Beaches we have visited:
The main strip of beach is at Los Alcazares and has two very pleasant areas
we have visited. As the Mar Menor is a lagoon it is warm, blue and shallow.
Los Narejos (Exit 786) has sun loungers for hire at 6 euros for the day. It
is popular but not too busy and has two lovely bars/eateries. There is also
a lovely promenade along the beach.
There is another nice beach with two beautiful fish restaurants at Le
Santiagio Riberia (Exit 184), there are also some excellent playground
facilities here for the children on the beach. As well as a small funfair
with some trampolines and rides suitable for little ones.
We are told La Ziena a little further north is also a fabulous beach but we
are yet to explore.
If you drive up as far as Torre Pacheo then it gets a little too British.
Also don’t be fooled by the beautiful views on the La Manga – it is
lovely to look at from Mar Menor but a horrible high rise reality if you
choose to drive down it.
Los Alcazares (click image for more details)
Shopping centres in Spain seem to have a different feel about them and many shops are open till late at night – however they do not do Sunday opening so do not try shopping on a Sunday, it is almost impossible.
If you are missing some of the more English staples or need bits for the kiddies – the Polaris world supermarket at La Torre is very well stocked.
The Thader Centre – Exit 763a towards Murcia is right opposite Ikea and has open air ceilings in the concourse with a full sized working water wheel inside it as well as many other water features and eateries and is well worth a wander.
St Javier also has a smaller but pleasant shopping centre including a decent supermarket if you want to do a big shop. (My kids adored the special toilets just for them in here – you need to go to see what I mean.) This also has a large food court and bowling.
Cartagena has a lovely port and is very picturesque and another large shopping centre and Toys R Us
On the way to Murcia we have been recommended ‘Terra Natura’ the zoo and water park, apparently the animals have a lot of room and it is like a walk through a safari. You can pay for both sections separately and the internet site is available in English for you to explore.
Terra Natura (click image for more details)