Occupying a thin strip of land between the Mar Menor and the Mediterranean Sea, La Manga del Mar Menor is a popular holiday destination in south-east Spain. The area was virtually untouched until the 1960s when it was established as a tourist resort and became a hub for sailing and windsurfing.

Bathe in the warm waters of the Mar Menor, which are said to be beneficial in the treatment of rheumatism and various skin ailments. You can kick back on the sands of Playa de Cavanna and Cala del Pino or dive into the Mediterranean from Playa de Galua.

Coincide your visit with the weekend Mercadillo de Cabo to pick up locally made crafts, second-hand goods and fresh produce. Alternatively, you can browse the small boutiques that cluster in La Manga del Mar Menor before dining on authentic local fare at one of the waterfront restaurants.

Getting there

La Manga del Mar Menor is a 30-minute drive from Cartagena and 45 minutes from Región de Murcia International Airport, which has seasonal flights to destinations across Europe. Regular buses stop in the Plaza de Bohemia and La Manga del Mar Menor is compact enough to explore on foot.