around the mar menor
LOS ALCAZARES
A pretty coastal spa town and former fishing area on the western Mar Menor, Los Alcazares has 7km of fine beaches dotted with chiringuitos offering sunbeds, tapas & cold drinks. Split into two parts - the old town, famous for the marina, promenade and Thermal baths - you will find plenty of shops, bars and traditional tapas restaurants to keep you entertained. There's also Los Narejos, this is the newer part of town with an array of international restaurants and bars to keep you entertained.
Don't Miss...
Grafetti art around the streets - check the Urban Art Trail in Los Alcazares
Thermal treatments at La Encarnacion
Trip to the aeronautical museum
SAN PEDRO DEL PINATAR & LO PAGAN
Located at the northern end of the Mar Menor this area has a great fishing tradition but is also known for it's salt production. Here you can choose from exploring the beautiful natural beaches on both the Mediterranean and the Mar Menor or the natural wetlands behind the dunes. There is so much to do in this area from joining a sailing trip in the harbour to a visit to the famous mud baths or enjoying watersports in Lo Pagan. And when you have finished exploring, relax in one of the many bars and restaurants along the beach in Lo Pagan.
Don't Miss ...
Buy local Fleur de Sal in San Pedro del Pinatar
Treat yourself to a mud bath along the coastline in Lo Pagan
Visit a local museum such as the Palace of the Baron of Benefayo and find out more about the history of this area
SANTIAGO DE LA RIBERA
Santiago De La Ribera is another old fishing town on the Mar Menor with shallow waters and 4km of beaches. Walk along the palm tree lined promenade and enjoy the sun, sea and watersports all year round. Make time to enjoy delicious fish and tapas at the local restaurants along the promenade.
Don't Miss...
San Javier Jazz Festival & the local fiesta in July
Take a boat trip to La Manga
Market is held on Wednesday mornings
CABO DE PALOS
A coastal fishing town near La Manga, Cabo de Palos is famous for the cliff top lighthouse and a promenade of great fish restaurants. It also has some of the best sea beds on the coast in the Marine Reserve of Cabo de Palos with deep underwater reefs and sunken shipwrecks - great for divers!
Don't Miss...
Eat caldero looking at the sea
The Sunday market
A visit to the lighthouse for amazing views.
LA MANGA
Known for its famous golf course and La Manga Club nearby, La Manga sits on a naturally made strip of land separating the Mar Menor from the Mediterranean. You will find long sandy beaches on both sides and bars and restaurants all along the strip.
Don't Miss...
The natural beauty at nearby Calblanque National Park
Relax with a drink from one of the beachside chiringuitos
Visit Tomas Maestre Port
LORCA
Lorca is an historic town in the Murcia region that's well worth a visit. Described as the ‘Baroque City’, its traditional, cobbled streets are overlooked by the hilltop medieval castle & fortress where regular events are held .
Don't Miss...
The fortress of the sun at the castle
Remote beaches at Playa Large & Los Hierros
Passion parades at Easter
CARTAGENA
Cartagena is a historic city in the Murcia Region, located on the coast - it's a must see destination on your trip. You can people watch in the yacht marina, visit the amazing Roman Ampitheatre and ruins or admire the spectacular views of the city from Concepcion Castle.
There's shopping for everyone from the local Wednesday market to department stores and pretty boutiques. Cartagena also has Michelin starred restaurants and tapas tours for the foodies amongst you.
Don't Miss...
Cartagena Roman Theatre & Forum
Museum of Underwater Archeology
CARAVACA DE LA CRUZ
Over the years, Iberians, Romans and Muslims passed through this holy town and all added to the history and culture and made it the town it is today. The castle, built in the 15th century by the Knights Templar, is still standing today and its marble facade can be seen for miles.
Caravaca de la Cruz is famous as a place of pilgrimage but also for its magnificent festivals such as the Moors & Christians festival and the Wine Horse festival in May.
Located north of Murcia, this is a perfect place for an overnight stay, while you explore the sights and the museums and enjoy the local gastronomy.
Don't Miss...
The patronal festivals 1-5 May including the Wine Horse festival
A visit to the Chapel of La Vera Cruz
Try local dishes such as Migas Ruleras and Yemas (egg yolk based sweets)
MURCIA
Famous for the spectacular cathedral, this is the historic capital city of the Murcia Region. Full of museums, art galleries and a rabbit warren of streets crammed with great shops and restaurants.
Nearby, there are several shopping malls and even a designer outlet. You can also explore the region a little further and discover Jumilla vineyards and the home of Calsperra rice (famously used in Paella).
Don't Miss...
Murcia Cathedral & Mueso de Cathedral
Real Casino de Murcia
Watch sunset on Paseo de Malecon.