LA MANGA, A PARADISE BETWEEN TWO SEAS

La Manga is situated in the Province of Murcia in a coastal area which boasts one of the most moderate climates in Spain, with more days of sunshine than other mainland areas and water temperatures higher than average. As a result it has become known as the "Costa Calida" - the "Warm Coast". It is a strip of sand, approx. 22kms. long, which forms a "barrier" and encloses the "Mar Menor" (Minor Sea) and separates it from the "Mar Mayor" (the Mediterranean). At it's narrowest parts it is only 100 metres wide and the maximum width is 1.5km.

There are four canals along the length of La Manga which allow the water to flow from one sea to the other and at the two extremes of the strip there are two protected natural spaces - at the northern end is the "Parque Regional de las Salinas (salt flats) y Arenales de San Pedro, and to the south are more salt flats known as "Las Salinas de Marchamalo y Las Amoladeras". There are over 44km. of beaches, narrower but with protected bays and coves on the side of the Mar Menor, and longer, wider expanses of pure golden sand fronting the Mediterranean. Considering the vast effort needed to keep them clean, we are proud to say that many can boast the "Blue Flag" - awarded in accordance with the regulations laid down by the European Community.

¡WELCOME TO LA MANGA!

It is an area which offers many alternative types of holiday and recreation and is becoming one of the most important tourist centres on the Mediterranean coast. It offers the visitor a selection of beach-side Hotel or Apartment holidays, and, !!in the summer months!!, restaurants, bars, plus shopping complexes and a night-life which are there to meet the demands of every holidaymaker. Nearby is the well known golf complex - "La Manga Club" - with it's four very different courses, the luxurious 5 star Hyatt Hotel and a more peaceful atmosphere for those that prefer it.

THE MAR MENOR, A FOUNTAIN OF HEALTH

The shallow waters and the absence of tides make the Mar Menor the ideal place for all types of water sports. As a result of the efforts of many of the business proprietors here, it was the first area in Spain to become known as an "Estacion Nautica" (Nautic Resort), with the prime object being to promote tourism during "out of season" months, especially in the field of water sports.

With a total surface area of 170 square kilometres (over 60 square miles!) it is the largest salt water lake in Europe. The waters of this "lake" have an average depth of 3.5 metres, with a maximum of 6.5 metres, and it's perimeter extends for some 73 kilometres (approx. 46 miles). It is a magnificent natural swimming pool with temperatures which are maintained by a sun which shines for an average of 320 days each year - i.e. approx.3000 hours sunshine each year! This provides water temperatures in the winter months of 11ºC which rises to 30ºC at the height of the summer. The waters register a saline content of 50% (the highest in Europe!) and are scientifically recognised as being therapeutic in the treatment of rheumatism, arthritis and many other ailments. 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.