The Mar Menor (the minor sea) is separated from the Mediterranean by a strip of sand 22km long, which forms a barrier and has created a shallow warm water lagoon.  There are over 44km of beaches with protected bays and coves on the sides of Mar Menor.  The water is no more than 7m at its deepest point, this and the absence of  tides make the Mar Menor an excellent location for all types of water sports as well as an ideal place for children.  Long wide expanse of pure golden sand front the Mediterranean.  Mar Menor’s waters warm up early in the Spring and stay at a fairly consistent temperature throughout the year, on average the waters are 2 degrees warmer than the Mediterranean.

Traditionally a holiday resort, the Mar Menor coasts are becoming popular as a residential area.  Apartments and villas are in high demand on La Manga, the strip of sand that separates the lagoon from the sea.  The 30km peninsula, often likened to a miniature Miami beach, is currently roughly 80% developed. 

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The Mar Menor offers the visitor the largest open-air mud therapy area in Europe. The concentration of salt and iodine in the water of the lagoon is reputed to be beneficial to sufferers of rheumatism and skin complaints. The "black mud" from the Mar Menor, although creating a strange sight when first seen smothered over the bodies of some of the visitors, is used to relieve the pain and the symptoms of these conditions.

The mud is located at several Mar Menor places. The best known area is "Las Charcas de las Salinas" in Lo Pagán (North Mar Menor). Other areas are El Ciervo island and Los Alemanes beach. Several Hotels and Specialized Residences offer, also, specialized treatments.

The mud is easily absorbed. It increases body's ability to absorb minerals and stimulates the healing of bone injuries. It is recommended for skin problems, rheumatism, arthritis, gout, throat infections and rehabilitation.

The Mar Menor apart from being the biggest open air health spa in the world, is also considered as one of the best areas for regatta and certain water sports which can be practiced all year round. The area is ideal for water sports. There are numerous sport-centres which have facilities to allow top sports-persons the opportunity to prepare for their tournaments and competitions, in a fantastic environment. It also offers countless possibilities for wind-surfers and every kind of sailing. There is very little movement and hardly any waves.  There are several diving, sailing and canoe training schools where one can learn the technique of the sports and lots of opportunity to practice newly acquired skills.

La Manga
La Manga (the sleeve) aptly describes this piece of land that divides the Mar Menor (little sea) from the Mediterranean. The strip as it is known locally has plenty of hotels, restaurants and bars, boating, marinas, sailing schools, boat trips etc. to help you enjoy your stay. Starting just after the little town of Cabo de Palos with a nice marina, the calm safe waters of the Mar Menor to the west and the Mediterranean to the east of the sleeve, you get the best of both worlds

La Manga Club
The luxurious resort of La Manga is spread over 1400 acres of breathtaking countryside and surrounded by the foothills of the Murcian Mountains with views over the saltwater lagoon of the Mar Menor and the Mediterranean in the distance. Renowned as one of Europe’s finest international sports resorts and with a history spanning more than 30 years, La Manga is worthy of its fine reputation.

La Manga club is best known for its sporting facilities which include a comprehensive tennis centre featuring 28 courts with a choice of clay, artificial and hard court surfaces and the La Manga Football centre which is one of the best equipped in Europe with many professional teams using it for their official pre-season training. The new spa and wellness centre has proved to be a popular addition and includes 13 treatment rooms, gymnasium, fitness studio, Jacuzzis, saunas, steam rooms and a 25 metre indoor pool.

La Manga boasts a golf club of international standard, with three 18 hole courses.  Right on the tip of the Iberian peninsula, La Manga is 20km from San Javier airport and less than 20 minutes drive from Cartagena.