Most visitors associate the Costa Calida with the Mar Menor and the areas surrounding it, namely La Manga and the town of Los Alcázeres which is located on the shores of the Mar Menor. Murcia, a medium-sized city, is approximately 30 minutes’ inland from the coast.

The above areas have grown in popularity because, given the additional distance from Alicante airport, real estate prices are generally lower than those on the Costa Blanca. The northern Costa Calida, closest to the Costa Blanca, has

also started to benefit from an association with a number of golf course communities that have been developed. While individually, these communities offer a pleasant environment, they are generally distant from other amenities and represent a lifestyle that is very different to authentic Spanish living. It is our opinion that many of these real estate offerings are not suitable for international retirees moving on a permanent basis. Equally, the highly seasonal La Manga has a very tourist feel. Los Acázares, on the other hand, has a relatively small permanent expat population, meaning that we do not observe much integration with the local community. The town is flat, served by a sufficient number of amenities, has a very pleasant walk along the Mar Menor, but offers very little in terms of culture or variety, beyond these aspects. We believe that neither of these locations will offer sufficient motivation for the active,

discerning international retiree.

On the other hand, there are a number of other interesting towns

along the Costa Calida that offer greater variety. One such example is Cartagena, which has a broader range of cultural offerings,

a traditional historical centre, and a port and connections to North Africa. However, it faces the challenge that it is relatively poorly connected via air and rail. Even bus connections are often via Alicante, meaning long journeys to other main hubs.

For this reason, we consider the Costa Calida an option for the retiree looking for a permanent move, to a quiet location, and who will not be seeking to travel frequently to other destinations unless they have the use of their own car.

Visiting family abroad, or receiving visitors, is also more complex. If retirees are prepared to accept this limitation, then a very interesting option exists within the Costa Calida, not yet “discovered” by many – Puerto de Mazarrón.