Costa Cálida: A Jewel on Spain's Southeastern Coast

Overview Costa Cálida, located in the southeastern part of Spain, is within the Region of Murcia. This stunning coastal area is celebrated for its warm climate, breathtaking landscapes, and rich historical heritage. With a Mediterranean semi-arid subtropical climate, Costa Cálida experiences hot summers and mild winters, making it an ideal destination for both tourists and residents.

Location

  • Situated at the southeastern corner of the Iberian Peninsula.
  • Borders the regions of Andalusia, Castile-La Mancha, and Valencia.
  • Encompasses an area of 11,317 km², accounting for 2.2% of Spain’s total surface area.
  • Bordered by the provinces of Albacete (North), Alicante (East), Granada, Albacete, and Almería (West), and the Mediterranean Sea (South-East).
  • The ninth largest autonomous community in Spain by surface area.
  • Positioned at the center of the Spanish Mediterranean coastal arch, between longitudes 37º 23′ – 38º 45’N and latitudes 0º 39′ – 2º 20’W, using the Greenwich Meridian as a reference.

 

Climate

  • Mediterranean semi-arid subtropical climate with an average annual temperature of 18ºC.
  • Hot summers with maximum temperatures reaching 40ºC.
  • Mild winters with average temperatures around 11ºC in December and January.
  • 120-150 days of clear skies per year, with approximately 2,800 sun-hours annually.
  • Low annual rainfall of about 300-350 mm, primarily in spring (April) and autumn (October).
  • The coastal area generally has milder temperatures, rarely falling below 10ºC in winter, while inland areas can experience temperatures as low as 6ºC and higher annual rainfall up to 600 mm.

 

History

  • The Region of Murcia has been inhabited for over 1,500,000 years.
  • Evidence of early human presence from the Neanderthal and Cro-Magnon periods.
  • Significant archaeological finds from Neolithic times onward.
  • Iron Age developments in agriculture and livestock domestication during the Iberian period.
  • Intense commercial activity with Phoenician, Greek, and Carthaginian settlers.
  • Conquered by Rome in 209 BC, leading to over 600 years of growth.
  • Arab domination began in 713 AD, bringing economic prosperity through advanced irrigation systems.
  • Incorporated into the Kingdom of Castile in 1243, followed by the Granada Peace Treaty in 1492.
  • Periods of economic and demographic growth, urban development, and baroque artistic flourishing in the 16th and 18th centuries.
  • 19th century challenges due to floods, droughts, and political instability, followed by industrialization and modernization in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

 

Landscape

  • Notable for its diverse geography, with contrasts between dry and irrigated lands, plains and mountains, and coastline and interior.
  • Dominated by the Baetic Cordillera, featuring alternating mountain ranges, valleys, and depressions.
  • Highest point: Revolcadores massif (2,027 m).
  • Significant forested areas in mountain ranges such as El Carche, Sierra Espuña, La Pila, and Ricote.
  • The Altiplano (Jumilla and Yecla) known for its vineyards and wine production.
  • Fertile agricultural lands in the Guadalentín and Segura river valleys and the Campo de Cartagena.
  • Over 170 km of coastline with a mix of coves, beaches, rocky shores, and cliffs.
  • Unique features like La Manga, a coastal strip that encloses the Mar Menor lagoon.
  • Numerous Protected Natural Areas with indigenous flora and fauna, such as the Sabina mora tree and the fartet fish.

 

Active Tourism

  • Offers a wide range of activities including sports along the coastline from Cabo de Palos and Portmán to Águilas.
  • Inland activities include hiking, horse riding, mountain biking, historical and archaeological tours, climbing, trekking, agrotourism, and rafting.

 

Costa Cálida is a region that combines natural beauty, a favorable climate, rich history, and a wide range of activities, making it an attractive destination for various interests.