'The La Manga Experience'
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LA MANGA, A PARADISE BETWEEN TWO SEAS La Manga is one of the top Spanish playgrounds in Europe, and yet remains unknown to the British Tourist. Get to know it, its........ JUST 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. 22 kms long, which forms a barrier and enclosed the Mar Menor (Minor Sea) and separates it from the Mediterranean Sea . At its narrowest parts it is only 100 metres wide and the maximum width is 1.5 km. There are over 44 km 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, it is proud to say that many can boast the Blue Flag - awarded in accordance with the regulations laid down by the European Community.
THE MAR MENOR, A FOUNTAIN OF HEALTH
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. 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 its perimeter extends for some 73 kilometres (approx. 46 miles). It is a magnificent natural swimming pool with temperatures, which are maintained by a sun that shines for an average of 320 days each year. This provides water temperatures in the winter months of 11C, which rises to 30C 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 condition.
DANCING THE NIGHT AWAY
Spanish night-life is well known for its ability to start late and finish early - in the morning, that is! La Manga is no different. What nicer way to spend the evening than with friends, taking a drink or dining under the stars, with the moon reflecting from either one of the two seas? The visitor can choose from every possible type of bar or restaurant, and during the summer months people come from miles around to experience the nightlife of La Manga.
The young tend to head for Cabo de Palos, which changes from a sleepy fishing village by day to a bustling selection of pubs with music to suit all. The nearby commercial centre called Las Dunas also attracts its enthusiastic. Everyone, young or old, visit El Zoco Alcazaba with its collection of shops, bars and restaurants at some time during their stay in La Manga. Things really come alive in the early hours of the morning and offer an incredible selection of bars and music for those with stamina and no need to be up early the next day.
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'Cafe's & Bars Around The Marina'
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A GASTRONOMIC EXPERIENCE
As we mentioned earlier, La Manga offers a wealth of different styles of cuisine although it is fair to say that the typically Mediterranean style of cooking is available in all good restaurants. This includes paellas, fresh fish, freshly grilled meats and succulent salads, normally using locally grown produce. In fact the whole area has seen a considerable increase in agricultural production as a result of the extension of the areas now covered by irrigation from the Tajo-Segura river diversions. This can be seen by the fields leading to La Manga with their automatic irrigation systems and up-to-date planting and harvesting machines. One of the local delicacies is a whole fish (usually locally caught mujol or dorada) cooked in a jacket of salt, which, although when served is quite often considered to lack a little in terms of presentation, is a very delicate and filling dish. Lobster is also available, as are oysters when in season, and a great variety of shellfish brought in each day by the fishermen from Cabo de Palos
A RICH AND VARIED CHOICE
La Manga over the years has become home for a large cosmopolitan society made up of all nationalities and this mix means that the services, goods and products on offer is more varied than would normally be found in Mediterranean resorts. There is a complete mix of nationalities, including many English, German, Swedish and Belgian business owners, to name but a few, which means that everyone has the opportunity to try different cuisine and sample different atmospheres created by these intrepid settlers in Spain.
At nearby Cabo de Palos the Sunday market offers a great varieety of goods for sale, from fresh fruit and vegetables to clothes, shoes, hand-crafted goods and gifts being among the most popular. The market receives visitors from many of the surrounding areas, who then drift down to the harbour to take a tapa (Drink/Snack), stay for lunch or just stroll along the quayside
PARADISE FOR NAUTICAL SPORTS
Throughout the length of La Manga there are ten teaching centres (Escuelas de Vela) which means that no one need travel far to practice the water sport of their choosing. All of the centres offer the best and most up-to-date equipment with courses in sailing and wind-surfing tutored by qualified instructors who normally speak at least one language other then Spanish - normally English and/or German. Many of these schools also offer courses in the sailing of catamarans, canoeing, water skiing, and most other nautical sports including deep-sea diving. They are located on the shores of the Mar Menor in ideal conditions.
Scuba and deep-sea diving have seen a considerable increase in activity during the course of the past few years. The presence of many underwater archaeological sites, sunken ships has turned the area of La Manga and Cabo de Palos into one of the most popular spots for divers from all over Spain. Diving clubs and schools exist both at Cabo de Palos and in La Manga and these organise courses throughout the year with daily trips by boat and offering equipment to rent for the newcomers.
Apart from the water sports, La Manga offers a great variety of other activities. There are tennis clubs with courts open to the public all year round, plus paddle tennis and squash in addition to a roller-skating rink and full size go-kart track. The road which runs through La Manga has been built to offer the cyclist the safety of a cycle-lane and the absence of hills throughout the strip.
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