Mar Menor
The Mar Menor is a beautiful coastal lagoon in the south eastern region of Spain. The name means `little sea`, and it is separated from the Mediterranean Sea by a narrow sand bar. Yachts enter the Mar Menor from the Mediterranean at Tomas Maestre through a 4m dredged channel crossed by a 7m high swing bridge that opens for 15 minutes every 2 hours from 0800 to 2200. The Mar Menor is 70 km long with a maximum depth of 7 metres, and covers a surface area of around 170 square km. Due to its high salinity, bouyancy is enhanced, making it a very popular place to learn various water sports. Water temperatures are constantly warm, and the area is a relaxing and quiet place for a holiday. The northern end of Mar Menor has a wetland area that was given Ramsar Convention status in 1994. Mar Menor is located at the southern tip of the Costa Blanca and the nearest city is Cartagena, to the west. Slightly further north is the tourist resort of Torrevieja, which offers the visitor water parks, restaurants and bars and a lively night life. There are great opportunities to learn to sail as well as kayaking lessons on offer in Mar Menor. The beaches in the area are flat and sandy, with shallow, smooth water, offering perfect conditions for wind surfing as well as the exciting sport of kite surfing. Jet ski hire is available and there is a scuba diving centre providing various levels of instruction, from introductory try-dives to advanced courses. There are several under water archaeological sites in the area as well as the remains of sunken ships such as the Minerva and Sirio, for divers to investigate. There is also a good variety of marine life as well as good visibility here. Water temperature in winter is 12C and in the summer months rises to 30C, making for very pleasant conditions for water sports. At La Manga there are 11 sailing schools which provide instruction as well as boat hire, as well as 4 marinas providing services for crews and vessels. At the nearby salt flats at San Pedro del Pinatar, flocks of flamingos and many other migratory birds visit and the surrounding area is a good place for cycling. Browse this website for up to date information on social activities in and around the Mar Menor area. www.sailingmarmenor.com, gives information on the various sailing activities, competitions and events taking place throughout the year. It includes news relating to group activities and how to get involved, as well as detailed information on all the ports in the Iberian peninsula. There is also an extensive list of links relating to places of interest, nature, airport information, culture and history, and it lists many websites with information for those people wishing to relocate to the area.<br><br>The 2 nearest airports to Mar Menor are Alicante airport and Murcia San Javier airport. Murcia is slightly closer, although Alicante airport is around 1 hour`s drive away. Both airports have services from most of the major UK airports. Accommodation is plentiful and varied in Mar Menor. There are some elegant boutique hotels in the area, as well as large private villas with pools to rent. In addition, self catering studios and apartments are readily available. If you are planning your holiday in Spain through http://www.sunshine.co.uk/hotels/Costa_Calida-Cheap-Holidays-7.html consider a visit to the beautiful Mar Menor.