Costa Calida and Mar Menor

The La Manga Peninsular is a narrow split of land over 28 kms long stretches from the fishing village of Cabo de Palos to the salt flats of San Pedro del Pinatar. It is located just 40 miles by road from San Javier airport in Murcia. Only one road takes you along the strip which, although very busy in July August can seem almost deserted after these times.

Both sides of the La Manga strip have something to offer. The Mediterranean side with its magnificent sandy beaches and the Mar Menor with its warm, shallow waters that are ideal for children. During the summer months there are various water sports available at many different locations along the strip including windsurfing, water-skiing, jet skiing, sailing pedalos. Also nearby is the world famous La Manga Club resort where you can indulge in a multitude of sporting activities, the most popular being golf, followed by tennis.

Nightlife is prevalent in parts of the strip with a good collection of restaurants, bars even casinos. Large hotels and apartment complexes offer a variety of evening entertainment, mainly during the summer season.

There have been settlements in the area for much longer, it is believed that there are Iberian settlements dating back as far as the Paleolithic era. The area was also used as a base by the Romans in the Punic wars and the conquest of Cartegena. Located on the N-332 coastal road a little north of the Mar Menor you will find the delightful Costa Calida resort of San Pedro del Pinatar, an interesting and charming town which is a popular destination for visitors of all nationalities particularly the Spanish themselves. San Pedro del Pinatar has a resident population of around 21,234 people (2006 data), though of course this rises significantly during the busy summer months.

The town itself has a decent selection of bars, restaurants and shops and a weekly street market which is held on Mondays. San Pedro del Pinatar also has an excellent marina which is popular with water-sports enthusiasts, with such activities as sailing, scuba diving, windsurfing, snorkeling and jet skiing on offer.

For those who prefer golf, San Pedro del Pinatar is an excellent location, as it is surrounded by golf courses both new and established - the three courses of the Orihuela Costa are just a 15 minute drive away, also close by are the courses of La Manga, Roda, La Torre Golf Resort and the Mar Menor Golf Resort.

This area is famous for its water sports, with many centres offering lessons for diving, canoeing, wind surfing, skiing etc., Ideal location for just strolling along the promenade and taking in the views of La Manga strip.

From here you could take the ferry to La Manga and spend the day on an extended boat trip or visit the harbour, have munch or sunbathe on one of the many beaches returning in the evening after a good day out.

For shoppers, the area offers the Dos Mares Centro Comercial on the N332, which sells everything!  Shops include a hypermarket, DIY store, pet shop, 8 cinemas, bowling alley, Burger King, a myriad of eating places, superdrug type store, electrical retailer, stationers selling English newspapers, an English book and card shop and clothes and shoe outlets; petrol is also available at discounted prices from the filling station.

Murcia is the only region of Spain where ex-pats will be treated on the Spanish health system regardless of age.  Santiago de la Ribera’s own hospital, Los Arcos, is situated on the sea front with plans, in the future, to expand and move to a much larger site on the N332.

With its name of Moorish origin, meaning palace, Los Alcazares name goes back to the holiday houses that were once built in this coastal village by the Moors.

With seven kilometres of beach, Los Alcazares is an ideal spot for water sports. There are activities such as sailing and kayaking at its marine Resort, available all year round thanks to the warm temperatures in the region. Alternatively you could try the local golf courses of Roda Golf, La Serena, the Mar Menor Golf Resort or the prestigious La Manga Golf. Or better still just relax along the shoreline beach or the promenade and take in the sunshine and the panoramic views of La Manga strip.

Los Alcázares is also a very healthy destination, too. Try the waters of the Mar Menor, famous for their therapeutic qualities, or enjoy a thermal treatment at the La Encarnación Spa Resort, which conserves the character of old, turn-of-the-century spa centres.

Los Alcazares provides a plethory of shops, bars and restaurants to meet individual tastes and in the summer season the promenade bars provide respite from the beach offering selections of local tapas.

Los Urrutius is a short drive away from San Javier airport and the town of Los Alcazarres. It is near to the historical city of Cartagena, (Sinbad and the Elephants) and close to the cosmopolitan city of Murcia with its new shopping areas, football ground and Water Parc.

The area provides a choice of golf courses, La Serena, Roda Golf, Hacienda del Alamo and the prestigious La Manga Resort.

The beaches here are sandy grey and are separated by stone jetties that penetrate into the sea to safeguard the sand erosion. The shallow waters of the Mar Menor allows for the concentration of water sports in the area. In recent years the village has developed and provides an array of properties for both residential and holiday living.

All year round it provides a local shop, bar and restaurant but close by is the busy town of Los Belones which caters for the whole area and is rich in all amenities. The centre is vibrant with a great choice of shops, bars, a bodega, banks, ice cream parlours, restaurants and caters for most needs.

La Manga Golf Resort is only 2 miles away and the La Manga strip is a 5 minute drive. Cartegena is the nearest city and Murcia airport is a 20 minutes drive away.

Being an established community means there are a good selection of shops, restaurants & other facilities already in place. Though it has to be said these are basic, & those looking for more variety are likely to find themselves in La Manga or Cartagena.

Though there is increased interest in the town it still remains unspoiled by tourism; having retained much of its inherent culture & atmosphere. There are many fiestas (festivals) throughout Cabo de Palos's calendar, some of which are a real spectacle & well worth a look. The cuisine is another major bonus, with (affordable) good food available in the town restaurants & tapas bars.

Cartagena was founded (as its name suggests) by the Carthaginians in the year 227BC. It rapidly became their main trading port, & at one time was widely recognised as being one of the wealthiest cities in the ancient world. Though the city was made truly famous by Hannibal & his elephants; who landed with the intention of defeating the Romans.

Over 2,000 years on Cartagena is still a major port. It is the site of one of Spain's largest naval bases, & many associated buildings occupy the port area. It is also from Cartagena that the world's first submarine was born (though constructed in Cadiz). A Cartagena born designer came up with the idea, which was built way back in 1884. Just 4 years later he saw it successfully launched. The self same submarine is displayed on the city front for all to see - unless out on loan to a museum.

Much of Cartagena's Roman history has vanished. That is to say it has been built over. Efforts have increasingly been made to restore some of this heritage, with the primary example being the Roman amphitheatre on top of which the bull ring was constructed in 1854 (now open to the public). Aside from the Romans many other races left their mark here, including (unsurprisingly) native Spaniards; as a result many ornate churches, palaces & government buildings line the streets of the older parts of the city.

Most of the sights in Cartagena can be seen on foot; indeed attempting to drive around many central zones is more trouble than it is worth. There are many parks & squares to stop & rest in, museums to visit, & an abundance of restaurants & cafes in which to sample the local cuisine. Shopping is another major draw to the town, which now boasts an array of fashion boutiques as well as large department stores, such as El Corte Ingles.

All things considered Cartagena is definitely worth a visit, whether by day or by night. It has much to offer its visitors in the way of culture; though equally a good place to have lunch, do some shopping or take a leisurely stroll.

Carthaginians and Romans Festival

During the second half of September, the normally tranquil citizens of Cartagena don their tunics and togas to re-enact events which took place between 223 BC, when the city was founded by General Asdrubal, and 209 BC, when the city fell to the Romans. During the festivities, thousands of local people head for the streets dressed in typical costumes from the period, representing the famous personalities, the different social groups, the Carthaginian troops and the Roman legions who played a part in the city's history.

There are numerous events during the festival, including a Roman circus and the wedding of the Iberian Princess Himilce and the intrepid Carthaginian General Hannibal. After each of these events, the crowds head for the 'camp' where the different groups have their own 'field headquarters' and a party atmosphere is guaranteed.