LA MANGA DEL MAR MENOR – THE TOWN BETWEEN TWO SEAS

SUMMER GETAWAY – LA MANGA DEL MAR MENOR (LAMANGA)

If you’re looking for a perfect summer getaway, look no further than the town of La Manga Murcia (also referred to as Lamanga), located on the Costa Calida, in Spain. The town is built on a sandbar stretching over 18 km of white sand beaches and crystal clear waters with the Mediterranean Sea on one side and the inland sea, the Mar Menor, on the other. La Manga del Mar Menor is a great place to spend a family vacation and an ideal spot for water sports enthusiasts of all levels. (see related post on the Mar Menor)

Ideal Climate, Ideal Location

With the Mediterranean climate, the weather of La Manga del Mar Menor is ideal all year round. With about 320 days of sunshine a year, it is a popular tourist destination.  The town is 21km long and about 100 to 1200 meters wide, making it one of the narrowest towns in the world.

This area, directly on the Mediterranean Sea, was untouched until the 1960s when Lamanga was discovered as a tourist resort and underwent a transformation that included the urbanization of the area and the construction of tourist infrastructures.

Water Sports in La Manga del Mar Menor

The maximum depth of the Mar Menor is 7m resulting in warm waters all year round. The sea is also physically separated from the open waters of the Mediterranean, providing a sheltered area ideal for all kinds of water sports such as kayaking, windsurfing, kite surfing, paddle boarding, sailing, swimming, and snorkeling Whether you’re into sailing, windsurfing, or snorkeling, this destination has it all. The calm and shallow waters of the Mar Menor make it an ideal spot for beginners and experts alike.

Beaches in La Manga del Mar Menor

For those looking for a quieter, more relaxing vacation, there are dozens of beaches in La Manga to choose from on both the Mediterranean side and the Mar Menor side of the “Strip”. During the high season, you will find some beaches will have lifeguard service, boardwalks, washrooms, shower stations, small beach bars (“chiringuito”) and some even have handicap access.

The waters are crystal clear, with some reefs just off the shore offering an opportunity to do some snorkeling. The beaches are patrolled and if the weather does turn, the lifeguards will raise the red flags to give notice to the bathers. (Tip: if for some reason the flags go up on the Mediterranean side, you can always head to the Mar Menor side to go swimming since it’s not impacted by the conditions on the Mediterranean).

SCUBA Diving in the Mediterranean

For those seeking adventure beneath the waves, you can visit one of the Scuba diving companies located at the Cape Palos marina and sign up for some lessons or book a guided tour to one of the dive spots in the area. The area is known for its incredible scuba diving opportunities with its rich marine life and old shipwrecks. With the Islas Hormigas Marine Reserve located about 4km offshore, the area is a popular scuba diving destination.

Ferry Across the Mar Menor

Ferry from Santiago de la Riberra and La Manga del Mar Menor (Thomas Maestra Marina). Please check with the ferry service directly for times and prices. This ferry service is also a great idea for a day trip and a mini cruise on the Mar Menor at the same time.

Untouched Beaches

If you prefer pristine beaches away from the crowds, head over to Playa de Calblanque. This untouched stretch of coastline is known for its powdery white sand and crystal-clear turquoise waters. It’s the perfect spot to relax, soak up the sun, and unwind.

Chiringuitos (Beach Bars)

Chiringuitos: On the Costa Calida, Chiringuitos are a common site. However, in La Manga, you will find beach bars every few hundred yards (or less) along the shores of both the Mar Menor and the Mediterranean Sea. They offer cold drinks, and snacks and some even offer full meals. My favorite is to have ice-cold beer on those hot summer days – so, yes. Everyday!

Other Activities in La Manga del Mar Menor

There is a marked bike path that runs the entire length of La Manga as well as bike paths and walking trails through the salt flats and up to and including Cabo de Palos and Playa de Calblanque. I usually jog along these trails as well as along the beaches in the mornings or evenings. On the Costa Calida, you try to avoid the midday heat!

DAY TRIPS

Cape Palos Fishing Village with Lighthouse

A popular place to visit in La Manga is the fishing village of Cape Palos which is to the south of Lamanga, directly on the Mediterranean Sea. This small town lies at the end of the La Manga beach on the Mediterranean side and is at the beginning of the Sierra Minera mountain chain which extends southwest towards Cartagena. The town’s marina was carved right out of the rock and is the main tourist area of the town, with several restaurants and bistros located here, serving freshly caught local fish.