5 villages you must visit near La Manga
La Manga has become since its origins one of the most important tourist destinations, partly thanks to its privileged geographical location, which allows you to enjoy the waters of the Mediterranean Sea and the Mar Menor. But it is not the only area of the region worth taking into account.
If you have chosen La Manga as the destination for your next vacation you should take advantage of your stay to know other beautiful villages near La Manga that will captivate you as they have done the tranquility and sunsets of this narrow strip of land. Some villages that stand out for their unique landscapes, their gastronomy and the quality of life they offer.
Cabo de Palos
Cabo de Palos is the closest town to La Manga, an unmissable place thanks to its majestic lighthouse built in 1865 and its cliffs that extend along the coastline to the Calblanque Regional Park.
This fishing village is considered a paradise for divers, as it is located in front of the Marine Reserve of Cabo de Palos and Islas Hormigas. But it also stands out for the coves that dot its coast, small and perfect for a quiet day at the beach alone, as a couple or with the little ones.
The specialized travel guide Lonely Planet has included it among the 16 most beautiful coastal towns in Spain. It is a perfect place to visit both in summer and in autumn or at Easter. You can't miss the hiking trails that lead to its lighthouse and the Calblanque Regional Park. Another must? The caldero and other local specialties that can be tasted in the restaurants of its port.
San Pedro del Pinatar
San Pedro del Pinatar is one of those towns near La Manga that almost everyone has heard of. It is located on the border with the Valencian Community and is home to the Regional Park of the Salinas and Arenales de San Pedro, two natural areas protected for their rich terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. The flamingos that populate this natural place have become the symbol of this locality.
Visitors who want to enjoy a time of relaxation and wellness can do so in its mud therapy area, one of the largest in Europe in the open air. In addition, it is also possible to take a bath in one of its salt ponds.
But it is not all mud, it also has some of the most beautiful beaches in this area of the coast. And if what your family likes is sport you can always take advantage of the more than 10 kilometers of promenade that run along it to take the bike, skates or just walk.
Santiago de la Ribera
Santiago de la Ribera is one of the towns near San Pedro del Pinatar that you should visit if you are going to spend some time in the Mar Menor. It is one of the oldest fishing villages in the area, and is famous for its wide range of activities for water sports lovers.
Its more than 4 kilometers of coastline are bordered by a promenade where you can find some of the best products of Murcia's gastronomy, both in small fish markets and in restaurants where you can accompany a good meal with a local wine or a cold beer.
From Santiago de la Ribera leaves the only tourist boat that crosses the Mar Menor and arrives at La Manga. A great opportunity to get to know the lagoon. A piece of advice? If you are going to make the crossing in summer, try to make the return trip coincide with the time when the sun sets and you will be able to enjoy one of the most beautiful sunsets in the whole area.
Los Alcázares
Los Alcazares is one of those beautiful villages near La Manga that you cannot miss. Here you can find spas like the Balneario de la Encarnación, whose origin dates back to 1904 with a structure that still remains today.
This is the perfect destination if you want your family to spend a relaxing day. The water in this area of the Mar Menor is full of therapeutic qualities, as it has a high concentration of salts and iodine.
In addition, as is common in the towns of the Mar Menor, it has a long promenade where you can enjoy food and drink in its numerous beach bars. It is impossible to leave Los Alcázares without trying the best of the local gastronomy by the sea.
Los Urrutias
Los Urrutias, another of the villages near La Manga and bordering Los Alcázares, owes its name to the first inhabitants of the area, a family of Basque origin with the surname Urrutia.
In this coastal town flour is also of great importance, and in it you can find a number of old flour mills that can be visited. Among them stands out the Castillo el Miedo, a half-ruined tower of the XVIII century that is in the hill of the Carmolí mount, the highest point of the town, a volcano arisen in the same eruption that the islands of the Mar Menor.
Los Urrutias is a quiet place where you can enjoy one of the best sunsets of the Mar Menor from its beaches or its seaport. An essential visit if you are going to visit Cartagena, especially in summer.
Cartagena and La Manga offer a wide variety of proposals for those who come on vacation as a couple or with the family. It is a destination where in addition to the endless sports plans around the Mar Menor and the Mediterranean, there is much to see and taste. Because La Manga is much more than sun and beach... we are waiting for you this summer to help you discover our charms.