HOME > MURCIA MAR MENOR & CARTAGENA > PLAYA HONDA / PLAYA PARAÍSO
Playa Honda and Playa Paraíso are two adjoining beaches and residential areas at the southernmost end of the Mar Menor, the 135-square-kilometre saltwater lagoon which lies at the east of the Region of Murcia and the Costa Cálida and is enclosed by the 22-kilometre spit of La Manga.
The 73 kilometres of coastline around this remarkable geographical feature are littered with attractive beaches, and many are of the opinion that Playa Honda and Playa Paraíso are among the finest. However, they were developed later than many other stretches of the shore, and as a result they fall somewhere between the upmarket hustle and bustle of 
La Manga itself and the slightly more “old world” feel of the small towns on the western coast, such as Los Nietos and Los Urrutias. The most immediately visible development here is high-rise, but in fact there is a pleasant mix of apartment blocks with bungalows and townhouses.
The attractions of the beaches are numerous. The bathing conditions are ideal for families with young children, the water being warm, shallow and calm in all but the very worst weather, and there are various restaurants within easy walking distance of the fine golden sand. At the same time, for those unencumbered by small children, the beaches are within just a short drive from La Manga Club and the nightlife of La Manga, as well as the historic city of Cartagena.
Playa Honda is easily accessible from the RM-12 dual carriageway which leads to La Manga, and is popular with day trippers as well as those who have purchased residential and holiday accommodation here and in Playa Paraíso. Walkers and cyclists also pass through while making trips around the Mar Menor, and another attraction is the cleansing mud baths on the beach of Playa Paraíso: perhaps not the most visually attractive aspect of the area, but apparently great for the skin!
In short, for those who are attracted by the water sports, the climate and all that the Mar Menor has to offer, Playa Honda and Playa Paraíso are among the favourite destinations in the area. Facilites in winter may be somewhat thin on the ground, but the same is true throughout the Costa Cálida, and at least the beach bar is open twelve months a year!
Where is Playa Honda?
Playa Honda and Playa Paraíso are at the southern end of the Mar Menor, just a couple of kilometres away from La Manga (see map). Access is from the exit at kilometre 11 of the RM-12 dual carriageway to La Manga: the slip roads can catch people out, so pay close attention to the signposting!
Mar Menor water temperature nears 30 degrees Celsius as heatwave threatens lagoon's delicate balanceExcessive warming has put the Mar Menor saltwater lagoon under severe environmental stress The Mar Menor, Spain’s largest saltwater lagoon, is approaching a critical environmental threshold as it nears 30 degrees Celsius, a temperature typically.. 04/07/2025
Power of attorney: Because you never know when you might need someoneWhether you are buying a property, have health concerns or are simply making provisions for the future, a power of attorney could save you a great deal of time, money and aggravation It is hard to understate how useful it can be to grant a power.. 03/07/2025
South African investment group acquires Cartagena's Espacio Mediterráneo for €135.4 millionThe group Lighthouse has taken over the landmark retail centre from Germany’s Deka fund The Espacio Mediterráneo shopping centre in Cartagena has officially changed ownership for the first time since its construction in 2007. The.. 03/07/2025
Free aquagym, yoga and pilates classes return to Cartagena beaches this July and August!See dates and times for fitness classes on beaches from La Manga to Isla Plana all this summer Following on from the hugely successful beach sports and fitness programme in Cartagena last summer, the City Council has decided to repeat the popular.. 30/06/2025
La Manga Adventure Golf changes opening times for summerThe popular family fun minigolf has made a slight modification to tee-off times due to the hot weather The La Manga Adventure Golf fun family minigolf centre near Playa Honda and Playa Paraíso on the Mar Menor is changing its summer opening.. 24/06/2025
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..
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
Summer kicks off early in Cabo de Palos with high tourist numbers, great terrazas and a new car parkThe coast of Cartagena close to La Manga is coming alive as visitors pour in for the long weekend Summer has unofficially arrived in Cabo de Palos. With the Día de la Región long weekend in full swing, beaches are packed, terraces are.. 09/06/2025
Newly renovated port area finally unveiled in Cabo de PalosThe new pedestrian-friendly space aims to blend the area’s fishing heritage with a modern tourist attraction Cabo de Palos has officially opened its newly renovated harbour mouth, the Bocana de Cabo de Palos, marking the completion of.. 11/04/2025
Top beaches to visit in Murcia, Spain: Ultimate Costa Calida beach guideVisit the top beaches on Spain’s Costa Cálida in Murcia The Costa Cálida on Spain’s southeast coast has hundreds of the highest quality beaches in the country, if not in Europe. The Costa Cálida – which literally..
Espacio Mediterráneo shopping centre Cartagena Murcia: open seven days a week Where to shop in Cartagena and the Mar Menor Murcia The Espacio Mediterráneo shopping centre is on the eastern outskirts of Cartagena, heading out of the city towards La Manga and the Mar Menor, and contains a full selection of shopping opportunities..
The regional park of Calblanque between Cartagena and Cabo de Palos A great area area for walking with several wild and picturesque beaches 1,882 hectares of land in Calblanque have been a protected nature reserve since 1987 in recognition of the fact that the area is one of the most typical of the coastline of the Region..
Weekly markets in the municipality of Cartagena Year-round and summer-only street markets in Cartagena Not all weekly markets are set in stone, and if they coincide with public holidays they may be cancelled or postponed. In addition, days can change, so if you're not sure a call to the relevant..
Cartagena beaches: Playa Lomas del CastillicoThis beach is located directly in front of the La Manga Caravanning Park Playa Lomas del Castillico is rarely called by its true name, being more frequently referred to as the La Manga Caravanning Club beach (Villas Caravaning), due to its location directly..
Cartagena beaches: Playa Honda The Q for Quality flag flies at this kilometre-long Mar Menor beach The beach at Playa Honda is a wide north-facing expanse of fine sand at the southern end of the Mar Menor which is popular with bathers all year round due to the warm temperatures and..
Cartagena beaches: Playa Paraiso Playa Paraíso is a natural corner of the Mar Menor by the Marchamalo salt flats The stretch of sand known as Playa Paraíso is an extension of the beach of Playa Honda, and is differentiated by the fact that it is backed onto not by urban..
