Things to do in and around Mar de Cristal

You will always find plenty to do in and around riberabeach apartments.  Although not essential, it would be helpful to have the use of a hire car for easy access to some areas within the Murcia province.  The activities listed on this page is intended to provide an insight into what is available locally.

Watersports

There are many teaching schools and watersport centres along La Manga strip, offering canoeing, water skiing, paragliding and jet skiing.  The shores of the Mar Menor offer a safe environment in which to learn and enjoy water activities.

Diving centres are found at La Manga as well as in Cabo de Palos.  The coast around Cabo de Palos provides a rich selection of coves and wrecks to explore. 

Here the diving school offer courses to all levels, as well as day and night diving for the suitably competent diver. You can check the rates and diving times at: Paseo de la Barra, 15 30370 Cabo de Palos. Tel: 968 145 530.

Beaches 

Safe bathing in the Mar Menor is due not only to the half a meter depth along the shoreline, but also to the salinity of the water, which increases buoyancy. 

The 2 beaches of Mar de Cristal joins up with those of Playa Honda, Playa Paraiso and La Manga strip to the south. At La Manga, swimmers have the choice of the calm waters of the Mar Menor or the waves and tidal waters of the Mediterranean Sea. 

Mud Bathing

The Mar Menor is rich in the minerals calcium, magnesium, iodine and bromine.  Their healing properties have been used for thousands of years for ailments such as arthritis, rheumatism and gout.

Many wallow in the healing water or smother their bodies in the silt of black mud to allow the minerals to be absorbed through the skin.

Walking/Hiking

Walking paths litter the area, connecting the surrounding areas.  However, should you wish to "get away from it all", head for the unspoilt Park of Calblanque.  Along the 13km protected coastal walk are disserted beaches, coves, barren cliffs and salt flats.

This park may be accessed from the MU-312 road toward Cabo de Palos. The signposted "Calblanque" road via a service road, is an unmade dusty track (watch out for the pot holes). At the first "intersection", the left fork takes you towards the large beach and salt works at Calblanque.  The right goes toward the centre of the park, information centre and Playa Larga beaches.

Horse Riding

There are 2 riding stables in close proximity to the resort.  El Rancho de la Fuente in the nearby village of Los Belones (tel: 968 137 239), and El Puntal on the road from Los Belones to La Manga Club (tel:968 137 305).

The equestrian centres are able offer a variety of treks through the countryside, mountains or along the beach front.  They also offer a choice of rides with Andalucian and French  horses as well as Shetland ponies.

Cycling

Numerous cycle paths exist around the Mar Menor, proving to be a popular way for getting around.  Leisurely cycling on flat and easy pathways provide a very good alternative means of transport. A pathway leading from the resort runs parallel to the La Manga road, where cycle lanes provide safe roadside biking.  Bicycles may be hired on the Mar de Cristal beach front. 

Go-Karting

This is popular with adults and children alike.  The track is just a stones throw away from the resort.

This large professional track is reached from the road coming out of Cabo de Palos towards Mar de Cristal, next to the Tamoil petrol station.

Street Markets

There are a good many local restaurants and bars to suit most tastes.  Further afield, La Manga strip also have a selection of bars, clubs, restaurants and hotels.

The young usually head for Cabo de Palos, which transforms at night into a bustling centre. Las Dunas, an area on the main road through the town, has a good selection of bars and music to suit most tastes. Other popular choices are Yesterdays Discotheque and Spikes Bar at La Manga Club.

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