- 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.
Temperatures rise over 30 degrees this weekend: Murcia weather forecast April 24-27There could be some little bit of Saharan dust and scattered showers, but it will still be a hot one for Murcia Murcia weather forecast, Thursday April 24 Things are hotting up in Murcia, post-Semana Santa. It’s time again to start.. 24/04/2025
Santiago de la Ribera stars in Nutella's latest sunrise campaignLimited edition jars capture iconic sunrises from across Spain, including stunning coastal views in Murcia, Alicante and Málaga Nutella’s latest limited-edition collection has brought a slice of the Mar Menor into homes across Spain.. 23/04/2025
Los Alcázares enjoys a hugely successful 4-day Fiesta of the Berber Pirate RaidsA series of festivals and events over the coming weeks keep the visitors flocking to Los Alcázares! The annual Fiestas of the Berber Pirate Raids in Los Alcázares continues to grow in popularity year after year, and in 2025 the Town Hall.. 23/04/2025
Who cares for the carer? Temporary respite breaks for the elderly at the DomusVi residence in MurciaDomusVi Ciudad de Murcia offers a rest for carers and a home from home for those in need of care This is the time of year when for many of us our thoughts begin to turn to holidays, the Easter break whetting our appetite for a well-deserved summer break!..
Non-resident homeowners in Spain: What you need to know in 2025Here’s what you need to know about paying taxes if you own a home in Spain but don’t live in the country full time From golden beaches to lively cities, it’s no wonder Spain continues to attract international property buyers..
New high-tech tool to track the health of the Mar MenorAn algorithm will monitor the chlorophyll level of the Mar Menor using satellite images A team of Spanish researchers has developed an innovative tool called Bela, designed to monitor the health of the Mar Menor lagoon using satellite images. This.. 11/04/2025
Where to eat fine dining cuisine at a 5-star restaurant in MurciaDiscover top-quality Mediterranean food and warm hospitality at Palcos by PickledPair in Avileses For those seeking an exceptional fine dining experience in the Region of Murcia, Palcos by PickledPair stands out as one of the most acclaimed restaurants in..
Puerto Mayor project in La Manga finally set for full dismantlingAfter years of delays, the failed marina scheme will be removed and the damaged coastline restored Nearly 20 years after construction first began on the ill-fated Puerto Mayor marina beside the Estacio canal in La Manga del Mar Menor, the Spanish.. 09/04/2025
Luxurious 4-bedroom villa for sale in Los Alcázares, Murcia for €468,000 with Simply Spanish HomesSpacious, stylish and fully furnished villa on a double-size plot just 10 minutes from the sea Looking for your dream home in the sun? This beautifully presented 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom detached villa in Los Alcázares could be the perfect.. 08/04/2025
Students at Las Claras del Mar Menor school take part in photography competition to practise their English“It’s nice to see a phone being used for something creative rather than a doom scroll” This spring, art students at the Las Claras del Mar Menor bilingual high school in Los Alcázares took part in a photography competition.. 08/04/2025
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
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..
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
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..
