Holidays on the Costa Calida

13th May 2008

La Manga club is situated within the region of Costa Calida in the south-east corner of Spain. It stretches 250 km from the beach of Carolina in Aguilas to the beach of El Mojon by Alicante. The region was fairly neglected by holiday makers for many years, but with an average of 315 days sunshine per year and helped in no small part by the fame of La Manga club, it has become a popular spot for people from all over Europe. One of the most famous parts of the region is the Mar Menor, a 135 square kilometre salt water lagoon. The depth of the lagoon ranges from four to seven metres and its high salinity levels encourage buoyancy, making it a safe place to swim. The waters of the Mar Menor are extremely rich in minerals and are said to have therapeutic qualities for conditions such as rheumatism and arthritis. The temperature of the water in the summer is similar to that of a warm bath making it a popular spot in which to learn water sports. If that wasn't enough the World Health Organisation recently named the area the cleanest in Spain, with the least industrial pollution. Elsewhere on the Costa Calida is the town of Categena, famous for its Roman theatre and port which is 3,000 years old. If that doesn't take your fancy then perhaps the town of Lo Pagan will with its open-area mud baths - which are said to help with a range of skin complaints. The town also offers a number of peaceful beaches and a good range of nightlife. The highest point of the area is the Revolcadores massif at 2,027 metres. Nearby is the Altiplano, a high plateau planted with vineyards. This is a must-visit for anyone who is a fan of the wine of the region. The locals are justifiably proud of the regional flora and fauna and the coastline is a Protected Natural Area, one of the only places in Europe where you can find autochthonous species such as the Sabina mora, a type of tree, and unique species of fish. Other towns of note in the region include Mazarron and Aguilas. Puerto de Mazarron is an idyllic seaside town that has a variety of unspoilt coasts. One of its best features is the fish auction where you can see the pick of the finest Mediterranean seafood. To the south-west is Aguilas, another fishing port dating back to the Roman era. At the centre of the town is the Plaza Espana which is home to some beautiful gardens, while the castle of San Juan de Aguilas, built in the 16th century, still stands in the old quarter. In truth there are innumerable little treats to savour on the Costa Calida - it's a case of seeing as many as you can during your time there. Flights to La Manga and then on to the Costa Calida couldn't be easier, meaning you can make the best of your time in one of Europe's finest coastal regions. Read +: http://www.lamangaspain.com/news/Holidays-on-the-Costa-Calida-18590487.html