10 BEST THINGS TO DO IN SAN PEDRO DEL PINATAR
10 BEST THINGS TO DO IN SAN PEDRO DEL PINATAR
INTRODUCTION: 10 BEST THINGS TO DO IN SAN PEDRO DEL PINATAR
10 BEST THINGS TO DO IN SAN PEDRO DEL PINATAR: San Pedro del Pinatar is a small town located in the southeast corner of Spain directly on the Mediterranean coast and on the north shore of the Mar Menor, Europe’s largest saltwater lake. Are you planning a trip to Spain and you were looking for more information on this small town on the Costa Calida? Are you considering visiting San Pedro del Pinatar but know nothing or very little about it, then look no further! Here you’re in the right place.
The information in this post will help you get a better appreciation for this town and the surrounding area, whether you intend to make this a day trip option or your final vacation destination. As someone who has lived in the area for over a decade and explored this region from one end to the other, I’m more than happy to share my insight and knowledge on this unique town.
The town of San Pedro del Pinatar, in the region of Murcia, is ideally located on both the shore of the Mediterranean Sea and on the shore of the Mar Menor. It is at the very northernmost end of the region known as the Costa Calida and enjoys over 320 days of sun a year. The town benefits from the Mediterranean climate, with beautiful hot summers and pleasantly mild winters, and with nearby pine groves, dunes, and natural sand beaches, making this a great location for a beach vacation.
What Are The 10 Best Things To Do In San Pedro Del Pinatar?
Salt Flats of San Pedro del Pinatar (Las Salinas)
The Salt flats are iconic of San Pedro del Pinatar and represent the single most important tourist draw for the area. The Salt flats can be broken down into the following elements:
Visitor Center
When visiting, make this your first stop to find out about the area before you start. Here you will find out information about the park itself and the do’s and don’t’s of the salt flats and sand dunes that make up the area.
Beaches and Sand Dunes
In total Las Salinas has about 5km of shoreline on the Mediterranean made up of fine white sand. The beach is wide and can be accessed by various wooden walkways and paths through the dunes, which are about 150m wide.
Marina
The Puerto de San Pedro del Pinatar is located halfway along the shoreline bordering the salt flats and provides parking, WCs, a beach bar, and a restaurant.
Hiking and Cycling Trails
There is a network of several kilometers of trails through the salt flats providing a perfect opportunity to bike and walk, enjoy the quiet surroundings, and do some birdwatching.
Birdwatching
The salt flats were turned into a Nature Reserve and are home to a large number of bird species (the most famous being the pink flamingos) that either live here or stop here during their yearly migrations. There are observatories set up for visitors at several locations throughout the flats. It is also home to various fish, mammals, reptiles, and mammals.
Mud Baths
The area, Las Charcas, is known for its mud baths, with San Pedro del Pinatar being the biggest outdoor mud therapy site in Europe. Therapeutic properties have been attributed to the special clay deposits in the area, which contain a high concentration of calcium, magnesium, potassium, fluoride, chlorine, and sulfate.
Watersports
On the Mediterranean Side:
The long sandy beaches and open sea provide the right conditions for virtually every water sport you can imagine, whether it’s swimming, snorkeling, windsurfing, kitesurfing, kayaking, paddle boarding, or sailing.
On the Mar Menor Side:
This inland salt lake is the largest in Europe at 21km long by 10km wide, and with its deepest point being 7m. The shallow warm waters are free from undertows, waves, and dangerous currents and are an ideal location for watersports for beginners. (see related post on the Mar Menor).
Day Trip Ideas
Towns on the Mar Menor: Aside from the handful of small towns that make up the immediate area of San Pedro del Pinatar, there are several other towns along the shore of the Mar Menor that are ideal locations for short-day trips, sightseeing, or little shopping. The main towns are Santiago de la Ribera/San Javier, Los Alcazares, Los Urrutias/El Carmoli, Mar de Cristal, and La Manga.
La Manga can be accessed by ferry services which leave at different times during the day from Santiago de la Ribera and will take you to Puerto Deportivo Tomas Maestre. From here you can hop on one of the local city buses that run up and down the La Manga “Strip” at regular intervals through the day. (see related posts on La Manga del Mar Menor )
Cabo de Palos
This little “fishing village” is an excellent choice for a day trip. It is just a kilometer away from the southern part of the Mar Menor and is easily accessible. The town is built on a cape that extends into the Mediterranean and it has a rocky coast on its southern edge and a long sandy beach on its northern side. At the end of the cape is the iconic lighthouse that features in many pictures of Cabo de Palos. A visit here should also include a stop at one of the many restaurants around the local marina that specialize in seafood and serve freshly caught fish daily. (see related post on Cabo de Palos to find out more).
Cartagena
Located about 30km southwest of San Pedro del Pinatar is the port city of Cartagena. This city has a beautiful port area, an excellent shopping district, and a fully restored Roman-era amphitheater that was discovered by accident back in the 1980s. (see related post on Cartagena)
Alicante
Situated 60km north along the coast, Alicante is an excellent day trip destination. It is a port city with a very long and rich history. The city has an excellent shopping district, a lively promenade with shops and restaurants, a beautiful sandy beach right downtown (with beach bars and restaurants), a well-developed port area, and an old fortress overlooking the city, to name a few. This city is definitely worth a visit. (see related post on Alicante and the Costa Blanca)
Torrevieja
Located just 20km north of the Mar Menor, Torrevieja makes for a great day trip destination due to its vibrant market scene, with large open-air markets offering local products, fresh produce, and locally made crafts. The city also has a long promenade with shops, restaurants, and cafes, ideal for visitors.
Accomodations
There are many hotels in the area to choose from, however, during the high season you should make sure to book well in advance. To help give you an idea of what is available in the area, please take a look at the map below.
FINAL THOUGHTS: 10 BEST THINGS TO DO IN SAN PEDRO DEL PINATAR
San Pedro del Pinatar, on the Costa Calida, is a great holiday destination with an excellent climate and crystal clear waters. With the proximity to Las Salinas, you are within a short distance of natural sand beaches and dunes that are becoming increasingly rare in the Mediterranean. With the waters of the Mediterranean and the Mar Menor to choose from, there is no end to the water activities that you can participate in. The tourist infrastructure is well developed and the town is only a short distance from several other great tourist destinations perfect for day trips and excursions. All in all, it’s a great vacation destination on the Mediterranean.
Ready to Book a Trip to San Pedro Del Pinatar
How about experiencing the Mediterranean first hand? Use the map below to inspire you and plan your next Mediterranean vacation right now!
Reg Auge
Reg holds an MBA, is a former Captain in the Canadian military and has worked as a consultant in industry for over 20 years. From his home in Spain, he has spent the last 10 years traveling throughout the Mediterranean, exploring the various countries and regions. He also regularly runs, windsurfs, and kite surfs, maintaining a healthy and active way of life. Captivated by this Mediterranean lifestyle, he began a Blog last year to inspire like-minded souls to learn about and discover this unique region for themselves.
