Best Beaches Near Murcia: Costa Cálida Guide
Complete guide to beaches near Murcia. Mar Menor, Calblanque, La Manga and more. Crystal clear Mediterranean waters just 30 minutes away.
Murcia's coast is called Costa Cálida (Warm Coast) for good reason. With 300+ days of sun, water temperatures reaching 26°C in summer, and a mix of wild natural beaches and developed resorts, it's one of Spain's best-kept coastal secrets.
Mar Menor: Europe's Largest Lagoon
Mar Menor
UniqueEurope's largest saltwater lagoon—170 km² of shallow, calm, warm water separated from the Mediterranean by La Manga's narrow sand strip. Perfect for families, water sports, and therapeutic bathing.
Why choose Mar Menor:
- Calm waters: Almost no waves—perfect for children and nervous swimmers
- Very warm: Water reaches 26-28°C in summer (warmer than the Mediterranean)
- Shallow: You can walk far out and still be waist-deep
- Therapeutic: The mud is said to have healing properties (locals swear by it)
Best Mar Menor Beaches
| Beach | Vibe | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Santiago de la Ribera | Town beach, services | Families, convenience |
| Los Alcázares | Wide beach, promenade | Water sports, walkers |
| Lo Pagán | Mud baths nearby | Wellness seekers |
| San Javier | Quiet, local | Avoiding crowds |
By car: 30 minutes via A-30. By bus: ALSA/Interbus from Murcia bus station, ~45 min. Parking: Free in most areas, but fills up in August.
La Manga del Mar Menor
La Manga
Resort ZoneA 22km-long sand strip separating the Mar Menor from the Mediterranean. Lined with hotels, apartments, and restaurants. The unique draw: beaches on both sides—calm lagoon to the west, open sea to the east.
La Manga experience:
- Wake up, choose your sea: calm Mar Menor for relaxation, Mediterranean for waves
- Highly developed with all services: restaurants, shops, water sports
- Can feel crowded in peak August
- Good for families wanting resort infrastructure
La Manga is better as a base than a day trip from Murcia. The strip is long and traffic-heavy in summer. If you want beach convenience, consider staying here; if you want city + beach, stay in Murcia and do day trips to other beaches.
Calblanque: Wild Mediterranean
Calblanque Natural Park
Must SeeThe most beautiful beaches in the region—and among the best in Spain. A protected natural park with virgin coves, golden sand, crystal-clear water, and dramatic cliffs. No hotels, no chiringuitos—just nature.
What makes Calblanque special:
- Completely undeveloped: No buildings, no beach bars—bring everything you need
- Crystal clear water: Some of the cleanest in the Mediterranean
- Dune ecosystems: Protected flora and fauna
- Fewer crowds: Limited parking keeps visitor numbers down
Calblanque Beaches
| Beach | Access | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Playa Larga | Easy | Longest beach, some shade |
| Cala del Barco | Easy | Beautiful cove, popular |
| Cala Reona | Medium | Wilder, fewer people |
| Cala Magre | Harder | Most secluded |
In July-August, private cars are restricted. You must park outside and take a free shuttle bus, or arrive very early (before 9:30). Check current regulations before going. Off-season, drive in freely.
Water (lots), food, sun protection, comfortable shoes for paths, a beach umbrella (no shade), and all your trash—leave no trace.
Cabo de Palos & Cala Cortina
Cabo de Palos
Local FavoriteA charming fishing village at the southern tip of La Manga. Famous for its lighthouse, rocky coves, excellent diving, and the best caldero (local fish rice dish) on the coast.
Why visit Cabo de Palos:
- Excellent diving: The marine reserve has spectacular underwater life
- Cala Cortina: A small, protected cove with clear water
- Seafood: The best caldero in the region—this is where the dish originated
- Authentic vibe: Still feels like a fishing village, not a resort
Cala Cortina
A tiny cove with calm, clear water—perfect for snorkeling. Gets busy on weekends but tranquil on weekdays. Bars nearby for post-swim refreshments.
Águilas: Southern Coast
Águilas Beaches
Less CrowdedThe southernmost town in Murcia's coast. Less developed than Mar Menor, with 28 different beaches and coves—from town beaches with services to hidden rocky coves.
Notable Águilas beaches:
- Playa de Poniente: Main town beach, all services
- Cala Higuerica: Small, pretty cove
- Playa de la Carolina: Natural, wild beach
- Cala Cerrada: Hidden gem, harder to access
Further from Murcia, but worth it for those seeking quieter, more natural beaches.
Beach Comparison
| Beach Area | Distance | Water Type | Vibe | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mar Menor | 30 min | Calm, very warm | Family resort | Kids, water sports |
| La Manga | 50 min | Two choices | Developed resort | Convenience |
| Calblanque | 45 min | Clear, fresh | Wild, natural | Nature lovers |
| Cabo de Palos | 50 min | Clear, marine reserve | Fishing village | Diving, seafood |
| Águilas | 1h 15min | Mediterranean | Mix of wild/town | Avoiding crowds |
Practical Information
Beach Season
| Month | Water Temp | Air Temp | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|
| May | 18-20°C | 25°C | Low |
| June | 21-23°C | 30°C | Medium |
| July | 24-26°C | 35°C | High |
| August | 25-27°C | 35°C | Very High |
| September | 23-25°C | 30°C | Medium |
| October | 20-22°C | 25°C | Low |
June and September are ideal—warm water, hot days, but far fewer crowds than July-August. Spaniards take August off, so beaches are packed.
Getting There Without a Car
| Destination | Transport | Time | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mar Menor | Bus (Interbus) | 45 min | €4 |
| La Manga | Bus | 1h | €5 |
| Cartagena | Train/Bus | 50 min | €4-6 |
| Águilas | Train | 1h 30min | €8 |
Our recommendation: Rent a car. It gives you flexibility to visit multiple beaches and arrive early (key for parking in summer).
What to Pack
Essential:
- Sunscreen SPF 50 (the sun is intense)
- Water (lots—no shops at natural beaches)
- Hat and sunglasses
- Beach umbrella (limited shade)
- Snorkeling gear for Calblanque/Cabo de Palos
Nice to have:
- Cooler with drinks and snacks
- Waterproof phone case
- Beach shoes for rocky areas
Go to Calblanque. It's the most beautiful, unspoiled beach area and uniquely Mediterranean. You won't find beaches like this anywhere near most European cities. Arrive early, bring supplies, and spend the whole day.
Blue Flag Beaches
Many Costa Cálida beaches hold Blue Flag certification for water quality and services:
- Santiago de la Ribera
- Los Alcázares
- Playa Honda
- Águilas town beaches
You may read about environmental issues with the Mar Menor (algae blooms, fish deaths). The lagoon has faced ecological challenges from agricultural runoff. It's still safe to swim, but the situation is being monitored. Check current conditions if concerned.
