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This sprawling family resort has several sandy beaches spread on either side of a rocky headland, which has an attractive coastal path. The inland village of Mazarrón is a tranquil spot for a break from the beach.

The modest resort of Puerto de Mazarrón, one of the most southerly on the Costa Cálida, is popular with Murcian families. An attractive fishing port and marina sit side by side at the foot of a jutting cape; around it spread low-key developments and long beaches of dark sand interspersed with rocky coves. The resort is linked to the village of Mazarrón, with a smattering of historic monuments, including the Modernista town hall and the pretty 16th-century church of San Andrés.

The coastline gets wilder as it heads down the Costa Cálida. The lighthouse at the tip of the Punta del Poniente (north of Águilas) keeps watch over sheer cliffs and scores of tiny islands.

Escape the crowds in this tiny cove near the ghostly former mining town of Portman. The shingled beaches are dotted with upturned boats. Nearby, there’s excellent walking in the Regional Park of Calblanque.

Perched over a tiny bay with unusual dark sand, this lighthouse stands at the western end of the beautiful Regional Park of Calblanque. Walking trails splinter off in all directions, and there’s a spectacular hike along the cliffs.

An abandoned railway line has been converted into an excellent walking and cycling path which follows the River Serpis over bridges and through tunnels, past gorges, waterfalls, ruined castles and woodland glades, from Villalonga to L’Orxa. It’s an easy trail which takes about three to four hours to walk. Bring a picnic and a swimming costume.

One of the top Spanish footballers, Gonzalez is currently the best-known Spanish member of the Real Madrid football team.

Renaissance architects took inspiration from monuments of Greco-Roman civilization.