Places To Go
near La Manga and the Mar Menor

There are many great places to visit in the area.  For photos and tips on restaurants visit our Facebook page.

The CALBLANQUE Natural Park is a remote area of gorgeous sandy beaches backed by rocky hills accessible only by a dirt track. Well worth discovering!!

LOS ALCAZARES, an old fishing town that has grown into a popular resort. Excellent shallow sandy beaches particularly safe for children as there are no tides or currents in the Mar Menor lagoon. Also come here for shops, supermarkets, restaurants and bars.

The old Moorish cities of CARTAGENA (20km) and MURCIA (30km) are an excellent day trip for  their shops, architecture and history.  Cartagena has many castles and a Roman Ampitheatre, there is also a large port, which is a lovely area to stroll, take a boat trip, or sit out and have a coffee.  Murcia has a very famous Cathedral and also numerous attractive squares where you can sit, relax and do some people watching!

LA MANGA DEL MAR MENOR is the place to go for nightlife, shopping, water activities and great beaches. 

CABO DE PALOS has a lighthouse and a lovely old harbour well known for its fish restaurants.  It is good to go for a walk in the evening and you can look out over the Mediterranean from the lighthouse. 

Spa Towns of ARCHENA, and FORTUNA
Just north of Murcia you will discover the ancient spa towns of Archena and Fortuna.  Set in beautiful surroundings, you can  relax in the luxurious natural hot-water springs.   Both of these towns have hot spring spa baths dating back to the Roman times.  The 19th century Balneario de Archena www.balnearioarchena.com, a spa set in a Mediterranean forest with views over the Ricote valley.  The water here is famous for its medicial and therapeutic qualities and has a natural temperature of 51.7 degrees.  Just further north is Fortuna-Leana www.leana.es, the oldest spa hotel in Murcia, dating back to 1860, and the perfect place for a warm dip in winter with an average water temperature of 33 degrees.

LORCA
About 45 mins drive from Cartagena you will come to Lorca.  As you approach Lorca the castle dominates the city skyline, which dates back to the 13th century and which is a Spanish National Monument. Lorca is known as the “baroque city” because of the significant architectural legacy.  There are a number of archaeological sites, the Milaria Column from the Roman age, the Tower of Espolón or the Alfonsina Tower and the San Antonio Porch, a gate from the old walled enclosure which guarded the city, from the 10th century. There are also many churches and convents of different ages and styles.

PUERTO DE MAZARRÓN, BOLNUEVO &  LA AZOHÍA
The harbor of Puerto de Mazarrón is located just 15 mins along the coast from Cartagena.  It is a nice place for a stroll and still has a busy fishing port with a fish market. There are a wide range of cafés and restaurants.

The beautiful beach of Bolnuevo is just a couple of mins further down the coast.  There are also some increadible stand structures opposide the beach which are one of the most peculiar of all landscapes in the Region.  There are also some lovely hidden coves further along the coast accessible via dirt track.

La Azohía is an attrative seaside resort with many dive schools.  It has a large curved beach and attractive promenade.

ÁGUILAS & CALABARDINA
Located about 15 mins drive along the cost from Mazarrón is the village of Calabardina which is surrounded by open countryside. There are some quiet coves where you can enjoy the beach and some great walks including Cabo Cope.  If you wish to explore this area you might like to stay locally.  We have found a lovely friendly small hotel which we would highly recommend.

The fishing port of Águilas is very popular with visitors, especially in summer as it has some great beaches.  There is also a castle high on a hill overlooking the sea with stunning views of the surrounding area. For more information see this page.

The following site by a property development company has some good information on the local area link.