With its 180 km2 and a maximum depth of 7 metres, Mar Menor offers 73 km of coastline where a string of beaches of clear and shallow water stretch out as far as the eye can see. Right in front of Los Alcázares beach lies that whim of nature called La Manga, a narrow strip of sand some 24 km long which separates it from the Mediterranean sea.
On the inland side of La Manga, the climate is truly exceptional and ideal for all kinds of water sports all year around. Its shallow and tranquil waters (Esther Williams, star of Bathing Beauty, defined it as “the best and largest natural pool in the world”) are an ideal setting for the little ones to get introduced to the sea and for anyone interested in taking up water-based activities. Sailing in the Mar Menor is possible 365 days a year and on any type of boat. This is actually one of the few remaining places where lateen sails can still be seen.
Apart from Los Alcázares, the coast of the Mar Menor is dotted with many small towns where visitors can benefit from hypersaline waters, for instance:
The Mar Menor volcanic islands of Perdiguera, Barón, Redonda, Ciervo and Sujeto lie south of this small sea, whereas on the far side of La Manga, lie a few more: Isla Crosa, Isla del Farallón and Islas Hormigas.
To make the most of this exceptional tourist destination, visitors can go on one of the many boat trips across or around the Mar Menor.