The name Los Alcázares comes from the Arabic “Al Kazar”, which means palace or noble country house. The Muslims knew how to exploit the outstanding therapeutic properties of the waters of Mar Menor, building their spas over the existing Roman ones.

The return of the Christian culture brought about the development of Los Alcázares as a fishing harbour which, given its strategic location in the bay, offered safe mooring to the fishing fleet entering the Mar Menor through the river mouth of La Manga. The characteristics of Mar Menor, together with its seafaring traditions, make it stand out as a point of national interest for water sports training and practice.

Situated right on the shore of Mar Menor, Los Alcázares is a prime location for a great beach, wellness or relaxing holiday. A place with a vast range of tourist attractions and recreational amenities, where entertainment and fun are guaranteed.

Los Alcázares stretches from Los Narejos, site of the La Minería Holiday Resort, to Punta Brava: seven kilometres of coastline outlined against a pleasant promenade that leads to extraordinary beaches equipped with all the necessary amenities. Tourists can also avail themselves of a superb cuisine based on fresh produce from the sea and the huerta Murciana.

The Semana Internacional de la Huerta y el Mar, a lovely week-long summer festival celebrating the local culinary traditions from land and sea, takes place in August.

The Aviation Museum, Museo Aeronáutico de Los Alcázares, is well worth visiting: it celebrates the ancient local passion for the aircraft. The airport of San Javier, next to our holiday resort, caters for both domestic and international travellers.

Los Alcázares is also a great base to explore the Comunidad Murciana: Murcia and Cartagena, its main cities, are very lively in the summer; the tourist resort of La Manga, located right in front of the beaches; or landmarks such as medieval Caravaca de la Cruz, wine making Jumilla, monumental Lorca, or the coastal town of San Pedro del Pinatar.

The sea is always calm on this stretch of coastline. Morning, afternoon, evening and night: the only thing that changes is light. There are no time constraints for a walk along the beach. Early birds take advantage of the peace and quiet to go for a run or a brisk walk, usually followed by a swim. In the mid-afternoon, parents and children go for a spin on the bike along the promenade. The end of the day is the best moment for a quiet stroll or to catch up with fellow holidaymakers in the beachfront bars. Although a night dip is by no means compulsory, the truth is that the water temperature in both summer and winter is truly inviting.

This destination also offers tourists a number of ferry services: departing from Los Alcázares or San Javier, the ferries can take you to beautiful places like La Manga, the Perdiguera Islands or Grosa. Detailed information is always available at the local tourist offices.

Every morning, at the end of the beach walk, small fishing boats return with their catch to the harbour, from where they set off at dawn. The freshly caught fish is marketed in the various licensed outlets. It is always a pleasure to enjoy the fresh taste of the sea and the caldero murciano, a sort of fish soupy rice.

On Saturday morning, the streets surrounding La Minería swarm with people. Heaps of market stalls set up from the early hours and turn the area into a huge open air market displaying all sorts of wares: crafts, clothes, complements, footwear, music, cheese, salami and cold cuts, fruit & veg from the local huerta, etc.

This shopping centre, a few steps from La Minería resort, offers a different way to pass the time. When it comes to doing a big of shopping or choosing the best present for relatives and friends back home, Las Velas Shopping and Leisure Centre allows you to have everything close at hand. No need to get the car or travel long distances. Alternatively, you can see one of the latest releases at the multiplex cinema or treat yourself to something to eat or drink in one of its eateries and bars.