Area Information

Take time to enjoy the lifestyle of Spain in the Mar Menor region. The fabulous stretches of unspoilt beaches, the busy bars and restaurants where you can enjoy fabulous seafood, meats and cheeses at very reasonable prices. Not to mention the wines... visit the local bodegas (wine cellars) and get a real taste of Spain.

If you prefer to shop, the busy towns of Murcia and Cartagena both have excellent shopping centres. There is an outdoor market taking place in a village every day of the week in the area. The largest and busiest market of all is at Cabo de Palos on a Sunday morning, here you will find everything from fresh fruit, vegetables and to leather goods, and all that there is in between!

If you want a more active holiday then visit the beach club at Mar de Cristal, for windsurfing, jet ski-ing and kite surfing. Even horse riding lessons can be arranged at the local riding stables!

General Information About The Area
Murcia was founded in 831 and lies in the middle of the valley through which the River Segura flows. Murcia has the added attraction of “two seas” on one coastline; the Mediterranean with its endless beaches of white sand, crystal clear water, magnificent cliffs, lively ports and picturesque coves and the Mar Menor which was originally an open bay but is now a large costal lake of warm seawater measuring around 170km.

The area has a magnificent climate and there are more than 3,000 hours of sun and even winter temperatures of an average of 18° C! A perfect location for swimming, fishing, sailing, water skiing and scuba diving, in fact virtually all watersports. There is of course, a wealth of golf courses available and comfortable accommodation; hotels, pensions, campsites and rural houses.

Inland offers conservation areas with a wide range of bird life, the opportunity to go horse riding, cycling, walking, climbing, trekking and the chance to savour the rural sights and enjoy the peaceful rural accommodation. This area is an historical adventure with cave dwellings and paintings, incredible architecture and museums. A perfect place for an energetic or relaxing holiday! There are two airports; San Javier which is situated on the north shore of the “Mar Menor” and the “El Altet” airport at Alicante which is approximately 11 kilometres west from the city with easy access to the A7 motorway. There is a third airport due to open in 2010 based at Corvera which will be within a 20 minute drive of La Torre golf resort.

Santiago de la Ribera
Has an attractive esplanade flanked by palm trees that run the length of the beach, but is still a fishing village with excellent sailing club and water sports schools.  Bike hire is also available.

San Javier
The home of the International Jazz Festival in July and the International Theatre Music and Dance Festival during August.

Other places of interest within the town are the San Franciso Javier Church, the San Javier Museum, the Belem de espana Museum (Nativity Crib Exhibition) and the Almansa Park Gardens.

San Pedro del Pinatar
Has a number of restaurants to cater for various tastes, the best known dish being “El Caldero” rice cooked in a recipient of fused iron, following the tradition of men of the sea.

A nice beach on the Mar Menor, as well as access to the Mediterranean within the Regional Park of Las Salinas y Arenales de San Pedro del Pinatar.  The marina with a few restaurants and bars is a pleasant place to sit in the sun with a café con leche or cerveza.

The sea Collection Museum belonging to the Brotherhood of Fisherman displays the typical fishing arts of the Mar Menor.

Murcia
Nearby is the city of Murcia where can be found the beautiful cathedral with its Museum of Holy Art, the Casino with the beautiful spectacular Louis XV ballroom, and several museums. And of course plenty of shops!

Just outside of Murcia is the Valle y Carrascoy regional park, where trekking and bicycle routes can be found.

Cartagena
The port city of Cartagena has a history stretching back 3,000 years, evidence of which is still visible. The Roman Theatre, discovered in 1987, is considered one of the most important in Spain. Cartagena port is also home to the original prototype of the submarine, launched in Cadiz in 1888, which can be seen along the portside road. Part of the city's heritage is kept at the Municipal and Maritime Archaeology Museum which features displays of military architecture. Cartagena also offers a good range of shopping facilities including Carrefour and Eroski hypermarkets, and a new indoor shopping mall - Parque Mediterraneo

La Manga del Mar Menor
This narrow strip of land 14 miles long offers the choice of two seas - the Mar Menor on one side, ideal for watersports and the Mediterranean, perfect for fishing and underwater exploration. Down `the strip' you'll find a host of restaurants and bars to choose from and soak up the buzzing nightlife of Plaza Bohemia and Zoco. Further down is Tomas Maestre marina with over one thousand moorings and a range of bars and restaurants.

The Mar Menor
The Mar Menor is an internal sea – the only one of it’s kind in Europe with child friendly shallow, calm and warm salty waters, which with the Mediterranean, provide 170km of beautiful coastline.  The Mar Menor can be reached within 25 mins and the Mediterranean in approx 30 mins.

Cabo de Palos
Just outside La Manga is the fishing village of Cabo de Palos complete with a 19th century lighthouse. The Sunday market draws people from miles around while the restaurants in the port offer a relaxing spot for enjoying lunch or a drink.