Mar Menor: the great salt lagoon
- Driving time
- About 30 minutes by car
- Area
- Mar Menor
- Sight
The Mar Menor is a saltwater lagoon of about 170 square kilometres in the Murcia region, and its shore at Los Alcázares is about a 30 minute drive from Lago Rosa Apartment.
A narrow strip of land 22 kilometres long, La Manga, separates this inland sea from the Mediterranean. The Murcia region calls it Europe's largest saltwater lagoon. At its deepest it is only about seven metres, and the water is warm and shallow. That makes it a good place to learn sailing, windsurfing, kitesurfing, canoeing or paddleboarding, all of which go on here year round. Five small islands of volcanic origin lie in the water.
Around the shores are towns such as San Pedro del Pinatar, San Javier and Los Alcázares, and at Cabo de Palos you can dive in the marine reserve. Try caldero here, the local rice and fish dish.
In fairness, the water has suffered from pollution and algae in recent years. According to Euronews, more than 4,000 tonnes of algae were removed from the lagoon and its shores in the first three months of 2026. So check the latest reports if you plan to swim.
Our tip: come for water sports
On the calm water even beginners pick up sailing or paddleboarding easily.
For young children
Playa de Villananitos in Lo Pagán has shallow water and a play area. Do check the water quality first.
Frequently asked questions
How big is the Mar Menor?
About 170 square kilometres, and according to the Murcia region Europe's largest saltwater lagoon.
Can you swim in the Mar Menor?
You can, but water quality varies. Check the current status with the Murcia region or at the beaches beforehand.
How deep is it?
About seven metres at its deepest.
