BEST THINGS TO DO IN MAR MENOR
10 BEST THINGS TO DO IN MAR MENOR

INTRODUCTION: DISCOVER THE MAR MENOR
10 Best Things To Do In Mar Menor (Spain): So you’ve been thinking about visiting Spain and you heard a little about the Mar Menor but you don’t know too much about this place. What is the “Mar Menor”? Is it nice? Does it have a beach? What can you do there? Your vacation time is limited so you want to make sure you are getting your bang for your buck. If that’s the case, then this post is for you. This article will definitely fill in the blanks and provide the information that you need to plan the best vacation ever. As someone who moved to Costa Calida 10 years ago and has extensively explored this region of the Mediterranean, I’m happy to share my insider knowledge of this beautiful Spanish destination.
First a few facts. The Mar Menor is a saltwater lagoon located in Spain, on the Mediterranean coast, north of Cartagena. It is the largest saltwater lagoon not only in Spain but in all of Europe and is one of the most popular holiday destinations in the Costa Calida region.
Due to its shallow calm waters, it is a focal point for water sports enthusiasts and provides an ideal location for beginners and pros alike. Benefiting from the warm Mediterranean climate, the water stays warm year-round. I visited the area about 10 years ago and was so impressed that I bought a condo overlooking the Mar Menor. So if I seem a little biased in this post, now you know why.
Location
The Mar Menor is about 15km northeast of Cartagena, 35km southwest of Murcia, and 65km south of Alicante. The lake itself is about 20km long by 10km wide by 7m at its deepest. It used to be part of the Mediterranean Sea before being almost completely closed off by a sandbar stretching north to south about 20km. On the sandbar itself is the town of La Manga, and along the eastern shore are several towns such as San Pedro del Pinatar, Santiago de la Ribera, Los Alcazares, and Mar de Cristal. So you know where it is, let’s talk about the best things to do in Mar Menor.
What Are The 10 Best Things To Do In Mar Menor?
Water Sports
The Mar Menor is ideal for virtually every kind of water sport and activity you can imagine. With a mostly sandy bottom and warm shallow waters, some of the best things to do in Mar Menor are windsurfing, kitesurfing, kayaking, standup paddle boarding, snorkeling…….if it can be done in or on water, you can do it here. On windless days, the conditions are ideal for swimmers, kayakers and stand-up paddle boarders who you can see paddling along the shores and out to the islands.
During windy conditions, you will see windsurfers and kitesurfers come out in force and put on a spectacular show. A great location to set up your equipment is the Darsena de Dos Mares (see below), a wide section of beach located near km 3 in La Manga. There is parking across the road and ample room to set up your equipment. During the summer you can take lessons or rent equipment from some of the local windsurfing/kitesurfing schools.

Explore the Islands
There are 5 islands in the Mar Menor (Isla Mayor (Isla del Baron), Isla Perdiguera, Isla del Ciervo, Isla Redonda and Isla del Sujeto) . One of the best things to do in Mar Menor is to visit the islands is by kayak, canoe, paddle boarding, and even by peddle boat, all of which can be rented locally. However, if you haven’t budgeted for rental equipment and if you forgot to pack your kayak in your suitcase, have no fear. One of the islands, Isla del Ciervo, can be reached simply by walking through the shallow water, and the hidden sandy beach on the opposite side of the island is worth it.
Tip: Bring a sturdy pair of walking shoes (preferably in a sealed plastic bag so they don’t get wet). The landscape on the island is rugged with lots of loose rocks and if you would like to hike to the top of the rocky hill there is no official path. However, if you do climb to the top you will be rewarded with a spectacular panoramic view of the entire Mar Menor, the La Manga strip, and the Sierra Minera mountain chain to the southwest. If ever you were looking for a photo opportunity this is it.

Boat Cruises
During the summer there are a few tour companies operating tour boats on the Mar Menor. These are seasonal and for more specific information you should check directly with the operators for routes, timings, and prices. Another option to get out onto the Mar Menor is to consider taking the ferry that operates during the summer between Santiago de la Ribera and The Tomas Maestre Port in La Manga. You get the benefit of a “cruise” on the Costa Calida and make a day trip on the other side of the Mar Menor, either to visit the Mediterranean or to visit Santiago de la Ribera, depending on where you started.
Hiking/Walking/Cycling
There are paved bike paths, trails, and boardwalks at various locations around the Mar Menor which in some places are well maintained and in other places, a little more rugged. Of note here is that the La Manga ends at the 18km mark as you head north along the strip and this is where the road and the urbanization ends and where salt flats and the marshes of San Pedro del Pinatar begin. There is no road or trail access that permits traveling completely around the Mar Menor. Just keep in mind that whichever direction you choose to walk or cycle, you will have to come back the same way.
Nature Trails
You can visit the nature reserve near San Pedro del Pinatar, towards the northeast end of the Mar Menor where it opens up to the Mediterranean. This marshy area with salt flats is an excellent area for birdwatching. You will also find bike and walking trails, observation points, beaches, a small port, and a restaurant.
Another great place with trails is in the Calblanque Regional Park just 2km south of the Mar Menor. Although not directly on the Mar Menor, the park has several trails through the mountains and an incredible beach on the Mediterranean, untouched by any commercial or residential development.

The Mediterranean
No matter where you are vacationing on the Mar Menor, you will be within striking distance of the Mediterranean. Depending on where you are on the Mar Menor, it could mean a short drive to reach the Mediterranean shore or it could be as little as a 1-minute walk. In some places in La Manga, the distance between the Mar Menor and the Mediterranean is only about 100m, making it very easy to enjoy both on any given day, within minutes. In fact my normal jogging route includes running sections on the Mar Menor shore and on the Mediterranean shore, switching from one to the other several times during the same workout.

Beaches
There are beaches along most of the shoreline of the Mar Menor with many being taken care of by the local communities and governments. Depending on the area, you can find boardwalks, shower stations, washrooms, handicapped access, and many chiringuitos. And of course, the Mediterranean beaches are also right near the Mar Menor, in some areas no more then 100m away! There are approximately 150 beaches on the Mediterranean Costa Calida coast and there are about 30 beaches on the Mar Menor.
Mud Baths
There are a couple of places on the Mar Menor where you can take a mud bath including Lo Pagan and San Pedro del Pinatar. The mud is rich in minerals like magnesium, calcium, sodium, potassium, fluoride, and chlorine, which are renowned for their therapeutic and healing properties.
Golf
One of the best things to do in Mar Menor is Golf. If you like to golf, then you will be happy to know that there are several golf courses within a short drive from the Mar Menor. With over 300 sunny days in the Costa Calida and the ideal Mediterranean weather allows for golf all year round and there are golf courses to cater to all ability levels from beginner to pro. Some of the more famous 18-hole golf courses are the La Manga Club Resort (with 3 separate courses: South, North, and West), the Roda Golf & Beach Resort with a par 72 course designed by Dave Thomas, and the Mar Menor Golf Course with a par 72 course also designed by Dave Thomas and Nicklaus Design. There are about 14 golf courses within a 30km range of the Mar Menor.
Day Trips
From the Mar Menor, there are several locations within a short drive that are ideal for day trips. If you are interested in visiting a Spanish city, within a short drive are Cartagena, Murcia, and a little further away, Alicante. Closer to home are the small towns along the Mar Menor such as La Manga, Cabo de Palos (and its lighthouse), Los Alcazares, San Javier, and San Pedro del Pinatar.

Travel Tip
Travel Tip: The Mar Menor is an extremely popular destination in the summer, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors during July and August. If you are planning a trip to the area, you may want to consider coming in May/June or in Sept/Oct. The weather is still exceptionally warm, you will avoid the bigger summer crowds and accommodations will be easier to find.
FINAL THOUGHTS: 10 BEST THINGS TO DO IN MAR MENOR
10 BEST THINGS TO DO IN MAR MENOR: The Mar Menor is a great place to visit in Spain and offers a wide range of choices for sport, adventure, and relaxation. With all of the advantages of the Mediterranean Sea right nearby, it still provides a sheltered area for water activities free from undertows and dangerous currents that can sometimes occur on the open water. This makes the Mar Menor an excellent water playground and an ideal learning place for beginners in most water sports. The Mar Menor is in the Costa Calida and benefits from the Mediterranean climate, with the weather being nice all year round. This is an amazing area and I encourage you to come visit and see for yourself.
To find out more about this area of Spain, Costa Calida, check out these other related posts: Cartagena, La Manga, Murcia, Guide to the Coast of Spain.
“Don’t Just Dream It! Do it!”
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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.