Taking pride of place on Spain’s sun-drenched southern coast, this unique resort is one of Murcia’s most magical hidden gems. With a slim spit of land, known as ‘the strip’, separating it from the mainland, you’ll find the Mediterranean Sea to the east, and the lake-like Mar Menor to the west; making it almost two destinations in one!
Beaches
There’s a seemingly endless array of beaches to choose from, with 15km of sands on the Mediterranean side (including a gorgeous 8km stretch right in the middle), and over 9km on the Mar Menor side. If you like your beaches calm and chilled, the east will be right up your street - lapped by shallow waters, they’re ideal for families. To the west, the sands are more super-sized with the waves to match, making them perfect for watersports.
Top tip
To discover a truly unspoilt slice of paradise, head out to the spectacular Isla del Ciervo, located just off the Club Nautico marina. Accessible by a short stroll during low tide, or by boat if not, its rugged sands are the perfect place to take in some sheer natural beauty. In the south, you can even enjoy an impromptu spa session during the summertime, thanks to the bay’s charcoal-black mud that’s long been said to have healing properties.
Food & Drink
Murcian menus are all about fresh, local flavours, and the La Manga region is no exception, drawing inspiration from both land and sea. Arroz al caldero, or cauldron-cooked rice, is one of the bay’s most prized creations, teaming sticky rice, garlic and olive oil with the sizzling catch of the day. For a seriously sweet treat, a cuerno cone is also a must (crumbly pastry and toasted meringue, need we say more?) - and to drink, it has to be the aromatic Asiático, a liqueur coffee laced with lemon and golden brandy.
Culture
Settled for over 3,000 years, the La Manga and Murcia region is a treasure trove of arts, music and history. The nearby town of La Union is at the heart of the cultural calendar, thanks to the annual Cante de las Minas Festival - a feast of flamenco that fills the streets with song. History buffs will also love Cartagena’s Roman Festival, which takes over the town each September with re-enactments, parades, food sampling and even Roman comedy.
Nightlife
The strip’s laid-back beach bars are perfect for a low-key night out, with fabulous cocktail menus and a backdrop of stunning sea views. If you fancy turning up the volume, there’s also a great choice of bars spanning the musical spectrum, from fresh disco beats at the Trips Summer Club, to old-school indie vibes at the beachside Ya Te Vale.
Important Information
Flight Time: 2.5 hours
Time Difference: +1hr
Currency: Euro
Official Language: Spanish
Vaccination: For all up to date healthcare requirements, please check with your doctor before booking your holiday.
Visa: British Passport holders don’t need a visa to visit La Manga. Holders of other passports are advised to check with their national embassy for any visa requirements.
