traveldk.com

Nudged up against the border with Andalucía, this quiet resort curls around a broad sandy bay, with spectacular rocky capes at either end and a scattering of volcanic islands rising abruptly from the sea. The delightful port sits at the foot of a steep cliff at the southern end of the bay; it’s full of working fishing boats, which supply delicious fresh fish to the local restaurants. The Castle of San José, beautifully flood-lit at night, looms dramatically from the clifftop. In February, the town hosts one of the biggest carnivals in Spain.

The Regional Park of Calblanque has the most beautiful stretch of coastline on the Costa Blanca, with crystal-clear waters perfect for snorkelling and diving. Behind the shore lie pine-clad mountains, with excellent walking and mountain-biking trails.

The little fishing village and tourist resort of Bolnuevo boasts a fine, dark sandy beach and a series of beautiful coves to its south, reached by a winding road which hugs the cliff. These secret coves are well off the beaten track, and as a result they are popular with naturists. Behind the main beach is the Ciudad Encantada, an “enchanted city” of bizarre rock formations eroded by the wind and sea into extraordinary shapes. You can enter this strange, pale city and watch the rocks melt magically into faces, cathedrals or animals as you pass between them.

La Manga – “The Sleeve” – is the name given to the curious, long spit of land which divides the Mar Menor from the Mediterranean. The entire 21 km (13 miles) length is now densely packed with a virtually unbroken line of brash high-rise apartment buildings and hotels, a mini-Manhattan which is visible for miles around. Dedicated entirely to summer fun, the beaches are lined with bars, cafés and restaurants, and offer numerous opportunities for all kinds of watersports, including windsurfing, waterskiing, fishing and sailing. Regular ferries ply between La Manga and the islands of the Mar Menor.

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.

This plush, modern resort on the shores of the Mar Menor boasts an excellent marina and a long, palm-lined seafront promenade. Like so many resorts on the Mediterranean coast, this was once a humble fishing village, and a few colourful fishing boats are still drawn up on its sandy beaches. The tranquil waters of the Mar Menor are ideal for anyone learning to sail or windsurf, and there are excellent facilities for watersports. Ferries regularly sail for Isla Perdiguera.