Camping on the Costa Calida

The approximately 250 km long coastline of the Costa Calida is an idyllic destination for camping on the beach. With its exceptional climate, the region is the perfect destination for sunbathing. It also offers numerous leisure activities, a varied landscape and a rich artistic heritage. The coastline offers excellent conditions for a beach holiday on the Mediterranean and a wide range of water sports activities. The family-friendly campsites are ideal for camping with children.

Special features of camping on the Costa Calida

The campsites on the Costa Calida are located in the midst of magical nature, directly on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea or the Mar Menor. The coastal area of the Region of Murcia in south-east Spain is characterised by relatively unspoilt nature - here you can still find deserted sandy beaches and bays. The mild, spring-like climate makes it possible to stay at a campsite at any time of year and the proximity to the sea and several nature parks offers a wide range of leisure activities. Wooded mountain landscapes in the hinterland of the Region of Murcia are ideal for hiking and long walks. Swimming fun for the whole family is guaranteed thanks to the wonderful pool facilities available to holiday guests at the campsites. There is also a wide range of facilities for children, such as playgrounds and paddling pools.

How to get there

From the centre of Germany, the Costa Calida is around 1,900 km away. The journey takes you on the motorway through France and along the Spanish Mediterranean coast through Catalonia, Valencia and Murcia. The motorways in France and Spain are subject to tolls until shortly before Murcia. The toll is around 135 euros and you can cross the border into France in Mulhouse, for example. The journey then continues towards Lyon. Here you will find a campsite for an overnight stopover directly on the A7 (the so-called motorway of the sun), which is only a 15-minute drive from Lyon city centre. It should be noted that the site is quite busy in the summer months, as it is a very popular stopover on a journey to Spain. From Lyon, continue in the direction of Montpellier until you reach the border with Spain, between Le Perthus and La Jonquera. You can expect traffic to build up here from time to time, especially in the summer months. From the border, the Spanish Mediterranean motorway AP-7 leads directly to the Costa Calida, which is reached after around 780 km.

Holiday destinations on the Costa Calida

One of the most popular holiday areas on the Costa Calida is around Mar Menor. The picturesque harbour town of Mazarrón also exudes comfort and is known for its unspoilt bays and beaches along the coast as far as the fishing town of Águilas.

The Mar Menor

The Mar Menor stretches for 24 kilometres and is one of the largest saltwater lagoons in the world. The marvellous climate and the health-promoting, mineral-rich water have healing properties that have been known since ancient times, such as the famous mud baths in the village of Lo Pagán. The mild water temperatures, which are ideal for water sports all year round, make this region unique. Numerous sports and leisure facilities as well as three golf courses also provide entertainment for the whole family.

The harbour town of Mazarrón

The coastal town of Mazarrón can look back on a seafaring tradition. There are numerous quaint fish restaurants here, where gourmets will get their money's worth. The marvellous sandy beaches and bays with their shallow waters invite you to enjoy a swim. In the summer months, there are also activities on the beaches, while in the winter months the tranquil ambience of the unspoilt coastline promises peace and relaxation.

Activities and excursions

The landscape of the Costa Calida is particularly suitable for leisure activities such as hiking, cycling, golf or water sports. The region also has a lot to offer culturally: The city of Cartagena boasts an important artistic heritage of different cultures.

Excursions on foot and by bike

At the heart of the region is the Sierra Espuña mountain range, which offers countless hiking trails. To the north of Águilas are the Parque Regional de Cabo Cope and Puntas de Calnegre nature parks, from which many hiking trails lead along the coast to deserted bays. There are a total of 67 cycle routes to explore in La Manga. A cycle tour to the Salinas de San Pedro de Pinatar nature park, which serves as a refuge for numerous migratory birds, especially flamingos, is well worthwhile.

Sightseeing in Cartagena

With the largest naval base on the Mediterranean, the city of Cartagena awaits its visitors. The municipality can look back on a 2,500-year history of different cultures that have left their mark everywhere. There is a rich artistic and cultural heritage, such as the Roman amphitheatre or the old city wall Muralla Bizantina. We recommend the Museum of Underwater Archaeology with exhibits on the history of seafaring. Also worth seeing are the Holy Week celebrations and the street theatre in September, which re-enacts the Punic Wars.

Gastronomy

The fertile surroundings of the Costa Calida are home to an abundance of fresh fruit and vegetables, which characterise the regional cuisine. Rice is also a typical basis for many dishes. Freshly caught fish and seafood are of course also served, as well as vegetable soups and a wide variety of rice dishes such as rice with squid and its ink (arroz negro), crustaceans in a broth (caldero) or the classic paella, which is coloured with saffron. Gambas are also extremely popular, e.g. fresh from the grill. Other classics are based on game and meat from the mountains, such as the rich meat stew potaje, ham with beans (habas con jamón) or rabbit with rice (arroz y conejo). Local wines from Jumilla or Yecla are a favourite accompaniment.

Best time to visit

With 2,800 hours of sunshine a year, the Costa Calida is one of the sunniest regions on the Spanish Mediterranean coast. The campsites on the Costa Calida are therefore ideal for travelling with a caravan or motorhome at any time of year. The warm coast attracts visitors with daytime temperatures that rarely fall below 20 degrees Celsius, even in the winter months, while beach holidaymakers can enjoy a refreshing dip in the Mediterranean at temperatures of around 24 degrees Celsius. You can usually swim on the Costa Calida from the end of May to the end of October. With a maximum depth of 7 metres, the Mar Menor even offers water temperatures that are 5 degrees Celsius warmer than the Mediterranean.