Author: Villa Murcia

La Cala del Barco | Hidden Cove, Unforgettable Experience

The Murcian coastline has endless surprising corners where you can hide away and enjoy an unforgettable vacation, especially in the 2024 season, which provides hundreds of days of sun illuminated by the waters of the Mediterranean. A cove that you cannot miss is La Cala del Barco, a small but charming beach characterized by golden sands and clean and transparent water.

Most visitors from all over Spain and Europe see these waters as the perfect opportunity to relax and unwind after a year of hard work. Keep reading this short article to learn more about this magnificent cove, which will amaze you with its natural beauty and its outstanding services.

Table of Contents:

What Is La Cala del Barco?

A sunset in La Cala del Barco La Cala del Barco is a magnificent beach in the Murcia region, southeast of Spain. It is a tiny bay with gray shell sand, so you don’t need special shoes to walk there.

The municipality of Cartagena, a medium-sized town a few kilometers away, administers this site. In this city, we can find hostels and hotels for resting and having nice vacations.

The entrance to La Cala del Barco’s water is very smooth, and its water is relaxing. The beach itself is perfect for different people, from lonely travelers to families with children and relaxation getaway lovers. The best of all is that it is not a crowded place during the season.

La Cala del Barco is part of the Atamaría route, which includes several areas of interest, such as La Rambla de Carrasquilla, the Cima Sierra de Atamaría, the Cuervas la Zorrera, etc.

The Atamaría route

The Atamaría route.

This cove is characterized by its rocky geography. Like most coves in the area that visitors from all European countries prefer to visit from August to September, it is surrounded by small mountains and cliffs that highlight the area’s beauty. In addition, La Cala del Barco is close to many interesting places, such as La Manga Club Resort, where we can do multiple activities.

Location of La Cala del Barco

La Cala del Barco location Most coves in the Murcia region are in the same area, south of the Mar Menor and La Manga, two important tourist attractions in the southeast of Spain. Cliffs and bare mountains hide La Cala del Barco, creating a special biome that may go unnoticed by most visitors. More specifically, La Cala del Barco is located between Cabo Tiñoso and Cabo de Palos.

Access to La Cala del Barco Beach

You can access La Cala del Barco just by leaving the residential area through the Calle de la Zorrera. The road peters out into a track, and motor vehicles are strongly advised for access.

There is a bus taxi available in summer. We should take bus 43 in Los Belones. The short trip is truly worth the effort and time, allowing you to enjoy the clean sand of the cove in a matter of minutes.

Bus service from Los Belones

Bus service from Los Belones.

Main Features of La Cala del Barco

Water temperature and wave height in La Cala del Barco

  • Beach: Cala del Barco

  • Beach Composition: sand and rocks.

  • Type of sand: gray shell sand

  • Water temperature: +18°C

  • Wave height: 0.8 m.

  • Average wind: 7.2 m/s

  • Average air temperature: +18°C

  • Swimming conditions: moderate waves

  • Length: 40 m

  • Width: 20 m

  • Occupancy rate: high –especially in summer

  • Degree of urban development: semi-urban

  • Accesses and security Marina: Cabo de Palos

  • Distance to beach: 10 km.

  • Means of access: On foot easy, Car, Boat

  • Address: Calle la Zorrera 1, 30389 Atamaria, Municipality of Cartagena, Spain.

La Cala Restaurant

La Cala Restaurant in La Cala del Barco La Cala Restaurant is located at the top of a cliff. From here, you can witness all the extensions of this small cove and the beaches in the nearby area. It’s a strategic enclave where you can enjoy some of the best dishes of the region, especially seafood, fish, and fresh vegetables. It’s one of the most romantic restaurants in the region.

Please note that you need your vehicle to access La Cala Restaurant. Besides, on rainy days, the restaurant may remain closed.

La Cala Restaurant also offers refreshments, ice cream, and other quick appetizers that can be enjoyed at any time of the day.

La Manga Club Resort

La Manga Club Resort La Manga Club Resort is a luxury and unique place located near La Cala del Barco, an obligatory destination for most tourists from Spain and Europe. Its story started in 1972, and nowadays, it has over 560 hectares of terrain on which we can find a luxury hotel, over twenty tennis courts, apartments, football fields, and more. It’s the ideal place to practice a lot of sports, such as cycling, cricket, triathlon, rugby, and other sports, and to celebrate special occasions, such as weddings and corporate events.

La Cala Beach Club

La Cala Beach Club The Beach Club is a particular spot within La Cala Restaurant where you can enjoy typical Spanish food, such as cold tapas and signature cocktails while witnessing the best views and calm waters of the Mediterranean. This special beach bar also has a sun lounger where we can delight in a refreshing cocktail and parasol rental service to make our stay at the beach more pleasant.

Information:

Email: info.lamangaclubresort.grand@hyatt.com

Telephone. (+34) 968 33 12 34

Access with your vehicle.

Flora and Fauna of the Area

In general, the area’s vegetation consists of scattered medium—and small-sized plants that are highly adapted to the biome’s salinity and windy conditions.

On the rocky coast, we can find plants such as maritime fennel (Chrithmum maritimum), sapero thyme (Frankenia corymbosa), and the sea daisy (Asteriscus maritimus), which lives in the lower areas of the cliffs and the stony areas of the upper edge of the beaches.

Frankenia corymbosa.

Frankenia corymbosa

Over dunes, we can find other types of flora, such as Barron (Ammophila arenaria), grass coastal (Elymus farctus), sea dogfish (Medicago marina), sea thistle (Eryngium maritimum), or fragrant sea lily (Pancratium maritimum).

Elymus farctus.

Elymus farctus

Regarding the fauna, Reptiles abound in sedimentary environments, such as the red-tailed lizard, the Iberian skink, the ocellated lizard, and the bastard snake, in addition to the typical rabbits and foxes.

The Iberian skink

The Iberian skink

In the humid zone, in addition to avocets, stilts, and other aquatic species, we can find white shelducks, which sometimes breed in the area, along with some flamingos. In the forested or cultivated area, on the other hand, there are hoopoes, blackbirds, starlings, and other small birds.

The snake ladder.

The snake ladder

In the semi-desert places, one can meet other endemic species, including the ocellated lizard, the snake ladder, the fox, the rabbit, the hare, and the common hedgehog. Also, birds of Steppe species, such as the lark, are present.

Enjoy Your Private Paradise in Villa Murcia!

Looking for the perfect place to stay in Murcia? We’ve got just the spot for you!

Villa Murcia – Your Private Paradise

Wake up to coffee on a sun-drenched terrace, unwind in a warm jacuzzi after a day of exploring, and end your evenings with dinners in the summer kitchen. Nestled in charming Santiago de la Ribera, Villa Murcia offers more than just a holiday—it’s your personal oasis of comfort, style, and unforgettable moments.

Highlights:
✔ Spacious living room with a large sofa and open kitchen – perfect for shared memories
✔ Three elegant, air-conditioned bedrooms with private terraces – your peaceful retreat
✔ Extra fold-out sofa in the living room – ideal for additional guests

Whether it’s a romantic escape, a family getaway, or a relaxing break with friends – Villa Murcia is your dream stay.

Book now and experience the magic of the Spanish sun!

The Bottom Line

In Spain, all beaches are public property. Thus, we can descend to the cove whenever we want, regardless of the season and whether the beach services are open or not. This is particularly important, especially for the coming 2024 summer season, which is just around the corner!

La Cala del Barco is probably one of the most beautiful beaches in the La Playa de Calblanque area. It is one of the few with impressive rock formations, crystal clear waters, sand of gray shells, and impeccable services with a bar, restaurant, showers, and toilets that you can use whenever you want.

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Kiosk in Villananitos

Exploring The Wonderful Villanannitos Beach

Located in the beautiful Murcia region of Spain, Villanannitos Beach is located in San Pedro del Pinatar and is a true seaside beach that attracts tourists and locals in search of sun, sea, and fun. In this article, we will explore all about this beautiful beach and discover everything it has to offer.

Table of Contents:

About Murcia

top view of the city
top view of the city via Planetofhotels.com

Murcia is a historically rich and culturally diverse city located in southeastern Spain. With a population of more than 460,000 inhabitants and an area of 881.86 km², it is one of the most vibrant autonomous communities in the country. The city enchants with its natural, cultural, and heritage wonders that will certainly surprise you. Furthermore, its traditions, gastronomy, and famous variety of fruits and vegetables are notable aspects that the city offers.

The Region has more than 200 km of coastline. Among the most popular beaches, San Pedro del Pinatar and San Javier stand out, located approximately 30 km from the capital.

About Mar Menor

top view showing Mar Menor
top view showing Mar Menor via MurciaToday

The Mar Menor is a saltwater lagoon located near Murcia. Known for its calm, shallow waters, the Mar Menor is a popular destination for swimmers, families, and water sports lovers. With a long stretch of golden sandy beaches, this is the ideal place to relax and enjoy Spain’s natural beauty.

The Mar Menor region is divided into San Pedro de Pinatar, Manga del Mar Menor, Los Alcázares, and San Javier. The Mar Menor is divided into two areas: the bay and the outer. The first is made up of more than 30 small, very urban beaches, with a large influx of people and very warm waters. The second is a little less busy, directly connected to the Mediterranean Sea, although it also has an area facing the bay.

Today we will explore Villananitos Beach, one of the beaches on the Mar Menor in the municipality of San Pedro del Pinatar, located in Los Cuarteros, close to Lo Pagán.

About Playa de Villananitos

Located in the town of San Pedro del Pinatar, Villananitos Beach is in Los Cuarteros, close to Lo Pagán. Below, you will find some of the beach descriptions and information about the place!

Beach Description

Playa de Villananitos

Length

840 meters

Width

30 meters

Environment

Urban

Composition

Sand

Sand Type

Fine and grey

Swimming conditions

Calm waters

Nudist area

No

Level of occupancy:

High

Degree of urbanization

Urban

The Natural Beauty Of Villananitos Beach

Villananitos beach shore during the day
Villananitos beach shore during the day via MurciaToday

Playa de Villananitos is a charming stretch of sand that captivates residents and tourists looking for a seaside escape. Measuring 840 meters long and with an average width of 30 meters, this beach offers a surface of fine sand and calm, shallow waters, making it ideal for families with young children and those wishing to relax and enjoy a peaceful swim.

How To Get To Villananitos

map of the region
map of the region via Google Maps

Getting to Villananitos Beach is easy, whether by car, bus, or even on foot, for locals and visitors staying nearby. Access points are signposted and accessible for people with disabilities. The closest road is AP-7, and parking is available with more than 100 spaces. Additionally, accessing the beach by bus is convenient. The closest bus stop is just a 6-minute walk away, and the line you need to take is the MUR-092-2

What Will You Find On Villananitos Beach

Being an urban beach situated in front of apartments and holiday villas, it enjoys high occupancy during the summer, providing all the typical facilities, including showers, rental of recreational equipment, public telephone, parasols, and toilets adapted for people with disabilities. You can also find play areas for children, wooden walkways that lead to the beach, and parking for disabled vehicles.

Restaurants Near the Beach

Murcia map showing restaurants nearby
Murcia map showing restaurants nearby via Google Maps

Tourists can enjoy the local cuisine at restaurants conveniently located near the Villananitos beach. From fresh seafood to authentic Spanish treats, there’s a diverse range of dining options to please every taste bud.

With beachfront restaurants boasting stunning views of the Mar Menor, meals become unforgettable experiences. You can savor a delightful coffee break at Kiss Cafe, explore the rich flavors of Latin American cuisine at Restaurante Terra Nostra, or enjoy good seafood at Restaurante Venezuela.

The variety of restaurants to choose from in the area is truly remarkable.

Restaurant near Villananitos
Restaurant near Villananitos via Kiosco Bitákora official Facebook page

If you are more interested in drinking than eating, you also have plenty of beach bars in the area to choose from. You can find kiosks in the street and on the sand, like Kiosco Bitákora, where you will find attractive prices of great appetizers to harmonize with excellent bears and drinks.

Culture and Art

San Pedro del Pinatar cultural event
San Pedro del Pinatar cultural event via San Pedro del Pinatar official website

Culture and art are always celebrated in the Villananitos Beach region through a series of events promoted by the city hall in collaboration with the Department of Culture and Tourism and the City Council. These events, usually held during the summer, encompass a wide range of artistic expressions and events, including beach movie nights, outdoor concerts, art exhibitions, sports area spaces, and more.

One example of an event is the “Mi Mar Menor de Cine”, where completely free of charge, during the summer, people can watch classic films for all audiences, every Wednesday and Friday.

Accessibility

lifeguard helping a person on the beach
lifeguard helping a person on the beach via Costa Cálida Región de Murcia official website

Villananitos Beach has implemented a series of significant improvements to guarantee accessibility for people with reduced mobility. Some of the improvements include the provision of an adapted bathing area, equipped with an island bathing platform that allows up to 22 people with reduced mobility to enjoy the sea simultaneously.

In addition, aquatic walkways have been installed to facilitate access to the bathing area, both from the sand and from the water. These initiatives reflect the commitment of the San Pedro del Pinatar City Council to providing an inclusive and accessible environment so that all bathers can enjoy the beach and the sea in the best possible conditions.

Restrictions on Smoking

Since the summer of 2019, Villananitos Beach has been designated by the San Pedro del Pinatar City Council as a “no smoking” beach. So, if you’re not a big fan of the smell of cigarettes, Villananitos Beach is perfect for you!

The Best Time To Visit The Place

Villananitos beach
Villananitos beach via MurciaToday

Although it is possible to enjoy Villananitos beach all year round, the summer months, from June to August, are the most popular, when temperatures are warmer and the waters of the Mar Menor invite you for a refreshing swim.

If you want to be 100% safe, there are also lifeguards and medical personnel on the beach between 11 am and 8 pm during peak occupancy, which runs from early July to late September, providing essential first aid services

However, the spring and autumn months are also a good choice if you don’t like crowded beaches. At this time, the beach offers pleasant weather and considerably fewer people on the sand.

Summer in San Pedro Del Pinatar:

  • Average daily maximum temperatures: below 65°F (18°C)
  • Hottest month: August
  • Maximums: around 60°F (15°C) on average
  • Minimums: around 43°F (6°C) on average

Winter in Pedro Del Pinatar:

  • Average daily maximum temperatures: below 64°F (18°C)
  • Coldest month: January
  • Maximums: around 60°F (15°C) on average
  • Minimums: around 45°F (7°C) on average

San Pedro del Pinatar

 Summer

Winter

Daily maximum temperatures (average)

 above 80°F (26°C)

below 65°F (18°C)

Hottest month:

 August

January

Maximums (average)

 85°F (29°C)

60°F (15°C)

Minimums (average)

71°F (21,6°C)

43°F (6°C)

The data was obtained from the Weather Spark website. For more or other information click here.

Enjoy Your Private Paradise in Villa Murcia!

Looking for the perfect place to stay in Murcia? We’ve got just the spot for you!

Villa Murcia – Your Private Paradise

Wake up to coffee on a sun-drenched terrace, unwind in a warm jacuzzi after a day of exploring, and end your evenings with dinners in the summer kitchen. Nestled in charming Santiago de la Ribera, Villa Murcia offers more than just a holiday—it’s your personal oasis of comfort, style, and unforgettable moments.

Highlights:
✔ Spacious living room with a large sofa and open kitchen – perfect for shared memories
✔ Three elegant, air-conditioned bedrooms with private terraces – your peaceful retreat
✔ Extra fold-out sofa in the living room – ideal for additional guests

Whether it’s a romantic escape, a family getaway, or a relaxing break with friends – Villa Murcia is your dream stay.

Book now and experience the magic of the Spanish sun!

Playa de Villananitos Is A Really Special Place

Beach during a sunny day
Beach during a sunny day via MurciaToday

With a unique combination of its natural beauty, relaxing atmosphere, and modern amenities, such as kiosks, restaurants, and sports activities, the Playa de Villananitos is the ideal destination for couples, families, and groups of friends looking for a place to relax, enjoy the sun and sea, and experience local culture.

If you are planning a trip and are looking for a place that combines natural beauty with fun and rest options, Villananitos Beach is the place to stay!

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Find Everything About Playa de Calblanque, the Eden on Earth!

Everything About Playa de Calblanque, the Eden on Earth!

Spain, and especially the Mediterranean coast, has many beautiful beaches that delight most people in Europe and the world. Among the various beaches on this coast, the Murcia region is one of the richest in biomes, biodiversity, golden sand, and activities we can carry out during most part of the year. In this region, we can find Calblanque Beach, a small and beautiful beach with a unique environment, fauna, and flora. Having said this, let’s talk about your next vacation destination for summer, which is coming up!

Table of Contents

What Is the Playa de Calblanque?

calblanque beach shore
Calblanque beach shore

Calblanque Beach is a protected natural beach with one of the best preserved unspoilt natural landscapes and a high landscape value. The regional park whose Calblanque Beach is part of boasts fascinating geological formations, such as cliffs, fossil dunes, saltwater marshes, salt flats, and more. This is why Calblanque Beach and all its areas are a renowned holiday spot and a popular destination for visitors from all over Europe.

Its enormous natural wealth also includes arid mountains, ocher and golden-coloured beaches, and secluded coves, which are in harmony with the region’s nature. Furthermore, the dunes in the area are magnificent and, together with the white salt lakes and mountain ranges, contrast with the long blue sea.

Location

map of the region
map of the region

The Playa de Calblanque is located in the southeast of Spain, inside the protected National Park Calblanque, Monte de las Cenizas y Peña del Águila, in the region of Murcia. This park, as well as the Playa de Calblanque, is administered by the municipality of Cartagena.

This beach is also to the south of the Mar Menor and La Manga and very close to Cabo de Palos, a small municipality with a famous lighthouse.

Despite the fact that the Playa de Calblanque is the major beach of the zone, the Calblanque beaches include several cloves and beaches, which are the following:

Playa: Cala de los Dentones

cala de los dentones
cala de los dentones

Playa Larga

playa larga
playa larga

Playa Negrete

playa negrete
playa negrete

Playa de las Cañas

playa de cañas
playa de cañas

Playa Parreño.

playa parreño
playa parreño

Playa Cala Magre.

cala magre
cala magre

Playa Cala Arturo.

playa cala arturo
playa cala arturo

Access to the Playa de Calblanque

beach access options
beach access options

There are several access roads with different entrances to the unique beaches that make up the Calblanque Beaches. If you come by car from the apartment, you should go to Los Belones, a small place on the way to the beach. From there, return to La Manga and Cabo de Palos along the A-7 Alicante-Cartagena Highway, taking exit 800, which leads to the places above. Then, you will see a sign towards the MU-312, signposted towards Calblanque.

Characteristics of the Playa de Calblanque

  • Length: 300 m
  • Average width: 40 m
  • Sea: Mediterranean Sea
  • Sand: Fine golden sand
  • Swimming conditions: Peaceful
  • The influx of visitors: Medium

Flora and Fauna of the Area

hills around the beach
hills around the beach

The Playa de Calblanque, the near lonely coves, and the surroundings are full of endemic bird species that live throughout the municipality. Of course, on the shore, we can find several species, such as the crested lark, the lesser short-toed lark, and the stone-curlew.

An endemic stone-curlew.

endemic stone-curlew
endemic stone-curlew

On the other hand, the mountain massifs near the Playa de Calblanque are abundant with bee-eaters, eagle owls, warblers, and Bonelli’s eagles. You can choose to walk by all these zones to discover these life forms on your own.

A bee-eater of the mountains.

bee-eater of the mountains
bee-eater of the mountains

The flora is also rich and includes several species that thrive in the biome and contribute to the landscape. The most important are juniper, dwarf palms, and general bushes that abound in the natural formation of dunes.

juniper growing on the beach
juniper growing on the beach

However, the flora is prominent in the mountains –Cabezo del Horno and Cabezo de la Fuente. These pikes—which do not exceed 350 meters tall—are the best places to enjoy the vegetation and bird species. Still, if we only want to delight in the water and sand, we will find creeping plants on the shore. However, close to the beach, we can find some under-threat-of-extinction plants, such as Guiaora arvensis and Euphorbia mazarronensis.

Euphorbia mazarronensis.

Important Aspects to Consider

beach entrance
beach entrance

From July to September, a lifeguard patrols the main Calblanque beach from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. However, the other minor and inaccessible beaches—which we can reach on foot or by boat—do not have a lifeguard.

These beaches offer a spectacular opportunity to rest from the noise of the city and the crowds of the more populated beaches. Here we can really feel the fresh air warming our faces and the sand comforting our feet. It is the right place to relax, meditate, and be in balance with nature.

In the summer peak, access to the beach in terms of parking capacity is also restricted. Keep in mind that the Playa de Calblanque is inside a national park. Due to this norm, the administration ensures that not many people intervene in the ecosystem of the Calblanque beaches.

Cobaticas Information Center Opening Times

National Park Calblanque has a specialized information center. It’s located at the park’s entrance and is very easy to reach. If you’re interested in visiting the center, check the crucial information below.

  • Open Tuesday to Sunday, including public holidays.
  • From October to May, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
  • From July to September, from 8.30 a.m to 3.30 p.m.
  • Phone: +34 649 22 75 82
  • Email: infocalblanque@carm.es

Las Cobaticas Visitor Center can provide you with interesting information about the protected Calblanque, Monte de las Cenizas, and Peña del Águila National Park in the region of Murcia. In this center, you can delve deeper into the different attractions, flora, and fauna and plan your tour throughout the zone.

In addition, the Las Cobaticas Center has interesting infographics and incredible photographs of the surroundings that will help you decide which areas are of interest to you. Remember that the area beyond the Playa de Calblanque has other beaches and nature reserves that you can visit in multiple ways.

visitors center
visitors center

Enjoy Your Private Paradise in Villa Murcia!

Looking for the perfect place to stay in Murcia? We’ve got just the spot for you!

Villa Murcia – Your Private Paradise

Wake up to coffee on a sun-drenched terrace, unwind in a warm jacuzzi after a day of exploring, and end your evenings with dinners in the summer kitchen. Nestled in charming Santiago de la Ribera, Villa Murcia offers more than just a holiday—it’s your personal oasis of comfort, style, and unforgettable moments.

Highlights:
✔ Spacious living room with a large sofa and open kitchen – perfect for shared memories
✔ Three elegant, air-conditioned bedrooms with private terraces – your peaceful retreat
✔ Extra fold-out sofa in the living room – ideal for additional guests

Whether it’s a romantic escape, a family getaway, or a relaxing break with friends – Villa Murcia is your dream stay.

Book now and experience the magic of the Spanish sun!

The Bottom Line

The summer season is just around the corner. Thousands of tourists from all over Europe visit the Spanish coast and, even more, the regions of Alicante and Murcia in search of the best warm climate destination.

Now is the time for Playa de Calblanque to shine as one of the most serene and unspoiled beaches in the area. Visitors should keep in mind that the area boasts lush greenery, stunning landscapes, diverse flora and fauna, and breathtaking geological formations. It’s undoubtedly one of the top destinations to visit this year! So, take your car, drive through Murcia, and find this magnificent beach!

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