Outlying districts of Mazarron: El Saladillo

El Saladillo in Mazarrón includes the Camposol development

El Saladillo is a pedanía or outlying district covering 70 square kilometres, located to the north of Mazarrón with its nucleus 15 km from the town.

Although the original population centre of the village of El Saladillo contains just a handful of people, its population is swollen considerably by the presence of Camposol. This is a development of around 7,000 homes and approximately 3,000 permanent residents according to the local "padrón". In 2021 the padrón showed a total of 3,721 residents, among whom only 97 were Spanish: the vast majority were British (3,162) and the Spanish were also outnumbered by the Belgians (104), with many other European and even African and Asian nations also represented. 

The origins of the small village of El Saladillo are sketchy to say the least, and there are few references to it in the history of Mazarrón.

In a sense this is understandable: in general, the history of Mazarrón has revolved around the alum, lead and silver mines, and it is inevitable that there should be little documentation regarding geographical areas which were dedicated only to the farming which the arid climate and landscape made possible. 

The area of El Saladillo was a fair distance from the mines, and the farms here concentrated on growing and processing cereal crops. Ruined remains of the flour windmills used can still be seen dotted over the countryside, such as the Molino de Miguel Rancho and the Molino del Tío Carpo.

As well as cereal crops, esparto grass was grown, and this was the basis for some associated small-scale industrial activity. Some drying houses and factories are still standing, and it was here that items were made which for centuries formed an important part of professional and daily life in societies throughout the Mediterranean. 

 In the archaeological digs at the old mines of Coto Fortuna in neighbouring Leiva,  esparto tools and baskets used by the Romans have been found, and these can be seen today in the archaeological museum of Cartagena along with baskets and implements recovered from the Roman mines in the Sierra Minera. The romans also exported esparto products throughout the Roman Empire.

Esparto was used extensively throughout the history of the area, being a flexible, tough and readily available material, and even in the 19^th century the grass was still being used to make footwear, ropes, harnesses and baskets.

We know that El Saladillo was a stopping-off point for travellers between Mazarrón and Murcia on the old Roman road, which continued through Fuente Álamo, Las Palas and La Pinilla. The inn at the Molino del Tío Carpo was a popular stopping-off place for these travellers, where horses could be rested or changed. 

Nowadays El Saladillo itself is home to just a few inhabitants, who either work in the hostelries or are retired. Practically next door, though, the residential area of Camposol has brought a huge influx of population, and has become perhaps the busiest residential tourist resort in the Region of Murcia. Within the complex there are various businesses in the service industry sector, including a large supermarket, numerous restaurants and bars, banks, a DIY shop and a hotel. The development even has its own post office and medical centre, with many clubs and support organisations for expats.

Leisure facilities include a golf course and a public swimming pool and there are many people employed in the various establishments which have grown to serve the new community.

Fiestas in El Saladillo, Mazarrón

The local fiestas of El Saladillo are the only time in the year when Mass is celebrated in the small church dedicated to San Antonio, the second patron saint of the area. The main patron saint is San José, and the date of his feast day is March 19.

This is a day of celebration for the locals, and they take part in the "romería" which follows the route of the rambla and other parts of the local countryside.

Camposol also celebrates its own fiestas, organised by the expat residents on the last weekend of June.

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