Mar Menor
One of Europe's largest saltwater lagoons. The water is shallow, warm, and calm, and the coastal towns are good for family swimming and sailing.
The lagoon covers about 170 square kilometres and is separated from the Mediterranean by the 22-km-long La Manga sandbar. Its average depth is only about 4 metres. The water is warm and the waves are gentle, which suits children and beginners in sailing and paddleboarding. Coastal towns such as Los Alcázares and San Javier have long beaches and seafood restaurants. In recent years there have been repeated episodes of eutrophication and fish die-offs, so check local water-quality information before swimming. It is about 45 minutes' drive from Murcia.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Salinas de San Pedro del Pinatar
- La Manga del Mar Menor
- Calblanque Regional Park
- Cabo de Palos
- Punic Wall Interpretation Centre
- Casa de la Fortuna
- Civil War Air-Raid Shelter Museum
- Castillo de la Concepción & Panoramic Lift