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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.
Driver beware: Additional police speed checks are in place on Murcia roads all this week16,000 vehicles are to be monitored this week as traffic police aim to reduce accidents and remind drivers to stick to the speed limits Drivers across the Region of Murcia might want to ease off the accelerator this week. Starting this Monday, April.. 07/04/2025
Anti-jellyfish nets could return to the Mar Menor this summerA 20-day window is now open for public feedback on the regional government’s proposal The Mar Menor could see the return of anti-jellyfish nets this summer, though for now it’s just a possibility and not a done deal. The coastal authority.. 07/04/2025
Murcia weather April 7-10: More rain forecast at the end of this weekIt’s not time to store those brollies just yet – they might come in handy from this Thursday onwards Murcia weather forecast, Monday April 7 The beginning of this week in the Region of Murcia should be very warm and sunny.. 07/04/2025
New bike lane connects San Javier with Los AlcázaresThe cycle path stretches almost 2 kilometres from the old San Javier airport A new section of cycling lane, running from the roundabout at the old San Javier airport to the border with Los Alcázares, was inaugurated on Friday April 4. Lots.. 04/04/2025
Balcony-mounted solar panels arrive in MurciaCompact, efficient and easy to install – homeowners can now harness solar power from their own balconies! Are you looking for an easy and affordable way to switch to solar energy? Balcony-mounted solar panels are a game-changer for.. 04/04/2025
Murcia photo of the month April 2025Here’s the top image of the month taken by the Los Alcázares Digital Camera Club (LADCC) In Spain, and in particular Murcia, we are blessed with an outdoor lifestyle and, with this in mind, the LADCC were asked to capture ‘Nature..
Mar Menor beaches prepare for Easter with swimmer safety systemBuoys will be installed on all the Mar Menor beaches to warn swimmers of boats and jet skis While massive clean-up operations are still underway on most beaches in southern Spain following the recent March storms, the Mar Menor is gearing up for a.. 03/04/2025
Up to 28 degrees this weekend: Murcia weather forecast April 3-6There could be some occasional showers and calima dust this weekend, combining to make muddy rain, but on the whole it will be warm and bright Murcia weather forecast, Saturday April 5 We have a bright, sunny and dry weekend ahead in.. 03/04/2025
Why doesn't Spain celebrate April Fools' Day?The Spanish have their own practical joke day, but it's in December, not on April 1... Every year on April 1, people in the English-speaking world become a little more sceptical about what they read and see online, and become wary of friends and.. 01/04/2025
More urban artwork presented in Los AlcázaresThe thriving art collection on buildings in Los Alcázares continues to grow! The reputation of Los Alcázares as being a living museum of urban art continues to grow, and on March 29 a further boost was given by the presentation of a giant.. 01/04/2025
Terra Natura Murcia opens new farm school 'La Granja de Tommy'Discover the new educational space for children at Murcia’s favourite zoo and park This weekend, on Saturday April 5 and Sunday 6, Terra Natura zoo and park invites you to the grand opening of La Granja de Tommy, or ‘Tommy’.. 01/04/2025
2025 Champions UK plc European Senior Masters Golf Championship at La Manga Club gets new sponsorThe La Manga Club golfing competition is going from strength to strength La Manga Life magazine is thrilled to share with the La Manga Club and Murcia golfing community that Equals Money, a one-platform global FX provider, has become an Associate.. 31/03/2025
Catering an event in Murcia or Alicante with a hog roast and pulled porkJulian's perfect Hog Roast Murcia is the only hog roast company in Murcia and Alicante Anyone who has ever held an event in Murcia or Alicante will know the challenge of trying to feed the masses who turn up. Whether it's a public event like a..
Berber pirate raids fiestas of Los Alcázares included in National Historical Reenactments AssociationThe 2025 edition of the fiestas takes place from 17th to 20th April The annual fiestas of the Berber pirate raids in Los Alcázares have been admitted to the Asociación Española de Fiestas y Recreaciones Históricas (the Spanish.. 25/03/2025
Buy a 3-bed home at Serena Golf, Los Alcázares off plan from Simply Spanish HomesThese off-plan properties are ready to deliver in the second quarter of 2026 and are priced from €419,000 to €599,000 A new and exclusive opportunity awaits at Serena Golf in Los Alcázares, where Simply Spanish Homes is offering.. 24/03/2025
Great beach locations in Murcia to take your first dip of the year!Take your pick from the huge choice of beach locations and activities in the Costa Cálida With the weather warming up after a distinctly grim first three weeks of March, and the Easter holidays just around the corner, many of us are beginning to become..
