There’s something for everyone in this ‘hidden gem’ of a region, which the Spaniards have been keeping to themselves with very good reason.
For beach lovers, there are miles of beautiful golden sand along the Costa Calida and the warm waters of the Mar Menor are very safe for bathing.
The exclusive resort of Los Alcazares, a 15 minute drive away, has long since been a popular destination for the Spanish and boasts several, beautiful beaches along its 5 mile stretch. The beach at Los Narejos is one of only 5 Spanish beaches to have been awarded the Q mark for quality. There is a vast choice of bars and restaurants including La Diva in the square, as featured on BBC TV’s programme ‘Living the Dream’.
Other coastal towns in close proximity and well-worth a visit include Santiago de la Ribera, a typical Spanish coastal village where you can enjoy great fish dishes and local tapas at sea front restaurants, watching the world go by.
Lo Pagan is famous for the therapeutic qualities of its mud! The mud is smeared over the whole body and then allowed to dry in the sun to create a living statue! When dry, the mud is washed off in the warm, salty water of the Mar Menor. Sufferers of arthritis, rheumatism and gout swear by it and it is also believed to have a stimulating effect on wound healing. Either way, it’s great fun!
San Pedro del Pinatar has a good selection of bars, shops and restaurants. It also boasts an excellent marina which is ideal for the water sport enthusiast as activities include sailing, jet skiing, scuba diving and windsurfing. There is also a nature reserve on the salt flats famous for its flamingos.
If you prefer some lively nightlife, then the towns of Torrevieja and La Zenia a little further north along the coast and the famous La Manga strip to the south are well worth a visit.
Only twenty minutes inland from La Tercia is the beautiful, historic capital of the region, Murcia. This vibrant city has everything - history, architecture, bars, restaurants, nightlife, Spanish Premier League football at the new Real Murcia stadium and designer shopping! If you don’t like the idea of driving into the city, let the train from nearby Balsicas, take the strain.
The historic port of Cartagena is approximately half an hour’s drive away or take the train. There is a ruined Roman theatre here.
Most of the local towns hold a weekly market and if you’re lucky enough to be visiting during one of the many local fiestas, they are well worth a visit, as the Spanish really like to party! La Tercia’s own fiesta takes place in July. The whole village turns out in force from grandmas to toddlers; there’s live music and dancing well into the wee small hours and not a lager lout in sight! 2008 saw the streets full of foam from the foam machine, which we hope will be a feature of 2009.
The Costa Calida also offers some of the best sea fishing around the Spanish coastline, together with a choice of many golf courses, horse riding and cycling. In fact, something for everyone and with 320 days of sunshine a year, what are you waiting for!