The Costa Calida is the coastline of the province of Murcia, on the south east of the Iberian penninsular and sandwiched between Alicante and the Costa Blanca to the north east and to the south lies the Costa de Almeria with a total of 250 kilometers of coastline. The wonderful cities of Granada and Almeria lie to the west. The area includes the Mar Menor, Europe's largest salt water lagoon, over 170 square kilometres of shallow water surrounded by the districts of San Pedro del Pinatar, San Javier, Santiago de la Ribera, Los Alcazares and La Manga and which boasts a free open air spa, several summer resorts such as Aguilas and Mazarron, as well as a rugged, rocky section of coast where there is little to disturb the seagulls and cicadas. Cartagena was a strategic Mediterranean port for more than two thousand years. The ancient fortifications that surround it enclose numerous fine archaeological remains. The fertile countryside (la huerta) inland supplies the local markets with fresh produce which is also exported to northern Europe, especially during the winter when local farmers take advantage of the comparatively warm weather. Throughout the year, the area offers boundless opportunities for sports and other activities.