Holiday rentals in La Manga

La Manga is a charming seaside village in southeastern Spain, situated on a 21-kilometre-long sandy strip between the Mediterranean Sea and the saltwater lagoon of Mar Menor. While the entire Mediterranean side of the village is generally referred to as La Manga beach, it’s actually divided into several, including Playa Los Alemanes, Playa de Puerto Bello, and Playa La Veneziola. During the day, make the most of the beaches by exploring the sand dunes or enjoying the many water sports on offer. The calm, warm waters of Mar Menor are particularly good for boating, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding. In the evening, La Manga’s streets, restaurants, and clubs come alive with music and entertainment, especially during the summer months. There are also plenty of superb restaurants, cafes, and beach huts serving tasty local specialities like freshly grilled sardines and caldero, a popular rice dish.

The weather in La Manga is mild all year round. Its location near the Mediterranean means it benefits from cool sea breezes in the warmer months, and the surrounding mountains protect it from cold northerly gusts during winter. It’s also sunny in La Manga for most of the year, making it a reliable choice for a beachside getaway. Spring and summer are the most popular seasons to visit: The town is at its busiest over the summer holidays, when the waters are at their warmest, the days are their longest, and the nightlife is most vibrant, with local festivities on offer all season long. Autumn and winter are quieter, with fewer flights from the UK, though the weather is still fairly mild. On cooler days, there are plenty of restaurants to enjoy and boutiques to explore.

Mar Menor

While La Manga is known for the sandy beaches on its Mediterranean side, the saltwater lagoon of Mar Menor is another great reason to visit. Its calm, relatively shallow waters are ideal for swimming; it’s also popular for diving, stand-up paddleboarding, water-skiing, and boating. According to local legend, the extra-salty waters of the lagoon have healing properties.

Mercadillo de Cabo

Held every Sunday morning, the colourful Mercadillo de Cabo is the largest in the Murcia region, with more than 200 stalls to explore. Just wandering through the market and seeing the variety of local produce on offer is an experience in itself, though it’s also a great place to pick up some excellent local staples, as well as clothing, arts and crafts, or secondhand items.

Murcia

Less than a 40-minute drive from La Manga, you’ll find the vibrant university city of Murcia. A day trip here offers stunning architecture, museums, theatres, and parks. Don’t miss the 15th-century Murcia Cathedral, with its varied architectural styles, and Plaza de las Flores, where you’ll find excellent al fresco tapas restaurants.