La Manga (Spain) is a long sand spit located in the southeast of the Iberian Peninsula. It is considered part of the Costa Calida resort area, the popularity of which is primarily associated with the unique microclimate of these places.
Description of the spit and lagoon
The "Sleeve" of La Manga (Spain) has a width of 100 - 1200 m and a length of 22 km. It separates from the Mediterranean Sea the largest European lagoon Mar Menor. Kosa connects Cape Palos with a swampy area protected by a decision of the Ramsar Convention. The stretch of the Mediterranean Sea located to the south of it is part of a reserve created to preserve the species diversity of the inhabitants of its waters.
In the world except La Manga, there is only one sand spit, which can compete with it in size. She is in Saudi Arabia. However, this tourist attraction is artificial and created in bulk.
Climate
According to WHO, the air on the spit of La Manga is recognized as the most healing and cleanest in the European continent. As scientists' studies have shown, it contains in high concentrations sea salt, iodine, calcium and other trace elements contained in sea water and extremely beneficial to humans.
The small sea, or Mar Menor, is often called the largest saltwater pool in Europe. It is truly unique. Due to its shallow depth, the water there is always about 5 degrees warmer than on the other side of the spit in the Mediterranean Sea. By the way, these same circumstances make La Manga resort (Spain) the best place to relax with children from a very young age.
There are no big waves on Mar Menor and a light breeze constantly blows, so there is no need to suffer from the sweltering heat, as in many other parts of the Mediterranean.
In addition, there are approximately 320 sunny days on the La Manga spit in the year, and the swimming season lasts from May to mid-November.
Treatment
As already mentioned, in the resort of La Manga (Spain), even the air itself is healing. In addition, there are deposits of healing blue and black mud. They are used for various physiotherapeutic procedures, for example, wraps.
These muds have the following properties:
- contain essential microelements and minerals for the body;
- possess anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antirheumatic properties;
- help in the treatment of gout, arthrosis, eczema and arthritis;
- stimulate blood circulation;
- relieve the condition of people suffering from psoriasis;
- have an excellent cosmetic and anti-aging effect on the skin;
- help with alopecia;
- soften coarsened skin areas, etc.
Tourists can undergo treatment in special hospitals, which are mainly located on the west coast of Mar Menor or in the spa centers operating at some hotels.
La Manga (Spain) Attractions
Although most tourists come to these parts to lie in the sun and enjoy swimming in the warm waters of Mar Menor, lovers of interesting excursions there will also not have to be bored. 10 km from La Manga is the ancient port city of Cartagena. It was founded in 227 BC. e. Its main attraction is the well-preserved Roman amphitheater, which is more than 2000 years old. In addition, there you can see the bullring, built in 1854.
Attractions are in the resort itself. For example, tourists can see the lighthouse, 81 meters high, which has been standing on Cape Cabo de Palos since 1865. Local residents say that this structure has repeatedly saved sailors from serious troubles, since during navigation off this stretch of the Spanish coast you can easily land a ship aground.
Hotels (La Manga, Spain)
Accommodation options at the resort are very diverse. Among the most popular hotels include:
- The 5-star Club Hotel Príncipe Felipe. The hotel has a luxurious outdoor and spacious indoor pool, golf course and 8 sports fields.
- Chic Mangalan Hotel & Spa (4-star). The hotel has a sauna, massage rooms, a swimming pool, a beautiful view from the windows of the rooms. The restaurant serves the best of Spanish cuisine.
- Aparthotel Villas La Manga (3 stars). This placement option is more modest than the previous ones. However, there you can relax perfectly. The hotel has an outdoor pool surrounded by palm trees and a small private garden.
- Cavanna Hotel. A relatively inexpensive hotel where older people who value peace and the absence of noisy neighbors prefer to relax. Cavanna Hotel has a large outdoor pool.
Entertainment
Mar Menor is a great place to relax for lovers of water sports. There are never big waves and strong winds, which are ideal conditions for those who want to go rowing or kitesurfing.
Popular activities at this resort also include sea fishing and a cruise to Santiago de la Ribera, allowing you to enjoy the beauty of the coast. The cost of the tour is 4 euros per 1 person one way. Departure of the ship - every 2 hours.
Diving
On the spit of La Manga, nature has created unique conditions for the life of representatives of marine fauna. You can admire them in their natural habitat by scuba diving. In order for tourists to get acquainted with the basics of diving, the resort has several schools. Experienced instructors work there, who teach everyone to learn how to use scuba gear and safety rules when underwater.
As for experienced divers, they can go to the island of Ormigas. There you can admire the unique underwater world, as well as explore some of the old wrecks.
How to get there
Getting to the resort of La Manga (Spain) is easiest by air. The city of San Javier has Murcia-San Javier Airport serving both domestic and international flights.
In addition, you can get there by land. To do this, you first need to use the services of the railway and get to the station of Murcia, where trains arrive from Barcelona, Madrid or Valencia, and then transfer to the bus that goes to the coast of Mar Menor.
Reviews
Every year, more and more Russian tourists think about visiting the resort of La Manga (Spain). The reviews of those who have already visited there indicate that this balneoclimatic health resort is suitable for people of different ages. Young people come there to go diving and water sports, and elderly people - to heal and lie down on gorgeous beaches. Reviews indicate that hotels on the sandy spit of La Manga are also suitable for families with children of different ages, as the water in the lagoon has an ideal temperature for bathing babies.
Now you know where the resort of La Manga (Spain) is located. Photos of these places are striking in beauty and cause the desire to spend at least a few days on the beaches of a sand spit, which the Spaniards themselves consider a real gift from heaven.