More about Mar Menor:
The Mar Menor area is a very popular holiday destination for a varirety of reasons. To most, it is known for its three championship La Manga golf courses and is why the term La Manga is often used synonomously for great golfing in fantastic locations. However there is much more to golf for holidaymakers to enjoy. The warm, salty and clear water makes it 'the largest swimming pool in the world' according to the famous swimmer and Hollywood actress Esther Williams. Its relatively high salinity, which aids floatation, and remarkable sporting infrastructures make this one of the most popular places in Europe for the practice and training of all kinds of water sports. Today, this place attracts all those who seek a quiet place to rest and relax, with ideal climatic conditions all year round.
The Mar Menor is also part of a Specially Protected Area of Mediterranean Importance and is a Special Protection Area (ZEPA in Spanish) for bird-life.
The entrance of the Manga strip starts at the lighthouse called Cabo de Palos. From here you can drive up the entire strip. If you want to relax and lie on a sandy beach there are plenty of opportunities on both sides of the road. Around the entire Mar Menor area you will find lots of beaches and villages to explore. From famous beach spots like the Playa Honda close to La Manga to the Playa de los Nietos or the Playa de Palo close to San Javier.
At the end of the La Manga, at the village of Veneziola, you will find the beautiful yacht club called 'Tomas Maestre' and another lighthouse, the Punta del Cocedo. This is a great place to sit and watch the world go by at one of the many cafes and restaurants over looking the Mar Menor.