Mainland Spain
Costa Calida - Sun, Sea, Sand - and Surprises
Spain's Costa Calida is 250 glorious kilometres of sun kissed Mediterranean coastline, in Murcia, a
region of surprising contrasts. The magical mix of pine clad mountains, fertile vineyards, craggy
cliffs and secluded sandy beaches provides a picturesque backdrop for any independent villa holiday.
With an average 315 days of sunshine, the hot, dry summers and mild winters make this a particularly
appealing destination all year round.
Choosing your villa
Sun-hat offers a wide range of villas
on the Costa Calida, perfect for independent minded golfers, groups and families alike. With an
emphasis on quality and value, we provide a comprehensive range of well appointed villas and apartments,
many with their own private pools. Maid service, clean towels and linen is included, to make your
holiday as carefree and relaxing as possible, so feel free to browse our La Manga
villas.
Closer than you might think
The Costa Calida is so close; no more than a three hour flight from most European cities. With
"flight only" seats available from many airlines, you have the
freedom to reserve the type of holiday accommodation that suits you best – and there are certainly
plenty of Sun-hat villas to choose from. At a distance of only 8 kilometres from Murcia San Javier
Airport, you can soon be relaxing by your pool with the family or out on the course at the
Mar Menor Golf Resort - and all that separates you from the holiday haven of
La Manga Club is a 20 minute car journey.
What to do
From the time of the Phonecians, the warm waters of Costa Calida's Mar
Menor have been attracting discerning visitors to the area. Nowadays, this shallow lagoon is
considered one of the best places in Europe for just about every kind of water-based sport. With 22
kilometres of golden sand separating the Mar Menor from the Mediterranean, the Costa Calida has the
essential ingredient for a beach holiday par excellence, but there are plenty of things to see and do
inland too.
An excellent way to enjoy the Murcian countryside is to walk or hire a bicycle and explore the
network of hiking or cycle routes. If you prefer four legs to two, why not go horse riding and if you
are looking for a way to really let off steam try go-carting, a game of tennis or a gym work out.
The Mar Menor Golf Resort is just 5 minutes from the picturesque inland
sea from which it takes its name and La Manga Club boasts three championship courses, so golfers are
particularly well catered for in the Costa Calida.
Where to go
The region is known for its golden beaches and excellent holiday facilities, but there is more to the
area – all you have to do is hire a car and go looking for it. Just a little way south along
the coast from Mar Menor is the village of Cabo de Palos with its delightful 19th century lighthouse.
To the north, Lo Pagan claims to be the largest open area mud baths in Europe and if you go early, you
could purchase a tasty bargain for your barbecue at the fish market in the town.
A little further along is the Regional Park of Las Salinas y Arenales de San Pedro del Pinatar,
Murcia’s most important wetlands which are visited by flocks of pink flamingos. In Roman times, there
were salt works here and you can still see the network of pools they left behind. If you really want
to trace the region's history, visit the ruins of Velez Castle at Mazarrón or take a trip to
Cartagena. A thriving port rich in archaeological treasures, bold architecture and fascinating museums
and galleries, it is also the site of a recently discovered Roman theatre. Then of course, there is the
region's capital and cultural centre, Murcia, which is well worth a visit.
And after dark...
Restaurants, cafés and bars abound all along the Costa Calida and there is plenty of choice for
eating out, whether you want a relaxed family meal, a gourmet supper for two or a lively barbecue with
friends. After dinner, those who still have energy and don't want to slow the tempo down can simply
party on into the night.
Several resorts in the area offer a good selection of bars, casinos, nightclubs and discos - and
there is stiff competition from some of the local towns. Mazarrón and Lo Pagan are known for
their "buzz", with pubs, disco bars and seafront restaurants serving meals till very late.
Cartagena is also a vibrant spot for night life and boasts entertainment venues of every kind, from
bars and restaurants to theatres and jazz clubs.