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.
Los Alcázares launches exciting digital campaign to attract more visitorsA mix of social media, video content and influencer promotion is planned to showcase the very best of Los Alcázares Los Alcázares is gearing up for a major tourism push with plans to promote the town across social media, TV and online.. 26/03/2026
Espacio Mediterráneo shines bright with renewed sustainability awardThe Cartagena shopping centre celebrates its BREEAM “Excellent” rating and doubles down on its green commitment with the Circular Challenge There’s something extra to celebrate this spring at Espacio Mediterráneo, Cartagena&rsquo.. 25/03/2026
Experts warn of the link between hearing loss and a higher risk of Alzheimer's, and how to prevent itResearch shows that hearing loss may raise the risk of dementia, making early detection and ear care essential Hearing loss in seniors is more serious than many may realise. Studies show it may be linked to a higher risk of dementia, including.. 06/03/2026
The little-known project to restore the spa and restaurant in the waters of the Mar Menor, and why it may not be such a good idea...A lifelong landmark in Lo Pagán may return to its former glory, but there are serious questions to be answered as to whether it actually should For much of the mid-20th century, the Floridablanca floating spa and restaurant was a defining feature.. 25/03/2026
San Javier Mayor praises efforts to reduce biomass from the Mar MenorThe Rambla del Albujón has become a “river” this year, says José Miguel Luengo José Miguel Luengo, the Mayor of San Javier, has praised the efforts to remove biomass from the Mar Menor, calling it a “fundamental&.. 23/03/2026
Mar Menor beaches race to be ready for EasterCrews are pushing to finish walkways, signage and sand restoration ahead of the holiday rush Beaches around the Mar Menor are being prepared at full speed ahead of the Easter holidays, although recent storms have made the job far from straightforward.. 23/03/2026
Murcia Corvera Airport all summer flight destinations 2026: See the full list hereConsult the full schedule of flight destinations available from Murcia airport this summer and when they start This year’s summer high season of flights at the Region of Murcia International Airport begins at the beginning of April, and.. 20/03/2026
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Los Alcázares named the happiest place to live in the Region of MurciaA new happiness index puts the town at the top, with sunshine, services and quality of life all playing a part If you are looking for a place to feel good about where you call home, the latest data points firmly to the Region of Murcia. The.. 20/03/2026
Water levels in Spain's reservoirs rise to the highest level in 12 yearsReservoirs across the country continue to fill, with the Segura basin just over half full Even though we haven't necessarily enjoyed this unusually grey and rainy start to the year, the recent rainfall has brought some benefits. Spain&#.. 19/03/2026
Environmental group warns of damage to Cartagena's beaches during the cleaning processLocal environmental experts say heavy machinery is clearing seagrass that's important for keeping beaches healthy and supporting wildlife Beach cleaning in Cartagena is being looked at more closely after concerns were raised about how current.. 18/03/2026
Two Murcia roads named among Spain's most dangerousN-301 and AP-7 stretches in the spotlight in new national accident risk report Two stretches of road in the Region of Murcia have once again been ranked among the most dangerous in Spain, according to a new study by the European Automobile Association.. 17/03/2026
Airport Buses is making Easter travel to and from Murcia Airport easier than ever this springFares start from just €8.99 for adults and children travel at half price, making it a great option for families heading to the south of Spain this Easter Easter is one of the busiest times of year in Spain, with Holy Week bringing a packed programme.. 17/03/2026
What would happen if a plane crashed at Corvera Airport? Emergency services carry out drill to prepare for the worst case scenarioA dramatic mock plane crash this Thursday was designed to test how emergency services in the Region of Murcia would respond if the worst really happened What looked at first glance like a serious air disaster at the Region of Murcia International.. 12/03/2026
Aldi to expand in Murcia with new stores and 75 jobs plannedGerman discount chain deepens its presence in the region as demand for affordable groceries continues to grow The supermarket chain Aldi is stepping up its presence in the Region of Murcia, with plans to open two new stores and recruit around 75 additional.. 12/03/2026
Ecocorp Solar expands its expert services into AlicanteProfessional installations all the way from Arboleas and Albox to Alicante and Altea, via Águilas and Alcantarilla! Expat family-run business Ecocorp Solar SL has expanded its professional solar installation services into Alicante.. 12/03/2026
