A Guide to Costa Calida

Mar Menor

The Mar Menor ( small sea ) is the largest salt water lagoon in Europe with an area of  170 square kilometers and is separated from the Mediterranean Sea by the La Manga peninsular.  The coast of the Mar Menor is bordered by  many small towns which, years ago, were inhabited by fishermen but today are becoming popular tourist areas.
The area boasts over 3000 hours of sunshine a year with very mild winters and little or no rain.  The crystal clear, shallow waters of the Mar Menor are especially safe for children and a variety of watersports are always on offer.

Mazarron

In the very centre of Costa Calida, is Mazarron.  Situated about 4 kilometres from the coast, this old mining town was once one of the most prosperous small towns in Spain and many abandoned ancient mines can still be found in the surrounding countryside today.
Although much of the old town has long since disappeared there are still some good examples of original Spanish architecture for example the Town Hall which dates back to 1891 and which is open to the public.  There are also several churches and the ruins of Velez Castle.  In 1893 Mazarron was one of the first towns in Spain to have electricity.  Nowadays the main industry is horticultural production especially tomatoes for the European market.  Melons, green beans and cucumbers are also widely grown in this area.
Puerto de Mazarrón is the coastal port of Mazarron and is a seaside resort town with excellent hotel facilities and a lively nightlife.  A visit to the fishing port and fish auction will be of interest to visitors and the crystal clear waters and abundant marine life make it one of the most popular dive centers in Spain.
Unsurprisingly, eating out is a pleasure in Mazarron with local dishes taking full advantage of freshly caught fish, shellfish and local produce.

La Manga

This narrow strip of land stretches for about 40 kilometers and is often referred to as a paradise between two seas, the calm waters of the Mar Menor and the waves of the Mediterranean Sea.

This is the mecca for all sports lovers.  The 1,000 acre holiday centre of the La Manga Club provides the best sports facilities together with a five star hotel.  Here you can enjoy golf and tennis or water sports, scuba diving, horse riding and mountain biking, these facilities are also used by many international sports teams.

Los Alcazarres

Situated on the western shore of the Mar Menor, the golden, sandy beaches of Los Alcazares have been awarded the coveted Blue Flag award for their cleanliness.  Bars, cafes and restaurants provide drinks, tapas, local dishes and entertainment.

The fertile countryside inland supplies the local markets with fresh produce especially during the winter when the farmers take advantage of the mild weather.

Each October, the town puts on a week-long outdoor party featuring live music, shows and spectacular firework displays. Since 2000 the last three days in March has seen Los Alcazares take on a medieval flavour with a large medieval market and numerous events to celebrate the peaceful times after the invasion of the Barbary pirates during the 15th century.  The last two weeks in August, the town hosts an international celebration when groups representing market garden areas throughout Spain and other European countries gather to display their folklore, handicrafts and prepare gastronomic feasts from their local produce.

San Pedro

Facing the tranquil waters of Mar Menor, San Pedro del Pinatar ( St. Peter of the Pinewood ) is one of the main tourist destinations on the Murcia coast.  Traditionally a seafaring and agricultural centre, San Pedro del Pinatar has become one of the principal tourist towns on Murcia's Costa Cálida.
The main attractions of San Pedro are concentrated around the beach and shore. Here you will find Lo Pagán, a lively tourist centre which has all kinds of holiday facilities, such as hotels, bars, restaurants and shops. Next to the long promenade facing the Mar Menor are extensive beaches such as La Puntica or Villananitos.  This watery setting, combined with the facilities at its marina, are ideal for water sport enthusiasts offering sailing, scuba diving or windsurfing facilities.
As well as one of the town's architectural symbols, the Quintín mill, the surrounding area contains the Salinas de San Pedro del Pinatar Regional Park, a space where a great many species of migratory birds, especially flamingoes, come to nest. The therapeutic properties of its mud, especially suitable for treating bone and skin ailments, are found to be beneficial. San Pedro has a good shopping center and a weekly market