From Cabo de Palos to the Regional Park of Calblanque
From Cabo de Palos to the town of Águilas, the Murcian coast becomes a succession of cliffs and abrupt terrain of great beauty, solitary coves with turquoise waters accessible only by sea or by trails through unspoiled mountains studded with palmettos and terebinthe trees. This stretch of coastline is ideal for skin diving, sailing, cave diving, hiking and climbing.
Located only a few minutes from La Manga is Cabo de Palos, a charming seafaring village with an unmistakable mid-19th century lighthouse perched atop a hill that affords a wonderful panoramic view of La Manga.
This coastal enclave is also known for its delicious fish and caldero, (a soupy rice dish) served at restaurants around the port; the Sunday market where anything can be found (fruit, handicrafts, salted fish, leather articles, records, etc.); and for being one of the best sites in Spain for skin diving.
Cabo de Palos has two bathing areas: Playa de Levante, an endless beach connected to La Manga, ideal for long walks during quiet months, and Calas de Poniente, steep and rocky coves with crystal-clear waters and spectacular underwater scenery.
Very nearby at the exit point to Murcia is Cala Reona, a popular cove to visit during the summer. From this cove, following a trail on foot between the cliffs of the Atalayón hill marked by parallel yellow and white bands, you can reach the Regional Park of Calblanque.
If travelling by car or bicycle, the road between Cabo de Palos and Cartagena and then a few kilometers later a dirt road on the left in good condition will take you to the park. Calblanque is one of the few areas on the Murcian coast that still preserves all of its natural beauty intact; a section of coast left in its virgin state with arid mountains, dunes, long beaches and an intensely blue sea, an ideal place to hide from the crowds, even in August.
This nature haven can be visited on foot, by bicycle, or on horseback and is home to interesting vegetation (juniper, palmetto, terebinthe trees) and birds (flamingo, heron, and stork) which inhabit the Salinas de Rasal.
Murcia guide