PLACES OF INTEREST

Here are just a few places of interest within the local area.

With so much to see and do in the area it's hard to narrow it down but here are a few of our favourite places

MURCIA CITY

embedded in between parts of the mountains of the Sierra de Orihuela and the Cresta de Gallo lies Murcia, the city which is due to the large and sophisticated watering system, very famous for vegetables. La Manga has become one of the most important resort areas of what is called the ‘Costa Calida’ or the Warm Coast together with Torrevieja on the Costa Blanca


BEACHES IN THE AREA

Los Alcazares-The golden sandy beaches of Los Alcazares have been awarded the coveted blue flag of excellence and the warm water of the Mar Menor makes bathing a delight. There is ample provision of showers, toilets, first aid, rescue services and facilities for the disabled. Within a short distance from the town you can take your pick from the rest of the Costa Calida's 250km of beaches and coves. Around 50km of those are on the Mar Menor itself. The rest are on the Mediterranean. Many beaches offer a range of watersports and other activities whilst others provide secluded tranquility, some are conservation areas designated as national or regional parks of outstanding natural beauty. Don't worry if you forgot to bring your swimming costume, one or two nearby beaches are designated as naturist beaches.

LA MANGA AND CABO DE PALOS- La Manga del Mar Menor is the 22 kilometre long strip of land which separates the Mar Menor from the Mediterranean. Truly situated between two seas, its miles of sandy beaches are a magnet for sunseeking toursits who arrive in droves throughout the summer. La Manga's rows of high-rise hotels and apartment blocks make it easily visible across the Mar Menor from Los-Alcazares. Visitors get to choose between the calm, warm waters of the Mar Menor and the cooler, less placid waters of the Mediterranean. Watersports centres proliferate on the many Mar Menor beaches, but watch out for bathing warnings on the Mediterranean side where there can be invisible undercurrents. Good food and entertainment can be found all along the strip which also has a plentiful supply of supermarkets and souvenir shops.

Road access to and from La Manga is only possible from the south. The northern end is not connected to the mainland. Cabo de Palos is a small fishing town on the headland near the start of the La Manga strip. Its famed fish restaurants, historic lighthouse and Sunday street market make it well worth a visit.

A few kilometres south of La Manga at Los Belones, lies the La Manga Club, almost a village in it's own right. It offers, amongst other things, a four star hotel, casino, golf courses and other sports installations. The village of Los Belones itself has some interesting shops and restaurants



ISLANDS OF MAR MENOR

There are five islands in the Mar Menor. The two largest ones. Isla del Barón (or Isla Mayor) and Isla Perdiguera are located near the centre of the lagoon. The three smallest Isla del Ciervo, Isla Rondella and Isla del Sujeto are grouped together near the southern end of the La Manga strip. Isla del Ciervo being connected to La Manga by a short causeway. The islands are mainly uninhabited, however Isla Perdiguera is a popular destination for boat excursions and there are bars and restaurants situated near its small harbour. Ferries run frequently, throughout the summer, to and from Los-Alcazares and other towns on the Mar Menor.


STREET MARKETS

(Street markets are held in Los Alcazares and many nearby towns...

Mondays: San Pedro del Pinatar
Tuesdays: Los Alcazares Town Centre
Wednesdays: Santiago de La Ribera
Thursdays: San Javier
Fridays: Roda & Torrevieja
Saturdays: Los Narejos & Torre Pacheco
Sundays: AutoCine Jan Javier & Cabo de Palos


CARTAGENA

The large bay of Cartagena (pronounced 'carrta-henna') provides a natural harbour making it an excellent commercial and naval port. The city was founded around 227 BC by the Carthaginians and was originally called Carthago Nova. It was captured by the Romans in 209 BC, ransacked by the Goths in 425 AD then restored and developed by the Moors. There is much evidence of ancient architecture dating right back to 227 BC. The Roman amphitheatre, carved into the rock above the port has been dated around 1 BC and the original 13th century cathedral is still standing. There's the Museum of Maritime Archaelogy and a city centre offering a fine array of shops interspersed with Roman relics. You can even peer down through a glass pavement and see the ancient cobbled street below. Music and other festivals play a big part in Cartagena's culture; in July the city hosts the world music festival 'La Mar de Músicas', there's the International Jazz Festival in November and in September the city's colourful history is brought to life in the form of the festival of 'Carthaginians and Romans'.


SAN JAVIER AND SANTIAGO DE LA RIBERA

San Javier is right next door to Los Alcazares. In addition to its town centre, San Javier incorporates the area of Santiago de La Ribera and a large proportion of the La Manga strip and some rural areas. It is also home to Murcia's International Airport.

Founded in 1888 Santiago de la Ribera has a long stretch of delightful Mar Menor beach. The area is well established and whilst being mainly residential, it offers plenty of attractions to visitors, especially in the summer. There is a wide variety of bars and entertainment, and a beachfront flea market. La Ribera also has a Nautical Club, Sailing School, Sports Centre and Hospital. The San Javier Jazz Festival and Musicas de Alma feature internationally renowned acts in a string of concerts which run from the end of January till the end of July.