The Mar Menor (meaning little sea) is Europe's largest salt water lagoon, and it is surrounded by great beaches. It is separated from the Mediterranean by the La Manga strip. The high salt content in the water is great for floating which in turn makes it a good place to learn water sports. Also the salty water is great for skin problems, arthritis, gout, and rheumatism. There are hundred of things to do in the Mar Menor it is a great place to settle or simply holiday. Here are my 5 favourite things to do in the Mar Menor:

Santiago de la Ribera - Miguel Pescaderia (fish restaurant) does not look very special at first glance. You walk through the fish mongers to the Restaurant. There are huge windows that open up for a feel of alfresco dining. There are also several tables ‘on’ the beach during the summer months. There are fantastic views of the Mar Menor and the little Spanish wooden fishing boats swaying by moon light. The service is excellent, and the fish is very fresh and cooked subtly to perfection. We have been there several times, with friends, family, and children, and also for a romantic evening.

Aire Murcia - Once a year there is a huge Air show called Aire Murcia in the Mar Menor. Countries from all over the world send their very best aircrafts and pilots to take part. The Red Arrows are always there. It is normally held on the first weekend in June, each beach within the Mar Menor is packed full of people. All day the world’s elite aircrafts fly over the Mar Menor whilst families enjoy paddling and watching the show. There are plenty of stalls selling refreshments, food, souvenirs, and even a free bouncy castle!

Mud Bathing Mar Menor – in a small seaside resort called Lo Pagan in the Mar Menor it is customary to go Mud Bathing, something that you pay good money for in a beauticians in England! Great for eczema and many other skin conditions.

La Manga Strip - La Manga is the piece of land that separates the Mar Menor from the Mediterranean. It is famous for its 5 star resort where the England football team go to train. The La Manga resort is a similar size to Centre Parcs, and has several restaurants, shops, a golf club, a couple of hotels, and many self catering villas, to name but a few of the facilities.

Los Alcazares - Los Alcazares is a great little seaside resort situated on the Costa Calida coastline, close to Murcia City in Spain. It is quite upmarket and very Spanish. On the downside it is flew over by aeroplanes quite allot. Los Alcazares is part of the Mar Menor. It is nice to stroll along the promenade which runs adjacent to the beach, and stop for breakfast. There are many good quality Spanish cafes, situated on the beach front esplanade with views of the La Manga strip. The children play in the sand whilst the adults read the newspaper and wait for breakfast to arrive. In true Spanish style chocolate waffles with chocolate sauce! Not very healthy but hey if you are on holiday, what the heck! After a truly scrumptious breakfast, in true Spanish custom you can always walk off your meal. Along the beachfront walkway there are many statues, and parks. The children’s climbing frames are lovely, very well kept, and full of children with their grandparents of a weekend.