To the Southeast of the Province of
Murcia in Spain, there is a large expanse of salt water called
the Mar Menor. An enormous lagoon, approximately 26 km long
and 7 km wide, famous for its warm, tranquil and salty water, rich in health
giving minerals.
The Mar Menor is very well served by Spain's
road network and in easy reach of Alicante, Torrevieja
and Cartagena.
La Manga Strip is a narrow island which protects the
Mar Menor from the Mediterranean Sea. The strip is approximately 18 km long,
900 metres at its widest point and 50 metres at its narrowest point.
The La Manga Strip emerged from centuries of sand being pushed by sea currents
onto an under-water volcanic range which stretches up to Cabo de Palos. This
formed a long peninsula of sand dunes which connected the Mar Menor with the
Mediterranean.
The history of La Manga has always been closely related
to pirates who, for centuries, operated in the Mediterranean.
Within the Mar Menor are five islands. To the South are three small islands.
Isla del Ciervo, Isla Ronda and Isla del Sujeto. At the centre are two more. La
Isla Mayor or Isla del Barón (Baron Island) privately owned
with its tall watchtower and 200 year old villa, and La Isla Perdiguera (Sardine
Island), 1 kilometre square, previously famous for its part
played during the Spanish Civil War.
Just outside in the Mediterranean (The Mar Mayor), are three more islands. The
military island of La Grossa, El Farallon reef
and Isla Hormigas crowned by a white lighthouse. These are
very beautiful, and some of our boat cruises will take you around these
islands.
Nowadays, beautiful sandy beaches and promenades surround the Mar Menor. These
beaches are especially safe for children as the water is calm and the beaches
gently sloping. Further inland, palm plantations, farmland and volcanic
mountains can be seen. The towns and villages which surround the Mar Menor
host a variety of bars, restaurants and tourist attractions, with many
traditional fiestas throughout the year.
Click on the index below to browse our web site and find out more about the
various boat and fishing trips we offer, including opportunities to spend the
day with us and see these breathtaking sights for yourself.
