LA MANGA, A PARADISE BETWEEN TWO SEAS
La Manga is situated in the Province of Murcia in a coastal area
which boasts one of the most moderate climates in Spain, with
more days of sunshine than other mainland areas and water temperatures
higher than average. As a result it has become known as the "Costa
Calida" - the "Warm Coast". It is a strip of sand, approx. 22kms.
long, which forms a "barrier" and encloses the "Mar Menor" (Minor
Sea) and separates it from the "Mar Mayor" (the Mediterranean).
At it's narrowest parts it is only 100 metres wide and the maximum
width is 1.5km.
There are four canals along the length of La Manga which allow
the water to flow from one sea to the other and at the two extremes
of the strip there are two protected natural spaces - at the northern
end is the "Parque Regional de las Salinas (salt flats) y Arenales
de San Pedro, and to the south are more salt flats known as "Las
Salinas de Marchamalo y Las Amoladeras". There are over 44km.
of beaches, narrower but with protected bays and coves on the
side of the Mar Menor, and longer, wider expanses of pure golden
sand fronting the Mediterranean. Considering the vast effort needed
to keep them clean, we are proud to say that many can boast the
"Blue Flag" - awarded in accordance with the regulations laid
down by the European Community.
¡WELCOME TO LA MANGA!
It is an area which offers many alternative types of holiday and
recreation and is becoming one of the most important tourist centres
on the Mediterranean coast. It offers the visitor a selection
of beach-side Hotel or Apartment holidays, and, !!in the summer
months!!, restaurants, bars, plus shopping complexes and a night-life
which are there to meet the demands of every holidaymaker. Nearby
is the well known golf complex - "La Manga Club" - with it's four
very different courses, the luxurious 5 star Hyatt Hotel and a
more peaceful atmosphere for those that prefer it.
THE MAR MENOR, A FOUNTAIN OF HALTH
The shallow waters and the absence of tides make the Mar Menor
the ideal place for all types of water sports. As a result of
the efforts of many of the business proprietors here, it was the
first area in Spain to become known as an "Estacion Nautica" (Nautic
Resort), with the prime object being to promote tourism during
"out of season" months, especially in the field of water sports.
With a total surface area of 170 square kilometres (over 60 square
miles!) it is the largest salt water lake in Europe. The waters
of this "lake" have an average depth of 3.5 metres, with a maximum
of 6.5 metres, and it's perimeter extends for some 73 kilometres
(approx. 46 miles). It is a magnificent natural swimming pool
with temperatures which are maintained by a sun which shines for
an average of 320 days each year - i.e. approx.3000 hours sunshine
each year! This provides water temperatures in the winter months
of 11ºC which rises to 30ºC at the height of the summer. The waters
register a saline content of 50% (the highest in Europe!) and
are scientifically recognised as being therapeutic in the treatment
of rheumatism, arthritis and many other ailments. The "black mud"
from the Mar Menor, although creating a strange sight when first
seen smothered over the bodies of some of the visitors, is used
to relieve the pain and the symptoms of these conditions.
DIFFERENT AREAS WITHIN LA MANGA
|
