The beaches of the Costa Cálida are the place to be during the autumn!

Warm weather, warm water, the beauty of nature and no large crowds as Murcia beachgoers enjoy the best time of year along the coast

As autumn progresses and Halloween is almost upon it many of those reading in northern Europe might imagine that the beach season is well and truly over, but while frost and cold winds are the order of the day in the UK and other countries here in the Region of Murcia this, for many people, is when a trip to the Mediterranean or the Mar Menor is most enjoyable.

Of course, many of the beach bars are closed until the spring, and those which remain open are doing far less business than in July and August, but on the other hand they, like the sand, are far less crowded.

This is a relatively quiet time of year but with coastal temperatures still generally between 18 at night and 25 during the day – and the sea still warm as the water takes time to cool down after the summer - it is far from unusual to see the beaches well populated by the locals and those taking a mid-term break from the school or work routine in northern climes!

The regional tourist board of Murcia is keen to promote year-round tourism - and in these conditions it’s not hard to see why! – and has published the following recommendations for those seeking a quiet, relaxing autumn beach holiday:

The Mar Menor and south-eastern Murcia

One of the best places to start is the regional park of Calblanque, where the unspoilt beaches are flanked by the water of the Mediterranean and a serenely beautiful landscape. The dunes are clean and pure while the clear water makes it easy to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of working life and the refreshing breeze helps you to enjoy walking barefoot along the shore!

Just a few minutes away is the charming town of Cabo de Palos, an old fishing village with its iconic lighthouse on the headland. Just offshore is the marine reserve, a protected area perfect for diving – in fact, it is often named as one of the top ten dive destinations in Europe.

After a day in the water or on the beach, head for Cabo de Palos to enjoy a leisurely dinner in one of the small restaurants which line the fishing port and marina!

At the northern end of the Mar Menor are the salt flats and sand dunes of San Pedro del Pinatar, another regional park in which beaches such as La Llana are perfect for watching the migratory birds, including flamingos, as they arrive for the winter. The autumn is truly unique here, and the warm water and pleasant air temperature make this the perfect time of year.

South-west Murcia

An even more unusual landscape can be found at the main beach of Bolnuevo, just to the west of Puerto de Mazarrón, where the sandstone of the stunning wind-eroded rock formations of Las Gredas glow in the warm autumn sunlight. This accentuates the surrealistic natural sculptures, creating shadows which highlight their unique and sensual forms.

On the other side of Puerto de Mazarrón is another marine reserve which is extremely popular among divers, who have converted the small fishing village of La Azohía into a busy year-round dive and snorkelling centre. In the autumn the seabed can be admired without the distraction of so many passing boats, paddle surfers, windsurfers and the like, and the whole area is characterized by the rocky backdrop of the mountains which run along this stretch of the Murcia coastline – for a special combination of relaxation and adventure, this is the place for you!

Finally, alongside the boundary between Murcia and Andalucía is the town of Águilas, where the arrival of autumn frees up the beaches and restaurants for those lucky enough to be able to enjoy the pleasures of the season. There are wide swathes of sand next to the centre of the town while those who prefer somewhere more “off the map” should head towards Calarreona to the west or Cabo Cope to the east, both of them perfect quiet areas where you can enjoy the golden sunsets of this time of year.

The coastline of Águilas also offers plenty of opportunities for hiking and discovering this impressive landscape without worrying about the sometimes oppressive summer heat!

All in all, it’s hard not to fall in love with the Costa Cálida at this time of year – warm temperatures but without excessive heat, warm water, plenty of room on the beaches and all the splendour of nature as southern Spain heads into its short winter.

But please don’t tell everyone!!!