Nature has blessed the 250 km of coastline   with an attractive and colourful landscape. The winter temperatures range from 15 to 20ºC and the skies are generally clear resulting in over 2,800 hours of sunshine a year guaranteed. This is the Costa Calida. Between San Pedro del Pinatar and Cabo de Palos lies the Mar Menor. With its 170 km2 surface area, it is the largest salt water lagoon in the continent. In the towns and cities (Cartagena, Los Alcazares, San Javier and San Pedro) around its shores exist quiet beaches with transparent shallow waters, where the visitor may see a very typical image of the region - the wooden jetties which stick out into the sea. La Manga del Mar Menor, which, at its widest, measures no more than 500 m, is a strip of land which separates the two seas, which are connected by a series of inlets or passageways. Its gentle sandy beaches stretch for the whole of its 24 km. At the extreme southern end is Cabo de Palos, a small fishing town and the most easterly point in the Region of Murcia. Beyond it lie coves which are protected natural beauty spots, sandy paradises, mountains riddled by local mining activity and high cliffs with beautiful views overlooking the sea. Having passed the fortified city of Cartagena, we reach Mazarron, leaving behind us the rugged coastline of Cape Tiñoso. Coves and sandy shores lead us to the Port, with its famous beaches, and the ancient fishing village of Bolnuevo. The final special feature of this joy of a seascape is the town of Aguilas, with its excellent beaches, which closes this tempting offer from the Costa Calida. The Region of Murcia year after year is rewarded for its high-quality beaches by the awarding of the blue flags which indicate its position as a perfect tourist destination for those seeking beaches and relaxation.