10 BEST THINGS TO DO IN PUERTO DE MAZARRON
10 BEST THINGS TO DO IN PUERTO DE MAZARRON

INTRODUCTION: PUERTO DE MAZARRON
Are you thinking about taking a trip to the Mediterranean? Are you considering Puerto de Mazarron, Spain? Are you looking for more information and first-hand tips from someone who actually knows the area? Then you’ve come to the right place. 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 lived in and explored this region of the Mediterranean, I’m happy to share my insider knowledge of this beautiful Spanish destination. (see related post on the Costa Calida)
Mazarron is located on the southeast coast of Spain, directly on the Mediterranean, just west of Cartagena. It is part of the Costa Calida and as in most areas in the region, tourism in the town has grown and has become an important part of the local economy. As such, the community has successfully invested in infrastructure and housing to support this growth. Puerto de Mazarron sits directly on the Mediterranean, it benefits from the beautiful year-round Mediterranean climate and has over 325 days of sunshine per year, making this an attractive beach vacation destination.
(see our related posts: Guide to the Mediterranean Coast and Guide to the Mediterranean Coast of Spain)

WHAT ARE THE 10 BEST THINGS TO DO IN PUERTO DE MAZARRON?
The Marina
The marina is fully developed with restaurants and bars located throughout the area and a beautiful promenade ideal for leisurely strolls and sightseeing. You can even take boat tours from the marina and visit the coastline from the sea.
Beaches
There are 35km of beaches in this region, with 6 beaches being located right in Puerto de Mazarron. During the summer the water temperature rises to 20C.
Watersports
Being directly on the Mediterranean, basically, every imaginable water sport is fair game here, including swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, paddle boarding, sailing, kite surfing, and windsurfing. This is also an excellent area for scuba diving with an underwater nature reserve nearby in Cabo de Palos.

Golf
If you like golfing then you definitely want to add the Costa Calida to your list of must-visit destinations. The region has several world-class golf courses to choose from and the ideal weather allows for golf all year round. There are golf courses to cater to all ability levels from beginner to pro.
Hiking/Walking/Cycling
Like most towns along the Mediterranean coast, you will find trails and dirt roads leading in all directions. From Puerto de Mazarron you can head east and explore the coastline and rugged landscape. You’ll notice that it gets quite hot in this area and rains very little so the landscape is almost desert-like. Drink lots of water and aim for earlier or later in the day to avoid the midday sun.
Tip: visit the nearby Calblanque Regional Park (see related post) where there are several hiking trails and an excellent white sand beach untouched by any commercial or residential development, one of the few remaining places on the Mediterranean where you can find this.

Historical Sites
Dating from Roman times are the Villa del Alamillo Archaeological site and the Balsa de El Alamillo, which are both popular tourist spots and showcase how far back in time this region has been populated.
Also worth seeing is the Phoenician Boat Interpretation Center which houses a replica of a Phoenician boat discovered a few decades ago in the waters off of the coast.
Day Trips
Mazarron-Old Town
Right nearby is Mazarron where you can the old town hall, the ruins of a medieval castle, and climb up to the “Torre del Molinete” which overlooks the entire town and surrounding area. You can also do some shopping, banking, and visit the local “farmers” markets. This is not a “tourist” spot and precisely for this reason, it provides an opportunity to visit and experience an authentic Spanish town.
Cartagena
The port city of Cartagena, Spain, is only 20 km away and offers a variety of things to do and see including a fully restored Roman Amphitheater, a beautiful port area directly on the Mediterranean Sea, and an excellent shopping district. (see related post, “Cartagena” to find out more).

Mar Menor/ La Manga/Cabo de Palos
If you are looking for a great place to windsurf and kitesurf but are intimidated by the open waters of the Mediterranean, then the Mar Menor is for you. This inland sea is one of the hidden gems of this area. This saltwater lake is about 21km long by about 10km at its widest and is no more than 7m deep. The Mar Menor provides a safe place free of waves, currents, or undertows, making this an ideal spot for water sports, in particular for beginners. (see related post on the Mar Menor).

Also nearby are the towns of La Manga, sitting on an 18km long sandbar separating the Mar Menor and the Mediterranean, and the town of Cabo de Palos with its iconic lighthouse and marina. Cabo de Palos is a major scuba diving destination, with daily scuba diving excursions to the underwater nature reserve located just offshore. (See related posts on La Manga and Cabo de Palos to find out more)

Lorca
For the history buffs, Lorca is a great destination. Located about 50 km northwest of Mazarron, the town is known as the “Baroque City” due to its beautiful collection of Baroque architecture. Here you can visit the Lorca Castle which has an incredible panoramic view of the area and showcases its medieval past.
Murcia
Murcia is the capital city of the Murcia Region and has a rich history. Unlike other more famous Spanish cities, it has managed to slip under the radar as a major tourist destination, which makes it an ideal place to visit for those travelers looking for an authentic Spanish city to explore without the crowds. (see related post on Murcia to find out more about this city)

Local Cuisine
Tapas and Traditional Dishes
Puerto de Mazarron is a great town to experience the Spanish tradition of “Tapas” where you can try out small plates of different types of local delicacies while socializing with friends and family. During your visit, make sure you try the “zarangollo” ( a scrambled egg dish with zucchini and onions) and “huevos a la flamenco” (eggs baked with vegetables and chorizo), made from locally cultivated produce.

Other regional delicacies to try out are Espinacas con Garbanzos (spinach and chickpeas seasoned with paprika and garlic), Caldero Rice (rice dish cooked with fish, garlic, saffron, and other spices), and Michirones (stewed beans with pork and chorizo).
Seafood Specialties
Puerto de Mazarron sits directly on the Mediterranean and so naturally is a great place to enjoy locally caught fish. There is always a wide selection of seafood dishes available such as Prawns, Caldero de Pescado (a fish stew made with local fish, potatoes, peppers, and saffron), and Grilled Octopus (seasoned with paprika and olive oil).
Desserts
If you like desserts, then make sure to try some of the local treats such as Pastel de Carne (sweet cake filled with nuts, dried fruits, and spices), Paparajotes (a crispy pastry made from lemon tree leaves, coated in batter, fried and then dusted with sugar), and Arrope (a syrupy dessert made from grape juice, honey, and spices).

Travel & Budget Tip
The summer in Spain can get extremely hot with many people leaving the hotter inland areas to head for the relatively cooler coastal areas. If you are looking for a quieter vacation and want to avoid the crowds, I recommend coming in either spring (May/June) or fall (September/October). The weather during these periods is still exceptionally nice, the restaurants and bars are still open, accommodations are plentiful (and cheaper) and the crowds will have thinned out dramatically.
For example, I live in La Manga up the coast about 50km and I have seen the normal off-season population grow from 10,000 to upwards of 300,000 in July and August. If you do want to come in July and August, book early and be prepared for a busy summer!
Accommodations
There are several hotels in Mazarron and the city of Cartagena is also not far away, with a large selection of hotels for short and long stays. To help book your stays, check out the map below:
FINAL THOUGHTS: 10 BEST THINGS TO DO IN PUERTO DE MAZARRON
Puerto de Mazarron is a great summer destination on the Costa Calida with an excellent climate and crystal clear waters. The tourist infrastructure is well developed, providing all of the amenities one would expect in a beachside resort and ensuring that everything is clean, making for an inviting small town. The seafood selection is excellent, the recreation opportunities are great and the town is located within a short distance from several great day trip destinations. On the whole, Puerto Mazarron is a great choice for a quiet beach holiday away from the traditional crowded spots.
“Ready to Explore Puerto de Mazarron?”
How about experiencing the Mediterranean firsthand? 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.