The Mar Menor is a saltwater lagoon in the region Murcia in the south-east of Spain. It is the largest salt lake in Europe and is separated from the Mediterranean by a narrow strip of sand called La Manga.

The Mar Menor is popular for its azure waters and mild climate, making it a popular destination for tourists looking for a relaxing holiday at the beach but also for those looking to buy in Spain.

There are several beaches along the Mar Menor coast, including La Manga, Playa Honda and Playa Paraiso. There are also numerous restaurants, bars and shops in the area, as well as various activities such as water sports, cycling and horse riding. It is a great place to relax and enjoy the beautiful weather and surroundings.

The municipalities on the Mar Menor

There are several municipalities on the Mar Menor in the region of Murcia, Spain. The following are some of the main municipalities on the Mar Menor:

  • San Javier: a municipality in the province of Murcia, located on the eastern side of the Mar Menor. San Javier is known for its beautiful sandy beaches, such as the Playa de los Nietos and the Playa de la Punta del Mojón, and has a rich cultural heritage, with sights such as the Castillo de la Conception and the Monastery of San José.
  • Los Alcázares: a municipality in the province of Murcia, located on the eastern side of the Mar Menor. Los Alcázares is known for its excellent swimming and has beautiful sandy beaches, such as the Playa de la Punta del Faro and the Playa de la Torre derribada.
  • San Pedro del Pinatar: a municipality in the province of Murcia, located on the western side of the Mar Menor. San Pedro del Pinatar is known for its excellent swimming and has beautiful sandy beaches, such as the Playa de Lo Pagan and the Playa de las Salinas.
  • Cartagena: a municipality in the province of Murcia, located on the western side of the Mar Menor. Cartagena is a historic city with a rich cultural heritage, with sights including the Roman amphitheatre and the Castillo de la Concepción.
  • Águilas: a municipality in the province of Murcia, located on the southern side of the Mar Menor. Águilas is known for its beautiful sandy beaches, such as the Playa del Hornillo and the Playa del Cable, and has a rich cultural heritage, with sights such as the Castillo de San Juan de las Águilas and the Monastery of Nuestra Señora de Belén.

Origins and benefits

The lagoon was created by an inlet of the Mediterranean Sea and is separated from the sea by a narrow strip of sand called the La Manga. The Mar Menor is a popular tourist area and has some key advantages:

  • Warm water: the water in the Mar Menor is warmer than the water in the Mediterranean, making it an attractive destination for swimming and water sports.
  • Saltwater: the salt content in the Mar Menor's water is higher than in the Mediterranean, making it great for treating skin problems and relaxing in the salt cave.
  • Great for families: the Mar Menor is a very popular destination for families with children because of its calm, shallow waters.
  • Variety of activities: the Mar Menor offers a wide variety of activities, including swimming, diving, windsurfing, sailing and cycling.
  • Easily accessible: the Mar Menor is easily accessible from different parts of Spain and can be reached easily by car or public transport.
  • Magnificent nature: the Mar Menor is surrounded by stunning nature, with beautiful sandy beaches, dunes and wetlands ideal for taking walks and observing the flora and fauna.