La Manga Spain

I didn't expect to find the perfect football pitch in Spain, but then I wasn't counting on La Manga. The five star resorts in the south-east of the country has become a magnet for holidaymakers who love sport. Its three championship golf courses and tennis academy with 28 courts are well known the world over but it now has national football teams training there regularly - England prepared for the world cup there.

When we drove past the pitches in early May this year, the grass was immaculate and brilliant green. The groundsmen were not happy about my request to kick a ball about. Apparently a Norwegian club was due to arrive at any moment.

The weather at this time of year in Spain was perfect for sport. We played tennis every day and could have gone riding or quad biking as well. There are a number of pools scattered around the 1,500 acre resort, although we never strayed far from our apartment.

In the nearest city of Cartagena we walked down the narrow cobbled streets to the port, which is where the city was founded 3,000 years ago. Afterwards we ate a typical Spanish meal of seafood in saffron. The waiter was a Real Madrid fan with strong views about their English opponents.

On our last morning we drove down a winding road to a tiny bay. There were only a few people there and so it was easy to get a table at the restaurant that is perched on the rock above the beach. Yet more fish for our last meal in Spain before driving to the airport.