In the surrounding area of Murcia and La Manga of the Mar Menor in Spain, there are many protected nature spots you can explore that haven´t been spoilt by urban sprawl.

La Manga of the Mar Menor has a natural stretch of 20 km. of land which separates the Mar Menor from the Mediterranean Sea. The stretch begins in Cabo de Palos and ends in the Punta del Mojon in the north. In these 20 km, there are many natural spots where the Mediterranean and the Mar Menor come together. This area has only existed since the 16th Century, as before that time, it was a bay. With the passing of the years, the currents and sediments closed the gap and seperated the seas that we know today.

We´ll begin with the Natural Park of La Manga del Mar Menor that is called the Marina de las Islas Hormigas, which is 20 km squared under the sea, and has a biodiverse ecosystem that has been well maintained. Here you can snorkle or scubadive.

There is also the Parque Natural del Calblanque, where you will see a complex terrain of marshes, beach, and cliffs. This is a lovely place to visit as there are small coves to explore, golden sand dunes, and you can even find nude beaches along the way where you can make the most of your tanning time.

Playa de la Hita has ancient salt marshes with abundant tropical vegetation, where many bird species come in their migration time, which is why this area is protected.

The Salinas de San Pedro de Pinatar is the most important marshland in the area of the Mar Menor, as this is where the flamingos and other birds come to breed and feed during their migrations between Europe and Africa. It was certified as a Regional Park in 1985.

If you are to visit one of these protected marshlands of the Mar Menor during your vacation in La Manga, on weekends there are certain rules to follow, such as no fires, no dogs without a leash, or camping without special authorization.