Shopping areas and shopping centres in La Manga and surroundings
La Manga del Mar Menor is usually associated with good weather, the sea and outdoor activities. And although it is true that the climate is mild in the area most of the year, it is also true that there are times when it is not so pleasant to enjoy these types of activities.
However, far from being pigeonholed as a sun and sand holiday destination, La Manga has much more to offer. A great option for those days when the weather is not so pleasant is to watch a film in one of the cinemas, or have a drink in one of the bars and restaurants.
Another of the best things to do in La Manga when it rains is to spend the day shopping. Enjoying the shopping areas of La Manga or going to one of the nearby shopping centres can be a great alternative to a day at the beach. Just choose from areas such as the Zoco Alcazaba, Plaza Bohemia or the Dos Mares shopping centre in neighbouring San Javier.
Shopping areas in La Manga
You may never have counted shopping among your leisure plans in La Manga. But when the weather is not good, it is a good alternative.
In La Manga you can find different shopping areas, among which two main ones stand out. The Zoco Alcazaba is one of the most important shopping areas in La Manga. It has a large area where you can find a wide variety of shops and dining options such as bars, restaurants and ice cream parlours.
Zoco Alcazaba is undoubtedly one of the most popular shopping areas in La Manga. Its proximity to the beach means that many visitors come here after a swim to browse the shops, find beach items or clothes for the whole family, and enjoy a break with a soft drink or beer and a snack.
The other most important shopping area in La Manga is the Plaza Bohemia, one of the most emblematic places in the town and which, in summer, is full of life. Surrounding this square you can find all kinds of shops, from decoration and gift shops to casual clothing shops. It is even possible to find vintage clothing in some of them.
As well as shops, Plaza Bohemia also has a wide range of gastronomic offer: ice cream, pizzas, sandwiches, Murcian dishes... it's hard to choose.
But if there is one thing that makes Plaza Bohemia the heart of the town during the summer season, it is that it is home to the most famous street market in La Manga. For decades it has been home to the "hippy" flea market where you can find all kinds of handicrafts and enjoy a stroll.
Shopping centres in La Manga
Shopping centres are always a good alternative for entertainment and fun. However, although the town does not have its own shopping centre, it is possible to find shopping centres near La Manga where you can spend a pleasant afternoon strolling around or doing some shopping.
A good example is the Dos Mares Shopping in the neighbouring town of San Javier. This shopping centre has more than 70 shops and a diverse gastronomic offer distributed among the 16 restaurants inside. In addition, it is also possible to enjoy an afternoon at the cinema thanks to its 8 cinemas. Cosmetics, fashion, sports, home, technology... Anything you might need.
Another shopping centre near La Manga is the Las Velas Shopping and Leisure Centre in Los Alcázares. Like the Dos Mares, it is a modern building with a wide range of options for shopping or spending an entertaining afternoon thanks to its cinema and its gastronomic area with ice-cream parlours and international food.
Shopping areas in Cartagena
Another great option for a day of leisure and shopping while you are in La Manga is to travel to Cartagena, the capital of the province. In just 20 minutes you will have at your fingertips a wide variety of shopping areas where you can find the whim you are looking for while visiting the city.
The shops in the centre of Cartagena are grouped under the name Centro Comercial Abierto (Open Shopping Centre). Not only are they located in the most emblematic area of the city with the richest architecture in the area, but they will allow you to find everything you might need: technology, fashion, jewellery, culture, footwear, cosmetics, food, gifts?
You can also enjoy shopping in Cartagena in streets such as Juan Fernández, Jiménez de la Espada, Alameda de San Antón or Paseo Alfonso XIII, all of which form one of the city's main shopping areas.
Shopping centres in Cartagena
As a good provincial capital, Cartagena not only has shopping areas in the interior of the city, but also has shopping centres where you can combine leisure and shopping on a day out.
Espacio Mediterráneo is located barely 2 kilometres from the city, next to the Cabezo Baeza industrial estate. This shopping centre has shops of national and international brands where you can find everything from jewellery to fashion, cosmetics, toys, technology and footwear. It also has a diverse gastronomic offer that will allow you to taste from cakes and ice creams to Italian, Thai, Turkish or American food. After lunch you have the option of enjoying a new film in any of its cinemas.
Cartagena and La Manga del Mar Menor offer endless plans for family fun. Visiting and discovering their shopping centres is another leisure option, ideal for those rainy days when you can't enjoy outdoor activities.