La Manga Strip: Beyond Picture-Perfect

The beauty and splendour of La Manga coupled with its unique geographical layout never fails to amase anyone. La Manga which literally means “the sleeve” is a narrow mass of land 21 kilometres long and approximately 300 metres wide. It separates the Mar Menor (Little Sea) and the Mediterranean Sea.
Originally, the La Manga Strip was a tranquil bay that opens to the Mediterranean. Volcanic movements through the years shaped the present-day physical form of La Manga. Today, the La Manga acts as a natural border for the Mar Menor, the largest salt water lagoon in Europe. Another part of the outer La Manga Strip faces the Mediterranean. Natural waterways called golas allow the Mediterranean waters to cross the Mar Menor.
In the 1960’s, the La Manga started to carve a name as a premier tourist spot especially with the establishment of the 1500 acre exclusive La Manga Club. This world-renowned club boasts of some of the best sports and leisure facilities housed in one self-contained tourist complex. It includes no less than three championship world-class 18-hole golf courses, a 28-court tennis centre and the luxurious five- star Regency Hotel.
Along the coast of La Manga, unspoiled seaside resort towns with lovely beaches beckon. Summer months entice multitudes of sun-worshippers eager to experience the Mediterranean tropical climate. The mild winter season provides a soothing ambience ideal for bone-weary people searching for a comforting hideaway.
Warm breezes, sun-shiny days and complete sports facilities make the La Manga a sailor’s paradise. At Puerto Tomas Maestre and at the Port of Cabo de Palos, one can find numerous sailing schools and diving clubs. Horse riding, cycling, boat trips also make the La Manga a favourite vacation destination.
Aside from sports and magnificent scenic views, the La Manga is also replete with history and culture. Musical productions, traditional fiestas and archaeological remains such as the Roman Theatre in Cartegena will leave any visitor spellbound.
A world of gustatory flavours awaits any visitor to the La Manga. Since La Manga is surrounded by two seas, expect a bevy of mouth-watering seafood specialties. Savour fish and shellfish from the sea prepared on hotplates or as base ingredients of the locally popular caldero, a staple rice dish of the fishermen. Fresh fruits and vegetables from the lush green market gardens abound.
Today, the La Manga Strip is flourishing. Exclusive hotels, ultra-chic bars and discos, the world’s finest spas, entertainment hubs, concept restaurants, recreational centres, you name it, La Manga has them. Even the residential property business has been on the rise.