30/07/2025
Los Alcázares (English version)
Here is a complete and updated guide to Los Alcázares, a charming coastal town in the Region of Murcia, Spain:
📍 Location and Context
Located on the shores of the Mar Menor, the largest saltwater lagoon in Europe, along the Costa Cálida in Murcia.
About 37 km from Murcia–San Javier Airport (around 30 minutes by car) and about 90 km from Alicante, approximately a one-hour drive.
A relatively young municipality (established in 1983), separated from Torre-Pacheco and San Javier, although the area has been populated for centuries.
🏖 Main Beaches (7 km of coastline)
Playa de los Narejos, Las Salinas, El Espejo, Manzanares, Carrión, La Co**ha, Las Palmeras: urban beaches with services, night lighting, beach bars, and facilities for sports activities.
Calm, warm waters: perfect for families and for water sports such as sailing, windsurfing, kayaking, kitesurfing, or paddleboarding — available all year round thanks to the mild climate.
🏙 History and Heritage
The name comes from the Arabic al-Kazar, meaning “palace” or fortress, reflecting its Islamic past and Roman thermal heritage.
Roman remains declared a National Monument include ancient bathhouses associated with the therapeutic appeal of the Mar Menor.
Watchtowers such as Torre del Rame, Silva, and Saavedra were built in the 16th century to defend against Berber pirate attacks.
The historic Hotel-Balneario La Encarnación (1902) is still in use today as a restaurant with a seaside terrace, evoking its legacy as an elite spa.
🎊 Festivals and Events
Berber Raids, a historical reenactment event.
Other notable celebrations: Caldero Day (October) with local rice and fish dishes, the Huerta and Sea Week, and medieval markets and popular festivals full of music, crafts, and gastronomy.
🍽 Gastronomy and Leisure
Local specialties from the Mar Menor: caldero (rice with fish), mojama (salted tuna), mullet roe, local prawns, tapas, and fresh seafood.
Recommended restaurants: The Lounge, Bistro Hemingway, Fusion (Asian), Little Sicily, Tipsy Thistle; also many traditional options in the old town.
🛍 Services, Shopping, and Daily Life
Town centre includes supermarkets, shops, pharmacies, banks, cafés, bars, and weekly street markets (Tuesdays and Saturdays) with fresh products and local crafts.
Nearby shopping centres: Dos Mares (10 min) and Las Velas (5 min) offer additional retail and leisure options.
🏌️♂️ Golf and Sports
More than 15 golf courses in the area: Mar Menor Golf Resort, La Serena, Roda Golf, La Manga Club, all within 20–30 minutes by car.
Other activities: cycling or walking along the palm-lined promenade (ideal at sunrise or sunset), water sports, and children’s play areas.
👤 Population
Over 19,500 residents (INE 2024), with around 17,000–20,000 permanent inhabitants; the population increases significantly in summer, exceeding 100,000.
Approximately 65% Spanish, with a notable British and European community that contributes to an authentic yet multicultural atmosphere.
✅ Summary
Los Alcázares is a perfect destination for those looking for sunshine, safe and quiet beaches, great food, traditional events, and a welcoming atmosphere all year round.