Costa Cálida
The Warm Coast

Costa Cálida – Spain's Warm Coast

Costa Cálida (The Warm Coast) is a scenic coastal region in south-eastern Spain, in the autonomous community of Murcia. It boasts over 320 sunny days a year and an average temperature of around 18°C – one of the warmest climates in Europe. The region combines sandy Mediterranean beaches with the unique Mar Menor lagoon (Europe's largest saltwater lagoon) and the picturesque Sierra de Carrascoy mountains. Costa Cálida is far less crowded than Costa Blanca, providing an authentic Spanish experience alongside modern infrastructure.

Property on Costa Cálida is appreciating rapidly – in 2023–2025 new-build prices rose 16.3% per year (national average: +10.7%). This is driven by strong foreign buyer demand (over 23% market share) and limited new supply. At the same time, Costa Cálida offers a far better price-to-quality ratio than overheated markets on Costa Blanca and Costa del Sol.

Where is Costa Cálida?

Costa Cálida stretches around 250 km along the Mediterranean coast in the Region of Murcia, south-eastern Spain. To the north it borders Valencia (Costa Blanca), to the west Andalusia. Main airports: Murcia-Corvera (RMU) – about 25–30 km from the city and beaches – and Alicante-Elche (ALC), around 150 km (1.5 hours drive) to the north. Both have routes across Europe. The region encompasses Murcia city and the seaside resorts of Los Alcázares, San Pedro del Pinatar, La Manga del Mar Menor and Cartagena.

Key Areas of Costa Cálida

Murcia City

The regional capital (approx. 450,000 inhabitants), located about 30 km inland. A historical metropolis with a Baroque cathedral and extensive infrastructure: hospitals, universities, shopping centres. Modern villas with pools on the outskirts and city-centre apartments and penthouses. About 25 minutes to Corvera Airport. Over 82% of the region's population is under 65 – a dynamic, growing market.

Los Alcázares

A seaside resort on the Mar Menor with almost 7 km of beaches – among the cleanest in south-eastern Spain. The lagoon water is warmer than the open sea, ideal for families with children. Los Alcázares recorded +20.54% annual price growth – the highest in the region. Close to Mar Menor Golf Resort. Dominated by apartment complexes with pools and comfortable detached homes.

San Pedro del Pinatar

Situated just north of Los Alcázares, between the Mar Menor and the Mediterranean. Famous for its therapeutic saltpans and nature reserves (Las Salinas). Dynamic price growth – in some locations 36–45% per year. Windsurfing, kitesurfing, family-friendly quiet lifestyle. Modern apartments with sea and lagoon views.

La Manga del Mar Menor

A unique 20–22 km strip of land between the Mediterranean Sea and the Mar Menor – beaches on both sides. Large apartment complexes with pools, tennis courts and views of both waters. Lively in summer, quieter off-season. Ideal for investors seeking holiday rental properties with high yield potential.

Property Types on Costa Cálida

New-build developments dominate – built in recent years in a Mediterranean or modernist style for the international buyer, with pools, tennis courts, gyms and landscaped grounds.

• Apartments – studios to 4-bedroom units in gated complexes with pools. From around €104,000 (1-bed) to €315,000 (4-bed). Most popular for holiday rental and second homes.
• Penthouses – top-floor with large terraces and sea views. From around €257,000 (2-bed). Premium feel at competitive prices.
• Townhouses & Bungalows – from around €249,000 (1-bed) to €420,000 (3-bed). Comfortable estates with private gardens and pools.
• Villas – detached with private pool and garden. High build quality. Price-to-size ratio considerably better than Costa Blanca.
• Off-plan new builds – many projects still under construction. Purchase at a lower price with a future handover date.

Property Prices on Costa Cálida

The average price in the Region of Murcia is around €1,711/m² (mid-2025). Costa Blanca averages €2,500–3,000/m² – making Costa Cálida approximately 30–40% cheaper for comparable property.

• Average price growth in Murcia 2024: +20.5% (2nd in Spain)
• Los Alcázares: ~€2,962/m² (2025), +20.54% year-on-year
• San Pedro del Pinatar: growth of up to 36–45% per year
• Long-term trend: +37% over 2015–2025

Why Buy Property on Costa Cálida?

• Climate: Over 300 sunny days a year and mild winters – the property can be used year-round.
• Value for money: Lower prices than established coastlines at comparable climate and infrastructure. High growth potential – some of the fastest appreciation in Spain.
• Infrastructure: Well-developed road network (AP-7, N-332), Corvera Airport, shopping centres, clinics and international schools.
• Golf & leisure: Over a dozen golf courses (Mar Menor Golf Resort, La Torre Golf, Hacienda Riquelme), sailing, windsurfing, cycling trails and beaches.
• Favourable taxes: ITP in Murcia reduced to 7.75% (for buyers under 40 often 5%) – among the lowest transfer tax rates in Spain.

Investment Potential

The Costa Cálida market is currently one of the most dynamic in Spain. Annual price growth of 16–20% puts the region at the top of national rankings. The long-term trend (+37% over 2015–2025) confirms the market's durability. Strong holiday rental demand in Los Alcázares and San Pedro del Pinatar generates attractive ROI from short-term lets.

Overcrowding on Costa Blanca is redirecting many international buyers to more affordable alternatives – and Costa Cálida is the primary beneficiary. Regional authorities are encouraging investment through infrastructure development and tax reductions. Compared to mature markets, Costa Cálida remains largely a "first mover" market – especially in smaller coastal towns and the luxury segment.

Lifestyle on Costa Cálida

Life here combines the charm of small seaside towns with big-city amenities. Golden beaches on the Mar Menor – shallow, warm water ideal for families – alongside beautiful coves on the open Mediterranean. Fresh seafood (Mar Menor prawns, squid, Mediterranean fish), local Murcian wines (Jumilla, Yecla) and farm-fresh produce. Golf virtually year-round. English-speaking expat communities hold regular social events – settling in is natural and welcoming.

The Buying Process

Purchase steps: reservation (contract + €6–10k deposit), legal due diligence (nota simple, title check), NIE number and Spanish bank account, preliminary contract with deposit (10–30%), completion at the notary and land registry. Horizon Properties provides full support – property search, negotiation to key handover.

Costs & Taxes

• New build: 10% VAT + 1.5% AJD (Murcia)
• Resale: ITP 7.75% (Murcia; one of the lowest in Spain; buyers under 40 often qualify for 5%)
• Notary & land registry: ~1–1.5% + ~0.5–1%
• IBI (annual property tax): rates in the lower range across Murcia
• Community fees: typically €50–150/month for apartments

More Properties in Spain

See the full range on our Spain properties page. By location: Los Alcázares, San Pedro del Pinatar, La Manga, Murcia. Also explore Costa Blanca South and Costa Blanca North.