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HOME > MURCIA MAR MENOR & CARTAGENA > LOS ALCÁZARES
Introduction to Los Alcázares
Los Alcázares lies on the inland shore of the Mar Menor, surrounded by the sea and the municipalities of San Javier, Torre Pacheco and Cartagena, with a permanent population of around 19,000 inhabitants.
Its main activity is tourism and the hotel of La Encarnación is one of the oldest in the Region of Murcia. It was built on the shore of the Mar Menor, Europe´s largest saltwater lagoon, which multiplies the population in summer with holidaymakers attracted by kilometres of soft sand, warm, safe and shallow water and the opportunities to enjoy the superb watersports facilities.
The Mar Menor is renowned for its safe sailing and afternoon thermal winds, with kitesurfers and windsurfers taking advantage of the clean run from shore to shore and learners enjoying the safety of an enclosed lagoon whilst more experienced sailors can head out into the Mediterranean or charter yachts to explore the Murcia coastline.
Los Alcázares is also the location of the only surviving Balneario or bathing station, which is still in use today as a restaurant, a vestige from the days when bathers wished to maintain a level of decorum by descending into the waters from the privacy of a bathing hut rather than baring all on the beach. This part of the beach is also the focal point for one of the most important gastronomic traditions of the region: the preparation of the fish-based rice dish of caldero, the staple diet of the fishing population who fished from these shores before the onset of tourism.
Los Alcázares has been the chosen destination of Murcianos from the regional capital for many decades and celebrates the annual migration with its vibrant and colourful Semana de la Huerta y El Mar, filling the town with the scent of tapas, the colourful costumes of folk dancers and a selection of artisan crafts from across the Region.
Los Alcázares also hosts one of the best medieval markets in the region when it celebrates its Berber fiestas, commemorating the raids by Berber Pirates which were such a feature of its history during the 16th and 17th centuries.
The town is home to an established ex-pat community with a wealth of social activities and organisations for the English-speaking population, and offers residential properties in established urban locations, as well as in newer urbanisations.
The town is around half an hour's drive from the Region of Murcia International Airport in Corvera, with good connections along the Mar Menor to the road network of the rest of Spain.
LS Solicitors open new office at Mar Menor Golf ResortThe law firm is now welcoming clients at a new location on the Boulevard LS Solicitors have officially opened their brand-new office at Mar Menor Golf Resort, offering greater convenience and visibility for expats living in and around this popular.. 24/06/2025
Changes afoot as Corvera Airport finalises biometric border controls for UK and non-EU passengersFacial recognition and fingerprint scanners to replace passport stamps from October The Region of Murcia’s International Airport in Corvera finishing the set-up of its new biometric border control system for non-EU travellers from October.. 23/06/2025
Heat alerts issued and calima on the way: Murcia weekly weather forecast June 23-26Get ready for temperatures of 38ºC or more in Murcia this week! Murcia weather forecast, Tuesday June 24 The lightning storms seem to be done for now in Murcia, which is just as well since last week they caused no fewer than.. 23/06/2025
Mar Menor and Portmán Bay once again given Black Flags for environmental harmEcologistas en Acción has highlighted pollution, mismanagement and encroachment along Spain’s coastline in its 2025 Black Flags report The environmental organisation Ecologistas en Acción has once again raised the alarm..
The best snorkelling sites in the Region of Murcia!Crystalline Mediterranean waters and spectacular scenery and marine life make for great snorkelling beaches in the Costa Cálida Now that the heat of summer has reached the Costa Cálida there is no better way to cool down than with a dip in the..
Murcia to offer new €100 tax break for pet vet billsRegional president confirms up to 30% can be claimed back on veterinary costs in next year’s tax return Pet owners in the Region of Murcia will soon be able to claim back some of their veterinary expenses on their income tax, regional president.. 20/06/2025
Murcia tourism jobs hit record high ahead of sizzling summer seasonMore than 68,000 people now work in the sector as the region gears up for a busy summer The Region of Murcia is heading into what’s expected to be a bumper summer for tourism, with record-breaking job numbers in the hospitality and travel sectors.. 19/06/2025
Summer solstice 2025: This Saturday is the longest day of the year as summer starts in SpainSaturday June 21 marks the start of astronomical summer in the northern hemisphere, and in Spain marks the day with the most daylight hours of the year This Saturday June 21 is the summer solstice, the moment when the sun reaches its highest point.. 19/06/2025
Stop overpaying: How non-residents can save on Spanish property taxesThere are significant savings to be made when paying tax as a non-resident property owner in Spain, according to IberianTax For many non-residents, buying a home in Spain is a lifelong goal, whether it’s a sunny escape or an investment. But.. 18/06/2025
Corvera Airport welcomes symbolic 1,200th flight in celebration of the 1,200th anniversary of Murcia cityIn a fortuitous coincidence, the Ryanair arrival from Birmingham marked a unique tribute to the city’s historic milestone A routine Ryanair flight took on special significance this morning as Murcia welcomed flight number 1,200 from Birmingham.. 16/06/2025
Summer markets return to Pilar de la HoradadaEvening and night stalls are back in Mil Palmeras and Torre de la Horadada for summer 2024 It is officially market season in Pilar de la Horadada, with the return of the popular summer markets across the town’s coastal neighbourhoods. .. 13/06/2025
From stray to star: Ray the rescue dog joins Los Alcázares police forceMeet Ray, who is now helping to protect the streets where he was once left behind Los Alcázares has welcomed back its Local Police Canine Unit, and at the heart of this new chapter is Ray, a once-abandoned dog who has now become.. 13/06/2025
Roda Golf & Beach Resort prepares to add Toptracer technology to its driving rangeThe new installation aims to modernise the practice facilities with real-time shot data and interactive features Roda Golf & Beach Resort is set to introduce Toptracer Range technology to its driving range as part of a phased upgrade scheduled.. 13/06/2025
From Los Alcázares to Scotland: Two scooterists are finally finishing their epic charity missionSupport the brave duo riding 3,500 kilometres from Murcia to the UK and back, all in aid of two fantastic causes Paul and Julie are about to embark on an epic journey that's been five years in the making. The pair are riding a classic Lambretta.. 13/06/2025
Up-and-coming pop star Ana Ruiz tells why 'the next Shakira' is all her own womanExciting new talent Ana Ruiz speaks exclusively to Murcia Today about her new album and the inspiration behind it Ana Ruiz by Victor del Pozo Once in a while, a vibrant new pop musician bursts onto the scene with a distinctive style and.. 11/06/2025
Make a will and avoid inheritance stress in Spain with expert help from Thy Will Be DoneSorting out your will, inheritance planning and probate may not be fun, but it can give you peace of mind for years to come For many living in Spain, getting around to organising a will or dealing with estate planning often slips down the to..
