La Manga is a renowned summer resort situated on the Murcia coastline in Spain. Locals often describe it as a “tongue of land” connecting Cabo de Palos to the Salinas de San Pedro del Pinatar, spanning over 20 kilometers and separating the Mar Menor from the Mediterranean Sea.
This expansive area has garnered acclaim in Murcia for its easily accessible, high-quality beaches and coves. Its popularity among tourists is attributable to the allure of its beaches and the region’s exceptional climate and vibrant day and nightlife scene, making it a favored destination in Spain.
About Playa el Arenal
Playa El Arenal, situated along the Mediterranean Sea, ranks sixth among 141 beaches in the Murcia region, approximately 46.6 kilometers away from the city center of Murcia. Nestled within the Playa Honda settlement, merely 8.8 kilometers from its heart, this beach resides in an urban area.
Characterized by a spacious bay boasting turquoise waters and golden sand, Playa El Arenal is a sandy beach, so you don’t need any specialized footwear when entering the water. Its expansive shoreline caters to various demographics, accommodating solitary travelers and enthusiasts seeking relaxation. However, the occupancy is high during peak seasons.
Access to Playa El Arenal is unrestricted, offering a range of amenities, including beachside dining options, changing facilities, showers, and restroom facilities. Lifeguard supervision ensures safety during operational hours.
Beyond swimming and sunbathing, visitors can engage in diverse recreational activities. Accessibility is facilitated by proximity to the main road, with on-site parking directly available on the premises. Furthermore, eight additional beaches are accessible within a five-kilometer radius, with Playa del el Pedrucho acclaimed as the best choice, boasting a commendable rating of 7.7.
History of El Arenal
What made El Arenal such a popular destination for tourists today? To find out, let’s go back in time a bit. S’Arenal, like the vast majority of Namorian towns, was a typical fishing village. The first mention of the village appeared in a document from 1887, when the village was inhabited by two dozen people.
The first settlers in the area belonging to Llucmajor arrived here in the late 19th century. They were engaged in the extraction of sea stone, which was transported by sea to Palma and then used in construction. During the same period, on the side belonging to Palma, the first houses for vacationers started to rise. They formed a no longer existing cluster known as “les Casetes dels Republicans” (the Republicans’ houses).
In 1914, the first hotel, Hotel Términus, opened in Arenal, and two years later the railroad from Palma to Llucmajor (which no longer exists today). However, it didn’t affect the demographic development of the village, as by the late 1930s, El Arenal officially had a population of 380.
The population has risen throughout the years, however, and the latest demographic report shows such statistics:
- Area: 27.08 km²
- Elevation: 890 m
- Population: 972 (2018) National Statistics Institute
- Mayor: Ángel González Cortázar
- Province: Ávila
Beaches
You have the option to select from a diverse array of magnificent sandy beaches, ideal for experiencing serene beach vibes, enjoying refreshing beverages, and witnessing breathtaking sunsets.
On the Mar Menor shoreline, you’ll find pristine white sandy beaches featuring gently sloping shorelines and the crystal-clear waters of Europe’s largest saltwater lagoon, providing optimal bathing conditions for families with children.
At times, it is feasible to wade out as far as 50 meters while the water remains waist-deep. Additionally, the water temperature seldom falls below 15 degrees Celsius. During peak seasons, these beaches flood with tourists, so you must plan an early arrival to secure your preferred spot.
For those inclined towards a more dramatic beach setting with rolling waves, a quick journey across the road to the Mediterranean side presents an opportunity to immerse oneself in the vast expanses of coastal beaches, which are typically less occupied due to their expansive nature.
The amenities provided on these beaches vary based on size and potential occupancy. These include lifeguard supervision, restroom facilities, showers, disabled access, wooden walkways, rental options for parasols, sunbeds, hammocks, Wi-Fi availability, and designated children’s play areas.
La Manga del Mar Menor, Costa Calida
Also known as La Manga Strip, it has a length of 22 km and a width between 100 and 1200m. The Mar Menor Lagoon started as a bay with convenient access to the Mediterranean Sea. Mar Menor also benefits from its location, giving easy access to famous tourist areas like Los Alcazares and San Javier. The water temperature there is pleasant, usually much warmer than in the Sea, rarely dropping below 15 Celsius.
Playa S’Arenal
The resort of s’Arenal is situated approximately 10 kilometers east of Palma de Mallorca. Adjacent to the beach lies the town bearing a near-identical name, S’Arenal.
Regarding the beach itself, Playa s’Arenal spans 210 meters, forming a seamless extension of the nearly five-kilometer-long Playa de Palma, which stretches from Ca’n Pastilla to s’Arenal.
What sets Playa s’Arenal apart from the rest of Playa de Palma is the presence of beautiful palm trees adorning the entire beach, lending it a tropical ambiance. Characterized by its considerable width, the beach features fine white sand that gently slopes into the sea.
S’Arenal Holiday Resort
S’Arenal stands as one of the longstanding resorts in Mallorca, historically favored by German tourists. Over the years, it has catered to this demographic, creating numerous restaurants, cafés, and renowned bars like Megapark and Bierkoenig, which often host live entertainment events attracting several thousand guests.
In recent times, S’Arenal has gradually shifted towards international appeal, particularly noticeable in areas around the marina and the beachfront. The seaside promenade, extending kilometers towards Palma de Mallorca, also reflects this trend. Notably, along this promenade lie the famed Balneario 1 to Balneario 15 beach bars, renowned landmarks of the area. Also, there are plenty of food and beverage services if you want to try something else each day.
Furthermore, S’Arenal is home to the expansive Aqualand El Arenal water park, one of Mallorca’s largest, featuring an array of water slides, a wave pool, and various other attractions suitable for children of all ages.
Transport
The urban bus service facilitates access to the beach, specifically the Alsa line L-15, which conveniently stops at El Pedruchillo stop, a mere two-minute stroll from the shoreline.
Weather
The average annual temperature throughout the year sits at 18.2ºC. In the summer months of June, July, and August, it sits around 26.1°C. In the winter, it’s an average of 11ºC.
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