La Manga del Mar Menor

La Manga del Mar Menor is a narrow sandbar stretching around 21 kilometres along the Murcia region coastline, separating the Mediterranean Sea from the saltwater lagoon of the Mar Menor. This unique geography gives the area two distinct coastlines: generally choppier waters on the Mediterranean side and calm, shallow, warmer waters on the lagoon side, popular for family swimming and watersports such as kitesurfing and windsurfing. The area is dotted with marinas, including the well-known Tomás Maestre marina, which serves as a starting point for boat trips to the nearby Isla del Ciervo or the Hormigas islands. The La Manga Club resort close by is known for its golf courses and sports facilities. The resort developed from the 1960s onwards, with dense beachfront building combining residential blocks and hotel complexes. The Mediterranean climate, dry and sunny for much of the year, makes it a favoured destination in spring and summer. The historic city of Cartagena, with its Roman heritage, lies within reasonable reach for a day trip.