Travel Eye on La Manga del Mar Menor (Costa Calida, Spain)

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Overview:

The La Manga strip is a popular travel destination for many European citizens whether for holidays or permanent residence. There is a cosmopolitan feel to the atmosphere here, while still remaining very Spanish. Positively affected by the rise in visitors is the commercial sector; a wide array of sporting pursuits are now on offer (especially for golfers) at nearby La Manga Club, as well as more cultured choices at short driving distance.

The La Manga (the sleeve) strip is unusual in that it is a narrow split of land over 28 km long & stretches from the fishing village of Cabo de Palos to almost the salt flats of San Pedro del Pinatar. Both sides of the La Manga strip have something to offer. The Mediterranean side with its magnificent sandy beaches and the Mar Menor with its warm, shallow & salty waters, that are ideal for children.

La Manga is well known for its mild climate & enjoys sunshine for in excess of 320 days per year. The sun is at its hottest during the summer months, with temperatures rarely falling below 30°C (86°F). Winters are typically very mild with averages hovering around 18°C (64°F).

La Manga attracts mainly middlemarket Spanish, with German, French and British being very much in the minority. Although this area is increasing in popularity. Suitable for all age groups, families, couples and singles, and good for sporty types, both on land and water. La Manga Club itself, has a wide choice of sporting facilities and golf courses,

High-rise accommodation predominates in the "Sleeve" itself, with a good choice of hotels, aparthotels and apartments, often with beachfront locations, a good sea view and lots of facilities. Firmly middlemarket, many of the apartments are privately owned while being maintained by various management companies. Popular with package-tour companies on a large scale. Also individual villas and a large camping and caravan site.

Locality:

La Manga is on the south east coast of Spain, 15 miles east of Cartagena (45 mls SE of Murcia, 65 mls S of Alicante. 40 mls by road SE of Murcia airport at San Javier). La Manga del Mar Menor is a narrow, mainly flat spit of land 15 miles long, stretching north from the Cabo de Palos and dividing the Mediterranean Sea from the inland sea of Mar Menor. La Manga Club is a separate development farther along the coast, occupying elevated, sloping land and surrounded by hills.

Entertainment/Facilities/Attractions/Things to do:

There are many supermarkets large and small. A good selection of tourist shops with handicrafts and souvenirs. Many shops selling fashion clothing, beachwear and accessories, jewellery, home ware, tobacco goods, ceramics plus chemists and shops providing everyday necessities.

During the daytime there is a wide selection of water sports, including scuba diving, snorkelling, jet-skiing, fishing and yachting.

Many facilities for tennis, 10-pin bowling, minigolf, cycling, and go-karting.

La Manga Club offers a good selection of sports (including 3 golf courses, squash, tennis, horse riding and water sports) and spa treatments.

The nightlife in the area consists of casinos, and a good choice of discos and nightclubs, there are various lively theme bars and music bars.

Large hotels and apartment complexes offer a variety of evening entertainment, mainly during the summer. La Manga Club has a good selection of on-site nightspots, including a few bars , pubs, a disco plus a casino and lounge with live entertainment.

Cuisine is another major draw, with an array of affordable local & international restaurants serving a mixture of dishes. Fresh fish is a major delicacy (similarly to many other coastal areas), but meat & rice dishes also feature prominently.

There is a wide choice of budget to middle-of-the-range Spanish restaurants. A few English, French, German and other ethnic restaurants, including Indian and Chinese. There is plentiful fresh seafood, local specialities, fresh fruit and pastries.