Hacienda Riquelme is a great place to use as a base for exploring the area or for just taking a break and relaxing by the pool or at one of the many local beaches. Everywhere is close by; within 15-30 minutes drive you’ll find the airport, beaches, restaurants and bars, towns, Murcia city and much more.

For diving enthusiasts, the Hormigas Islands near Cabo de Palos have been declared a Marine Reserve due to their exceptional beauty and the conservation of the sea floor, but they are also acknowledged by scuba divers as being one of Spain’s premier dive sites.

The shallow waters and warm winds of the Mar Menor make it ideal for both Windsurfing and Kite boarding, both of which can be hired from various shops and schools along the Mar Menor shoreline. Jet skiing is also very popular and these can also be hired from ABC La Manga sports centre. Pedallos can be hired from the centre of Los Alcazares.

Between 15th June-15th September, the Mar Menor Ferry picks up from the pier in the centre of town and visits other towns and the islands of the Mar Menor, at which you can stop off and enjoy a delicious lunch of freshly caught and barbecued sardines.

Aquapolis Fun Park near Torrevieja, open from 15th June to 15th September, is an excellent fun day out for all the family, providing a welcome opportunity to do some serious cooling off during the height of the summer when the mercury hits the top of the glass in the thermometer.

The Spanish don't need much of a reason to have a party and/or set off some fireworks and there's hardly a month goes by during the year when there isn't a celebration of some kind or another going on.