The Mar Menor and Costa Calida
MAR MENOR
Mar Menor translates literally as "little sea". This hidden Spanish jewel is a shallow salt water lagoon approx 16 miles long and 7 miles across. The Mar Menor is separated from the Mediterrean Sea by The La Manga strip and thus you can experience 2 seas on one coastline. This natural barrier has created a warm, shallow, non tidal lagoon which provides safe bathing for all. There is an abundance of water sports including, water skiing, wind surfing, diving and fishing.
Several small Spanish towns are nestled onto the north and western shores of the Mar Menor, which have developed into charming holiday resorts. These include:
All these towns have a good choice of shops, restaurants and bars.
SANTIAGO de la RIBERA
Our apartment is situated in the resort of Santiago de la Ribera and a 10 to 12 minute walk to the beach. The town is situated on the North West shore of the Mar Menor and is a short 5 - 10 minutes drive from Murcia (San Javier) airport.
The world famous La Manga strip is a 25 minute drive away or why not take the more leisurely ferry across the Mar Menor!
Santiago has evolved from a small fishing village into the favoured summer destination for well heeled Murcians. Many of whom have built their holiday homes along the Mar Menor coastline. There are numerous bars situated in the town and the restaurants range from typical Spanish tapas, Italian, Japanese to Chinese. The palm tree flanked esplanade runs the length of the beach to Lo Pagan 3km away. As ever in Spain the is an excellent selection of championship standard golf courses in the area, including the 3 courses at the world famous La Manga Club.