Beaches in Los Alcazares: Playa del Espejo
Over a kilometre of fine golden sand in the centre of Los Alcázares
This urban beach is 1,200 metres long, making it one of the longest in Los Alcázares, but it is also the narrowest at only 15 metres - for this reason it is easy to constantly dip in and out of the warm waters of the Mar Menor!. Playa del Espejo runs from Plaza de la Pescaderia to Avenida Carril de Las Palmeras, close to the the monument to the fishermen of the municipality.
It is known as the Playa del Espejo ("Mirror Beach" because of the perfect reflection which can be seen in the water on calm days!
There is on-street parking in the streets behind the promenade which continues all along the seven beaches of Los Alcázares, but the high occupancy during the summer makes it difficult to find a space.
Popular activities include water sports such as canoeing, kayaking and sailing.
![Beaches in Los Alcazares: Playa del Espejo](https://murciatoday.com/images/articles/14656_los-alczares-beaches-playa-del-espejo_1_large.jpg)
There is also a shaded children’s play area, and other facilities include sunbed and sunshade hire with several showers, footwashes, toilets, bins, recycling point, and bicycle parking available.
This beach has been awarded the Q for Quality in recognition of its cleanliness and good services, so during the peak summer months there is lifeguard cover and Protección Civil are on hand to help bathers with mobility problems.
There is also a tourist information point open here during the summer.
There are plenty of bars and restaurants within easy walking distance of the beach and all types of facilities within a few minutes walk.
![Beaches in Los Alcazares: Playa del Espejo](https://murciatoday.com/images/articles/14656_los-alczares-beaches-playa-del-espejo_2_large.jpg)
Safety precautions for Mar Menor beaches
Most of the Mar Menor beaches have very gently sloping shelves, meaning that bathers can walk a considerable distance from the shore and still only be waist high in the water. These shore fringes are also very warm, heating up more than the deeper water and the Mediterranean, particularly during the hot summer months.
Many beaches are also protected by netting to exclude jellyfish. This creates safe bathing areas for families but there is also a danger as the calm water means that many elderly bathers bathe alone. This in itself is not dangerous, but every year there are unnecessary fatalities when bathers suffer heart attacks, strokes, faints or dizzy spells, slipping into the water without anyone else being aware.
The transition from hot beach to cold water can shock the body, causing dizziness or fainting, so it is advisable to splash the body with water to cool down before wading out!