La Manga

North of La Manga on the spit lies the Tomas Maestre marina, a port set up directly on the dividing line between Mar Menor and the Mediterranean. Available activities other than marvelling at luxury yachts (and sea vessels of the more modest variety) include dining, bar-hopping, and shopping.

Apart from primarily utilitarian trips across the Mar Menor to settlements like Santiago de la Ribera and Los Alcazares, several boat operators offer guided leisure rides - these often include a tour of coastal attractions, along with stops for swimming out at sea or one of the area's many beaches. One company that offers these (and other) services is Solaz Lines:

If time allows, do make the trip to Punta Brava across Mar Menor from La Manga. Some of the best views over the Strip (and Sierra Mineras on the other side) unfold from here, and hiking along the coast rewards with ever more landscape vistas. Trains to Cartagena depart from the nearby Los Nietos.

La Manga and surroundings are known as somewhat of a golfing destination, much due to the presence of multiple golf courses in the area. One well-visited location is the 9-hole course in the Strip's north, Veneziola Golf.

La Manga's location smack in the middle of two seas makes it the perfect location for water sports. Sailing, wind- and kite-surfing are best done on the Mediterranean side, while the calm waters of Mar Menor are better fit for canoeing and jet skiing. La Manga Watersports Salida 19, Hotel Cavanna Playa la Gola, La Manga +34 634 35 04 37 www.lamangawatersports.com Aqua Adicta Watersports Calle Pintor Rosales 28, Mar de Cristal, La Manga +34 659 43 48 11 www.aqua-adicta.co.uk

Calblanque Regional Park is a spot of rare natural beauty open to visitors all year round. This protected natural area boasts stunning landscapes, a beautiful shoreline with multiple small bays and coves, and a multitude of trails to explore. There is very little tourist infrastructure, however, so do make sure to bring along all necessary supplies - and perhaps a picnic!

La Manga boasts a number of stunning beaches for both sunbathers and water sport enthusiasts. The best known of these are Playa de San Javier, Playa Paraiso, Playa La Manga, Veneziola, and Playa de Callblanque, which is also the starting point for a hiking trail.