To the west is the Mar Menor (little sea) a landlocked ocean some 20km long by 7km wide and to the east the Mediterranean. The apartment sleeps 4, although only recommend couples on their own or families with one or two children. Should larger groups need to be accommodated we also have access to the apartment directly adjacent to ours, the rates and facilities are generally the same. The apartmen
t comes with a fully fitted kitchen, a lounge diner (with double sofa bed), double bedroom WC and bath/shower room. The apartment is air-conditioned/heated and has many mod cons including a full HD 32” TV and DVD player, stereo, CD player and iPod dock . The apartment also has a pair of mountain bikes that can be used by guests to explore La Manga strip and the surrounding areas like Calblanque, a picturesque national park with many lovely secluded stretches of beach often empty. One of the mountain bikes has a pannier rack and in the apartment there are two bags to fit, so great for getting the shopping or a few bottles of wine. The Costa Calida region
The region of Murcia is steeped in history and provides something for everyone, whether you want to roll out of bed onto the beach or go exploring. A car is not essential, we use one on about half of our visits, the other half we use the local buses, the Ferry and taxi's, it all depends on what you are looking for. The city of Murcia is certainly worth a visit, dating back to 825 AD it has some fantastic architecture and historical monuments including the Gothic Cathedral and Romea Theatre. if History isn't your thing then there are hundreds of great shops, cafes and restaurants to keep you busy all day long. Buses run regularly from la Manga to Murcia, just pick up a timetable from Tourist Information at the bottom of the strip. Cartagena is slightly closer to La Manga and can only be described as gorgeous! Spain's main naval port is steeped in heritage and culture with influences of Moorish, Roman and Phoenician architecture. Cartagena has undergone huge Restoration in recent years from excavating the old Roman Theatre to the opening of the new archeology museum on the harbor front. Great shopping, great nightlife and very child friendly it's certainly worth a visit! Closer to home there are lots of small towns dotted around the Mar Menor, all have great beaches, restaurants and plenty to see and do. The La Manga Del Mar Menor / Las Gondolas area
La Manga strip is a unique destination in the Costa Calida area of southern Spain. Formed over centuries from volcanic reefs it is some 22Km long and an average 100 metres wide and is surrounded by two seas; the Mediterranean on the one side and the Mar Menor (little sea) on the other. The Mar Menor offers shallow, warm, calm waters, perfect for small children. The lake is also rich in minerals and salts said to have healing powers and a range of health benefits - you will often see people covered in the mineral rich clay sun bathing along the strip. Las Gondolas is located at the northern end of La Manga strip at one of it's narrowest points where from shore to shore it is only 100 or so metres wide. Beaches on both sides are accessible and are rarely that busy. On the Mediterranean side you can walk for about 6km along the beach. Within the small development there are a couple of general stores, a lovely patisserie/cafe, chemist and a handful of bars and restaurants. Some 4Km further along the strip there is a larger supermarket and a range of bars and restaurants within the Tomas Maestre Marina. There are some fantastic restaurants only a few minutes walk from the apartment, we strongly recommend visiting Pieters, one of the oldest on the strip, book a table outside next to the sandy beach on the Mar and enjoy a candlelit dinner with lovely relaxing music and excellent service. Other things to do include water sports of all, kinds from kite surfing to diving, loads of places dotted along the strip. Boat trips around the mar or out to the nearby islands and charter hire can also be arranged at the marina, alternatively we can arrange on your behalf. Calblanque is the local national park and includes miles of private sandy beaches, mountain walks, horse riding, mountain biking and much more.
