Where to Go

Here is a brief list of what is available in the various towns in the Costa Cálida for you to visit or to take visitors who have come to stay.

Abanilla:
The Flamenco Gypsy Cave - Come and learn the history of flamenco. Eat before the show or just come for the show. Tel: 965 151 525 to make your reservations.

Aguilas:
The Railway Monument - You can see an old steam train that was built in Glasgow in 1889 and was used in Aguilas from 1890 until 1967.
Beaches: Sandy beaches with the chance to do some diving to see the local aquatic life.
Historical Buildings - There are many historical buildings in Aguilas including the Dovecot which is a tower that is remaining from the Casa Grande. It was used to protect the inhabitants of Aguilas from attacks. Other places to visit include the Townhall, the Casino, the fish harbour and the old mill.
Football - If you are interested in football, then you might like to visit Aguilas F.C: museum, Calle Juna Carlos, nº3. This was opened to mark the centenary of football in Aguilas.
El Hornillo Bay - The iron pier was contructed at the end of the 19th century and was used to load ships with iron ore, but it is no longer in use.
Museums - There are a few museums situated in Aguilas. These include the Railway museum, the Roman Baths museum, and the Archaeological museum.
Railway Museum: Aguilas has a Railway Museum which is located in the basement of the town's former railway station building. It shows you the history of the railway line that links Lorca, Baza and Aguilas. For more information visit www.aguilas.org

Aledo:
Mirador Corazon de Jesus - This is a statue situated near the town of Aledo.
Monastry de Santa Eulalia - Situated at Aledo, the monastry is set in a very pretty setting. There is a restaurant at the monastry for you to visit while you are viewing the monastry.
Medieval Tower: At the far end of Aledo you'll find the medieval tower which overlooks the countryside.

Alhama de Murcia:
Roman Archaeological remains - Alhama has the remains of Thermal Baths from the Romans and Moors.
Meta Equestrian Centre - Why not bring along your family to visit our horses and to have a riding lesson. We have a variety of different horses in our centre. Contact Lizi on 636 172 193 for more information..

Almeria:
Mini-Hollywood: Many Hollywood movies were made here including A Fistful of Dollars, For a Few Dollars More and The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly. Wander around the town and visit the saloon for some food and drink. There is also a zoo with a variety of animals including beers, hippos and elephants. Tel: 950 362 931 for more details.

Archena:
Balneario de Archena - the Thermal baths of Archena. Visit their website www.balnearioarchena.com for more details.

Benidorm:
Terra Mitica: A Theme park with rides for little children as well as the big children in your family! www.terramiticapark.com

Bolnuevo:
Part of Bolnuevo's beach has an area designated for sports so you can play beach football, volleyball and basketball as well as spectator seats if the sports are too energetic for you.
If you enjoy walking or cycling then you can go along the promenade or along the road to the coves. If you are more committed then you can walk up the mountain behind Bolnuevo to see some wonderful views.
Beach: sandy beach with Bars and Restaurants close by.
Sand Sculptures: Bolnuevo is well known for its sand sculptures.

Bullas:
Wine Museum - Bullas has a wine museum showing the history of wine growing in the region. It is in Spanish but well worth a visit.
Mercadillo Del Zacatín: This is an Artisan market that is held every 1st Sunday of the month. You can buy various local items, including ceramics, wrought Iron, wood, confectionary, and many other things.

Cabo de Palos:
This small fishing port is nestled between the 12km's of unspoilt beaches of Calblanque and the Mediterranean side of the Mar Menor. The historical light house still warns ships of the dangers of the rocks but the coves around are favourite haunts of divers. Local restaurants offer fresh caught fish supplied on a daily bases along with traditional Spanish dishes. Cobbled streets with shops on every corner make this village well worth a visit especially in the evening when it really comes to life.

Calasparra:
Calasparra is a place where you can enjoy many sports including river rafting, rock-climbing, hiking, and fishing.
Caves: Calasparra has a networks of caves with ancient wall paintings, and fascinating rock formations. Some of the caves are open for guided tours. Contact the Tourist Information for more details on the tours. Tel: 968 745 325 or email tourismo@calasparra.org.
The Canyon of Almadenes - Situated between Calasparra and Cieza at the upstream part of the Segura.
Paddy Fields - Close to The Sanctuary of the Virgen de la Esperanza.
Sanctuary of the Virgen de la Esperanza - The Sanctuary is built into the rocks and is very famous in Spain. People travel from all over Spain to visit the Sanctuary. There is a river running alongside the Sanctuary and BBQs so you can picnic while you visit the Sanctuary.
La Encomienda Archaeological museum - You can see many of the items discovered in Calasparra and the surrounding areas from the Palaeolithic era to the 13th century.

Caravaca De La Cruz:
Caravaca is the place to visit if you're interested in Religion and Religious Architecture. There are many buildings to visit including the Church of the Conception, Church of El Carmen and the Jesuit Church of La Compañia de Jesús.
Springs of the Marquis - Historic site 2km from the town.
Via Verde (Green Way) - 48km pathway connecting Baños de Mula and Caravaca de la Cruz.
Castle: Caravaca has a castle in the centre of town for you to visit. It is also possible to have a night time visit to the castle - starting at 10pm. To reserve a place on a night time tour ring 968 705 620 or email reserves@caravacajubilar.net

Cartagena:
Every September at the beginning of the month sees the 'Carthaginean v Romans' festival which is well worth attending. All the locals (including the children) dress up in wonderful costumes and take part in the parades and at the end of the festival the big battle.
A lot of money is being spent in Cartagena to develop the area. Recently the port was given a makeover and there are now bars and restaurants at the port so you can sit and eat while looking out over the sea.
The Panoramic Lift: The lift allows you to enjoy views of Cartagena and the Mediterranean from a height of 45 metres.
Pawson Paintballing - Why not challenge your family and friends to a game of paintballing! For a fun and unique day out come visit us! For more information go to our website www.pawsonpaintball.com or phone 646 210 130.
Casino - Not a gambling casino! Originally built in 18th century it was remodelled around 1897.
Churches - There are many churches situated around Cartagena which are worth a visit. These include Church of Santa Domingo and Church of El Carmen.
Military Buildings - There are some military buildings in Cartagena to be visited.
Puerto de Culturas - Tourist Bus and Boat Trips. Tel: 968 500 093
Roman Archaeological sites - There are many sites to visit in Cartagena, including an amphitheatre (located beneath the bullring), the Roman Theatre (near Concepción Hill), Augusteum. For more information visit the tourist information centre.
Submarine - This was one of the first submarines built in 1888 and was named El Peral after Isaac Peral who designed her. You can find the submarine at the harbour.
Las Matildes mine - This is the history of mining in Cartagena. The mine now has an exhibition and has been open to the public. You can get more details from their website www.fundacionsierraminera.org/proyectos/jara/uk/main.php

Cehegin:
Cehegin has an old quarter of town that leads to the old churches and the Archaeological museum.
Quad Murcia - Trips range from 1hr, 2 hrs, 4hrs and all days and are in small groups so you go at the speed you are most comfortable at. Contact Ian or Lynda on 686 426 453 or visit our website on www.quad-murcia.com.

Cieza:
Cieza:
Cieza Esparto Museum: Why not visit the Esparto Museum and learn how espartos are made. Learn about the different tools used in the process. Tel: 968 767 415 for more details.
La Serreta Caves - If you visit the Almadenes Canyon in Cieza you'll see the World Heritage Cave art at the Serreta Caves. Tel: 968 453 500
Architecture: There have been many archaeological items found in the Roman dig area. All the items are now been kept in the museum of Siyàsa
Churches: There are many churches in Cieza which are worth looking at.
There are plenty of roads and paths for you to explore around Cieza either by foot or cycling. If you like taking photos then you will find some nice scenery to take photographs of.
You can get more information from http://ayuntamiento.cieza.net/

Jumilla:
Jumilla is well known for it wineries. There are many Bodegas you can visit in the area where you can have wine tasting courses and guided tours.
You can contract Jumilla Tourist Information office for more details and also places to stay. Tel: 968 780 237.
Opening Hours: Mon - Fri 9am - 2pm & 5 - 7pm
Sat - Sun 10.30am - 2pm
There are many older buildings in Jumilla and the surrounding area. These include the Convent of Santa Ana del Monte and the Medieval Castle.
There is also a Paleontological site to visit.
If you enjoy outdoor pursuits then it is worth visiting the Sierra del Carche is the ideal location to visit. It's suitable for mountain biking, and there are also platforms for hang-gliding and paragliding. There are also caves for caving enthusiasts.

La Manga:
Did you know that the Mar Menor at La Manga is the largest salt water lake in Europe? At 170sq mts this unique inland lagoon is the perfect place for world class water sports including sailing, diving, canoeing, windsurfing, wind kites and jet skiing. With 40kms of beaches dividing the two seas, you can choose from the Mediterranean which is cooler with waves or the Mar Menor which is warmer and calm all year round.
Calblanque Nature Reserve - Close to the coast line and filled with animal and plant life. This is a protected Natural area and is a mixture of sandbanks, hills, clip tops and salt flats. If you take the motorway from Cartagena towards La Manga, go past Los Belones and take the next signposted exit. There you will find a cark park, information booth, a camping area and a list of routes to take.

Las Palas:
Sporting Chance: Fancy doing something different, then come shooting with us. For more details call 651 137 516

Lorca:
When visiting Lorca you should first visit the visitors' centre, which is located in the former Convent of la Merdad, to get an idea of the various points of interest within the area.
When you visit Lorca you should take advantage of the Tourist Train that will take you around the town and show you the Roman Remains and the Castle.
Lorca Castle: Here you can go on a self-guided tour with a multi-language audio guide to take around with you.
Workshop of Time: Travel back to the Middle Ages at the Lorca Workshop of Time. Go and watch the master stoneman at work or discover the history of this land. Visit www.lorcatallerdeltiempo.com for more information.
Mediaeval Fortress. This dates back to the 13th Century. Contact 968 477 437 for more details. If you would like to view the castle by moonlight during August then contact 902 400 047 - you must make reservations for this.
Historical Buildings: There are many historical buildings to see in Lorca ranging from Churches, Roman Villas and Monuments.
Archaeology: There is an archaeological museum of items recovered from Lorca from over the different periods like Roman, Palaeolithic and Iberian times that includes a selection of coins and medals. Plaza de Juan Moreno s/n.
Embroidery Museum: Lorca houses an embroidery museum, close to the Church of San Fransisco, which displays local embroidery work. It contains the banners, flags and tunics of the Nazarenes Third of the Expiration.

Los Alcazares:
Beaches: Los Alcazares's beaches are nice and sandy and worth a visit.
There is the Municipal Aeronautical museum to visit while you are in Los Alcazares.

Mazarrón and Puerto de Mazarrón:
Deep Sea Fishing - Do you fancy spending the day out on a boat fishing? Then contact Tony of Deep Sea Fishing on 968 199 070
Mazarrón Mining Reserves - These mines were used in 19th & 20th centuries.
There are many old buildings to visit in Mazarrón. These include the Church of San Antonio de Padua and the Church of San Andrés.
The old townhall in Mazarrón has been renovated and is now a museum.
Campillo de Adentro - Set in the hills at Campillo de Adentro is the old fort. Situated at the top of the hill are still the guns (without their workings). You can walk throughout the fort and explore the buildings.

Moratalla:
15th century Castle
Campsite
Riding
Running of the Bulls - July

Mula:
El Cigarralejo Museum: Over 40 years of excavations can be found at the museum in Mula.

Murcia:
If you enjoy looking at art, then take a visit to Murcia's Museum of Fine Art which contains a large collection of paintings and sculptures from between the 16th and 19th Centuries. These pieces of art are not just from the Murcia region but come from all over Spain.
www.casinomurcia.com for more information.

Pliego:
Sima de la Higuera: Do you like to go caving? Did you know that there is one of the longest caves in Murcia at Pliego and it is very popular with cavers.

San Pedro del Pinatar:
Each year in the summer, flocks of pink flamingos travel to North Africa. During this migration they will stop off at San Pedro del Pinatar at the Salinas y Arenales Regional Park.
Salt Lagoons - close to Alicante border

Sierra Espuña:
Sierra Espuña has many places where you can set up a BBQ at the times of year when BBQ's are permitted, You just need to provide the fuel, food and drink! Be sure to check on the dates that you are allowed to BBQ and only BBQ in the designated areas.
Enjoy paragliding or handgliding? Then Sierra de la Muela in the Sierra Espuña is the perfect place to do it.
Espuña Adventure: Espuña Adventure can organise many different activities for you to do in the Espuña from Paintball, walking, mountain biking, quad biking and 4x4 trips. For more information contact Mark on 968 631 008 or email espuna_adventure@yahoo.co.uk
NEST walks: Louisa can organise personal walks for you or you can join her group walks. Contact Louisa Livingston for details of future NEST walks on 679 002 147 or visit her website at www.freewebs.com/louisalivingstone/