- EDITIONS:
Spanish News Today
Alicante Today
Andalucia Today
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.
Archaeologists uncover more secrets beneath Murcia's San EstebanThe ongoing excavations are revealing more about life in the medieval Islamic neighbourhood of La Arrixaca, which stood here more than eight centuries ago Archaeologists working at Murcia's San Esteban site have uncovered more evidence of what.. 05/08/2026
Los Alcázares presents the first designated water sports beach in the Mar MenorSpecialized facilities for learners and international competitors at the Playa de las Salinas in Los Alcázares For many years Los Alcázares has been at the forefront of water sports activity in Spain, with sailors, windsurfers and other.. 05/08/2026
Four Murcia towns among the hottest places in SpainMolina de Segura recorded Spain's second-highest temperature as four Murcia municipalities featured in the national top ten If Tuesday felt unbearably hot, the latest figures show it wasn't just your imagination. Four municipalities in.. 05/08/2026
British tourists help make it a record start to the year for Murcia's tourismInternational visitor numbers reach a record high as tourists spend more and stay longer, with British holidaymakers continuing to lead the way The Region of Murcia has recorded its strongest start to the year for international tourism, with more.. 04/08/2026
Busy summer exposes hospitality staffing crisis across the Costa CálidaWith hotels and restaurants enjoying a strong tourist season, employers say finding qualified workers has become one of the industry's biggest challenges The Region of Murcia is in the middle of another busy summer, with hotels and restaurants.. 04/08/2026
Mystery over 24 cats found abandoned in pet carriers near CartagenaThe animals were found crammed into pet carriers inside a derelict building near La Asomada and are now receiving veterinary care Twenty-four cats abandoned in pet carriers near Cartagena have been rescued, with most already settling into foster.. 04/08/2026
World Cup 2030 could bring six international teams to MurciaNew training facilities, hotels and investment are helping the Region of Murcia prepare for what could become one of its biggest sporting opportunities yet The Region of Murcia is preparing to welcome some of the world's top football teams.. 03/08/2026
Scientists warn Mar Menor's mysterious 'white patch' is creating an underwater desertA new scientific study has found the phenomenon is blocking sunlight, destroying underwater seagrass and leaving parts of the lagoon with just three fish species At first glance, it just looks like a strange white patch on the water. But beneath.. 31/07/2026
€11.5 million funding for new projects to reduce livestock pollution in the Mar MenorScientists, universities and livestock farmers will work together over the next three years to trial cleaner farming methods and reduce pollution at its source More than €11.5 million is being invested in eight new projects that will look.. 29/07/2026
Heat-related deaths in Murcia already surpass last summer's totalHealth experts say prolonged periods of extreme heat are worsening existing illnesses, with older people accounting for most of the estimated deaths Extreme temperatures have already been linked to more deaths in the Region of Murcia this summer.. 29/07/2026
Why are there far fewer jellyfish in the Mar Menor this summerAnti-jellyfish nets are helping protect popular beaches, but scientists say changing water temperatures are the real reason numbers are lower this summer If you've been enjoying a swim in the Mar Menor this summer, you may have noticed there.. 28/07/2026
Ireland announced as La Mar de Músicas guest country for 2027The internationally acclaimed Cartagena festival will celebrate Irish music, literature, film and the arts after revealing its next guest country during the closing night of this year's event Ireland will be the focus of Cartagena's La.. 28/07/2026
Modern Mediterranean living awaits at Villa Serena Sun Golf, Los AlcázaresThis boutique villa combines contemporary design, golf course views and a fantastic location close to the Mar Menor Finding the right property in Spain isn't just about choosing the right house. It's about finding the right location and having.. 27/07/2026
Murcia's homes are getting smaller, but prices continue to climbThe average new-build home is 25 square metres smaller than it was a decade ago, but buyers are often paying just as much, if not more Buying a home in Murcia is becoming increasingly difficult, and not just because prices continue to rise. New.. 27/07/2026
Scorching heat, violent storms, freak winds and wildfire strike Murcia and AlicanteA red heat warning was followed by more than 100 lightning strikes, muddy rain, damaging winds and wildfire that threatened homes The Region of Murcia and neighbouring Alicante Province experienced one of the most unusual days of weather so far.. 24/07/2026
Wildfire stabilised after residents evacuated from Camposol and Mazarrón Country ClubHundreds of emergency personnel worked through the night to stop the fire spreading towards nearby homes A major wildfire that forced precautionary evacuations in parts of Camposol, El Saladillo and Mazarrón Country Club has now been stabilised.. 24/07/2026
