lighthouse. Other interesting sights are the Gran Hotel, the Arsenal, the Town Hall the Casa Cervantes, the City Walls, the Palace of Pedreno and also the Isaac Perals submarine. Several festivals are held here during the year. The most notable of these is a Roman vs Carthaginian re-enactment of the battles that took place here in years gone by. Several Roman antiquities survive in this city, which is well worth a visit.
