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.
Halloween in Spain and why November 1 is a public holiday‘All Saints Day’ is a bank holiday in Spain on November 1... find out why, and what is so special about this Spanish holiday November 1 is a national holiday in Spain every year, but why is the day after Halloween a Spanish public holiday.. 30/10/2025
Fewer birds stopping off at Isla Grosa as migration numbers fall by halfHuman activity and changing conditions take their toll on nature’s tiny travellers Just 2.5 kilometres off La Manga’s coast lies Isla Grosa, a small volcanic island and a vital pit stop for migratory birds on their long journeys between Europe.. 29/10/2025
When you die in Spain, it is not just about what will happen – it's also about what won'tPaul Blackmoore, Practice Principal at Thy Will Be Done, explains why proper estate planning is about more than just saving money upfront I often read on forums that a Will in Spain can be organised directly through a notary, effectively cutting out.. 29/10/2025
Region of Murcia public holiday calendar 2026 released already: These are the 12 national and regional festivos next yearIn addition to these dates, there will also be two local holidays which will be decided by each municipality in the Region Each year, the Region of Murcia has over a dozen public bank holidays for the various fiestas dotted throughout the calendar.. 29/10/2025
The ingenious new invention that could be the perfect flood-defence option for Spain: Why StormBags might be your new best friendStormBags are lightweight, re-usable water-activated bags ideal for sudden storms, with the potential to save lives In recent years, Spain has seen an increase in sudden downpours and flash-flood events, including severe flooding.. 29/10/2025
DomusVi residence for the elderly in the city of Murcia - your questions answered on how day-to-day life actually works! Placing a relative in a residence for the elderly can be traumatic, but DomusVi make it far easier with their guarantee of person-centred care The decision that an elderly relative or loved one is better off in a residence where they are constantly safe and..
Official safety advice released: What to do with showers and boilers now the drinking water has been turned back onResidents are being urged to clean domestic water systems after supply restored in San Pedro del Pinatar, San Javier and Los Alcázares After ten days of restrictions following the contamination of the water network during storm Alice, residents.. 24/10/2025
Murcia moves to protect health staff as attacks hit record highNew cameras, panic buttons and stricter rules aim to curb violence in hospitals and clinics across the region During 2024, a total of 778 healthcare workers suffered some type of assault in the Region of Murcia. This is a 27% rise compared to the previous.. 24/10/2025
HELP Murcia Mar Menor supports Hogar El Buen Samaritano with generous donationHELP donated €3’000 to Hogar El Buen Samaritano to help provide food and essential items for hundreds of families across Murcia Representatives from HELP Murcia Mar Menor were delighted to meet with Josué Sanchez and his son from.. 23/10/2025
Murcia Airport flight destinations winter 2025-26: Corvera routes you can fly this yearThe autumn-winter schedule brings 11 destinations to Murcia Airport, including new routes to Tenerife, Bristol and Nador As the summer season draws to a close, the Region of Murcia International Airport (affectionately known as Corvera Airport to.. 22/10/2025
Spooky fun for all ages at Terra Natura Murcia's Halloween extravaganzaTwo weekends of family activities plus a thrilling Halloween party on 31 October with games, magic, crafts and more This Halloween, Terra Natura Murcia invites families to enjoy a unique celebration filled with fun, learning and a touch of mystery.. 22/10/2025
Drinking water restored in San Pedro del Pinatar, San Javier and Torre PachecoAuthorities have confirmed that the tap water is once again safe to drink in most affected areas Residents of the Mar Menor municipalities of San Pedro del Pinatar, San Javier and Torre Pacheco can finally drink tap water again after more than a week.. 22/10/2025
Relive your youth at unforgettable concerts with Rewind SpainThe best original stars and tribute shows in the business are wowing audiences on the Costa Blanca Bryan Adams UK There’s no business like showbusiness, and understanding the importance of putting on a proper show is what makes the concerts.. 22/10/2025
Mar Menor's first oyster reef takes shape to help clean the lagoonNative oysters could help clean the lagoon’s waters as scientists warn of dangerously low oxygen levels The Mar Menor’s first oyster reef has been launched in a bid to help clean the polluted lagoon, just as scientists warn it is once.. 21/10/2025
Los Alcázares Town Council sets up information and advice point for those affected by storm Alice and the drinking water cutThe aim is to support residents, businesses and homeowners' associations affected by Storm Alice and the water supply interruption, helping them access available aid and report any damage Los Alcázares Town Council has opened an information.. 21/10/2025
Gordon Strachan and Kenny Dalglish confirmed for European Senior Masters golf tournament at La Manga Club in association with Equals MoneyAn even bigger line-up of golfing greats and sporting legends has been confirmed for November 2025 Golf fans in the Region of Murcia are in for an unforgettable experience this autumn as the European Senior Masters, in association with Equals.. 20/10/2025
