A trip to Cartagena is not complete without a stroll through the shopping area. A good starting point could be the newly rebuilt port, with its magnificent ancient wall and new marina and bars. Past the former town hall building (now under repairs) is the Calle Mayor, the main street of the old quarter. Lined by traditional shops and restaurants, here you can get an ice cream and stroll down to the port, sit down and quietly watch the world go by, or follow the flow towards its heart and the numerous shops it shelters, from traditional instruments or sailing equipment to Mango, Zara, Pull and Bear, Springfield, Benetton, Massimo Dutti…
Cartagena
La Manga Club
La Manga Club is an exclusive sports, holiday and leisure resort located in a privileged location bordered by natural parks and unspoilt beaches. Offering all year round sunshine for golfers, tennis players and sunbathers alike. Spread over 1,200 tranquil green acres of palm trees, flowers and lakes. Offering 27 tennis courts, 3 golf courses, a fitness centre and spa and thats just for starters. Nestled in the heart of the resort you will find the Bellaluz Square the only traditional square in the La Manga Club with the only typical spanish restuarant serving authentic spanish cuisine.
La Manga Strip (the sleeve)
The La Manga Strip is a piece of land that separates the Mediterranean Sea from the Mar Menor. La Manga is Spanish for sleeve and aptly describes this 21 kilometre long, 300 metre wide spit. It is a great place to visit at any time of the year; during the summer when it is very busy or during the winter when it is very quiet, with most establishments are closed.
The strip encloses the Mar Menor which directly translates as the small sea, although it is the largest lagoon in Europe. It has a surface area of 130 square kilometres and a maximum depth of 8 metres. The crystal clear waters are warm, calm and rich in salts and minerals, in fact the temperature never falls below 18 degrees.
All along the Strip on both sides, there are beautiful beaches with white sands, rocky outcrops, marinas and plenty of watersport schools. A great selection of bars, cafes, restaurants, hotels and tourist shops amongst other facilities line the road. There is an impressive marina, called the Tomas Maestre Marina where you can sit and admire the boats, as well as a couple of boat trip options across the Mar Menor or out to the Mediterranean.