Book Now

Excursions

Wonderful excursions

Cartagena, located in the Murcia region on the southeast coast of Spain, is a city with a rich Roman history and a beautiful coastline. Here are five wonderful excursions in the Cartagena area that you should not miss:

Mar de Cristal has something for everyone. Many beaches, golf courses, restaurants, bars, and shops. There are also many opportunities for water sports, such as windsurfing, kitesurfing, and sailing.
  • What: Coastal nature reserve, with pristine beaches, dunes, and hiking trails.
  • Why: This is one of the most beautiful natural areas in the region. Perfect for nature lovers, hikers, and beachgoers who want to avoid the crowds.
  • What: Beautiful fishing village with an iconic lighthouse and excellent diving locations.
  • Why: You can walk along the rugged coastline here or enjoy fresh seafood. The nearby Mar Menor, a lagoon separated from the Mediterranean Sea by a narrow strip of land (La Manga), is perfect for swimming, water sports, and relaxation.
  • What: Historic mining area with an impressive museum located in a former mine.
  • Why: You descend into an actual mine and learn about the region’s mining history. A surprisingly interesting and well-organized excursion.
  • Distance: Approximately a 45-minute drive.
  • What: Capital of the Murcia region, full of culture, Baroque architecture, and charming squares.
  • Why: Visit the magnificent Murcia Cathedral, stroll along the Segura River, and enjoy the local tapas.
  • Distance: Approximately a 1-hour drive.
  • What: Large medieval castle on a hill overlooking the city of Lorca.
  • Why: The fortress has been beautifully restored and offers interactive exhibitions, history, and stunning views.

The free mud baths in Lo Pagán, located on the Mar Menor in Murcia, are famous for their healing properties. The mineral-rich mud (calcium, magnesium, iodine) is used to treat skin conditions and rheumatic complaints. Visitors apply the mud, let it dry in the sun, and then rinse off in the salt water.

Villages and cities

Here are five villages and cities worth visiting within a radius of approximately 50 km from Cartagena, each with its own charm and history:

  • Distance: ± 15 km
  • Why visit: Known for its mining past and the impressive Agrupa Vicenta Mining Museum. The flamenco festival held here annually is also famous.
  • Tip: Take a stroll through the historic center and see the modernist town hall.
  • Distance: ± 25 km
  • Why visit: Popular seaside resort on the Mar Menor with long sandy beaches and a relaxed atmosphere.
  • Tip: Enjoy the thermal baths or a walk on the beach at sunset.
  • Distance: ± 18 km
  • Why visit: Small fishing village with rugged coastlines and quiet bays, situated in a valley between the mountains.
  • Tip: Hike to the viewpoints or explore the coastline towards Calblanque.
  • Distance: ± 35 km
  • Why visit: Rural town with local markets, a traditional Spanish atmosphere, and close to golf resorts.
  • Tip: Visit the local Wednesday market and taste regional products.
  • Distance: ± 45 km
  • Why visit: A historic city and a coastal town in one. Puerto de Mazarrón has beautiful beaches and a lively promenade.
  • Tip: Visit the Roman salt factory or the “Gredas de Bolnuevo”, a unique natural phenomenon just outside the village.

Boat excursions

By boat to the islands You can travel to an island by boat from La Manga, although options are limited to a few smaller islands and excursion boats in the Mar Menor and Mediterranean area. Here are the main options:

  • What: An uninhabited island in the middle of the Mar Menor.
  • Accessibility: In summer, boat excursions depart from ports in La Manga, Los Alcázares, or Cabo de Palos.
  • What to do: Hiking, swimming, snorkeling. There used to be a small restaurant, but today it is primarily a quiet spot for nature lovers.
  • What: The largest island in the Mar Menor, privately owned.
  • Accessibility: Not open to the public. Only visible from the water during boat trips.
  • Special feature: Recognizable by its volcanic shape.
  • What: A small group of islands in the Mediterranean Sea, part of a protected natural area.
  • Accessibility: Only by boat with diving excursions from Cabo de Palos.
  • Please note: Access to the islands themselves is prohibited, but the surrounding water is famous as a diving location (Cabo de Palos and Islas Hormigas Marine Reserve).
  • From La Manga, you can also take boat tours on the Mar Menor, sometimes with stops for swimming or snorkeling, though not always with options to land on an island.

Departure points?

For a boat trip from La Manga to Isla Perdiguera or a tour of the Mar Menor, you can depart from one of the following ports or jetties:

  • Location: At the end of La Manga, near the bridge over the canal connecting the Mar Menor with the Mediterranean Sea.
  • Departs to: Isla Perdiguera, boat tours on the Mar Menor.
  • Shipping companies: For example, Solaz Lines or local excursion boats (depending on the season).
  • Tip: This is the most organized departure point, with parking and restaurants nearby.
  • Location: On the Mar Menor side of La Manga, between km 10-12 (based on the kilometer markers on the main road).
  • Departs to: Shorter trips on the Mar Menor, sometimes with swimming stops or views of Isla Perdiguera.
  • Note: Smaller scale than Tomás Maestre, but quieter.
  • What: A small group of islands in the Mediterranean Sea, part of a protected natural area.
  • Accessibility: Only by boat with diving excursions from Cabo de Palos.
  • Please note: Access to the islands themselves is prohibited, but the surrounding water is famous as a diving location (Cabo de Palos and Islas Hormigas Marine Reserve).
  • In the high season (May-September), several boats sail daily.
  • Outside the season, booking or inquiring in advance is recommended.
  • Ask locally or check websites of companies like Solaz Lines or Murciaturistica.es for current sailing times.

Cycling points?

Mapped cycling routes in the Cartagena area, Spain? There are many mapped cycling routes in the Cartagena area! The Murcia region – and specifically the coast and natural areas around Cartagena – offers beautiful routes for both recreational cyclists and sporty road bikers. Below is an overview of some popular and well-marked cycling routes:

🚴‍♂️ Vía Verde de Mazarrón
  • Length: approx. 14 km (extendable)
  • Starting point: Los Romanos (near Cartagena)
  • Route type: Former railway line, flat and car-free
  • Why do it: This green cycling route runs through a semi-arid landscape and is suitable for families and recreational cyclists. Well signposted.
  • Length: Variable – you can do sections of dozens of kilometers
  • Route: Along the coast between Cartagena, La Manga, and further towards Murcia or Andalusia
  • Why do it: Part of the European cycle route network. You cycle past beaches, salt flats, and lagoons. Especially beautiful: the section around the Mar Menor.
  • Length: Various routes between 10 and 30 km
  • Difficulty: Intermediate to advanced
  • Why do it: Cycling through a protected natural area, along beaches, hills, and pine forests. Especially suitable for mountain bikes.
  • Length: approx. 25-30 km (round trip)
  • Route type: Slightly hilly
  • Why do it: A nice variety of sea views, old mining areas, and small towns. The climb to Portmán offers views of the coast.
  • Length: 10-15 km, depending on the loop
  • Why do it: Ideal for a cultural bike ride with stops at the Roman theater, the port, the city walls, and viewpoints.
  • Komoot, Wikiloc, Strava, and AllTrails have many routes in the area.
  • Cartagena Tourist Info (or Murcia Turística) provides free maps or brochures.
  • Local bike shops (such as Cartagena Bike Tours) also offer rentals and route recommendations.