- EDITIONS:
Spanish News Today
Alicante Today
Andalucia Today
HOME > MURCIA MAR MENOR & CARTAGENA > LOS ALCÁZARES
Introduction to Los Alcázares
Los Alcázares lies on the inland shore of the Mar Menor, surrounded by the sea and the municipalities of San Javier, Torre Pacheco and Cartagena, with a permanent population of around 19,000 inhabitants.
Its main activity is tourism and the hotel of La Encarnación is one of the oldest in the Region of Murcia. It was built on the shore of the Mar Menor, Europe´s largest saltwater lagoon, which multiplies the population in summer with holidaymakers attracted by kilometres of soft sand, warm, safe and shallow water and the opportunities to enjoy the superb watersports facilities.
The Mar Menor is renowned for its safe sailing and afternoon thermal winds, with kitesurfers and windsurfers taking advantage of the clean run from shore to shore and learners enjoying the safety of an enclosed lagoon whilst more experienced sailors can head out into the Mediterranean or charter yachts to explore the Murcia coastline.
Los Alcázares is also the location of the only surviving Balneario or bathing station, which is still in use today as a restaurant, a vestige from the days when bathers wished to maintain a level of decorum by descending into the waters from the privacy of a bathing hut rather than baring all on the beach. This part of the beach is also the focal point for one of the most important gastronomic traditions of the region: the preparation of the fish-based rice dish of caldero, the staple diet of the fishing population who fished from these shores before the onset of tourism.
Los Alcázares has been the chosen destination of Murcianos from the regional capital for many decades and celebrates the annual migration with its vibrant and colourful Semana de la Huerta y El Mar, filling the town with the scent of tapas, the colourful costumes of folk dancers and a selection of artisan crafts from across the Region.
Los Alcázares also hosts one of the best medieval markets in the region when it celebrates its Berber fiestas, commemorating the raids by Berber Pirates which were such a feature of its history during the 16th and 17th centuries.
The town is home to an established ex-pat community with a wealth of social activities and organisations for the English-speaking population, and offers residential properties in established urban locations, as well as in newer urbanisations.
The town is around half an hour's drive from the Region of Murcia International Airport in Corvera, with good connections along the Mar Menor to the road network of the rest of Spain.
Why hotels across the Murcia Region are turning against Booking.comHotels and guesthouses across the region complain of excessive fees, unfair reviews and a lack of protection when problems arise Hotels and guesthouses across the Region of Murcia are raising concerns about their growing dependence on Booking.com.. 02/11/2026
HELP Murcia Mar Menor supports Aidemar's work with €4,000 donationThe donation will help the 44-year-old organisation continue making a difference to around 1,000 people and their families HELP Murcia Mar Menor has donated €4,000 to Aidemar, the San Javier-based organisation that has been supporting people.. 02/11/2026
Murcia weather forecast November 2-5: Rain returns as temperatures dropShowers are expected across the Region of Murcia this week, with the heaviest rain likely along the coast and a noticeable drop in temperatures After a lovely sunny weekend, the weather is about to take a turn across the Region of Murcia... 02/11/2026
Halloween and All Saints' Day in Spain: Traditions and everything you need to knowThe holiday has grown in popularity in recent years—here is all you need to know about Halloween and the related holiday of All Saints’ Day in Spain In recent times, Halloween has become ever more popular in Spain. No longer.. 28/10/2026
Murcia house prices top €120,000 as Mar Menor rents climbTorre Pacheco is the region’s most expensive municipality, while Archena remains among Spain’s most affordable places to buy Buying a home in the Region of Murcia has become noticeably more expensive. The average price in its larger municipalities.. 22/10/2026
Murcia photo of the month October 2026Here’s the October image of the month taken by the Los Alcázares Digital Camera Club (LADCC) Those of us old enough may recall that there were times when photographs were only black and white. Colour didn’t start to become..
Arrange who will look after your pets when you're no longer able to with Thy Will Be DoneA legal Pet Future Custody Agreement lets owners name a trusted guardian and two reserves to care for their animals For plenty of owners, a pet is every bit as much a part of the family as a child, which is why it makes sense to decide in advance.. 08/10/2026
Los Alcázares writers' group is looking for new membersBeginners and experienced writers are welcome at a first coffee morning A new writers' group is being set up in Los Alcázares, and everyone from complete beginners to experienced scribblers is invited to get involved. The group.. 08/10/2026
Taking the stress out of probate and estate administration in SpainThy Will Be Done helps families navigate probate and inheritance across Spain and the UK For many people, dealing with probate and estate administration after the death of a loved one can be daunting on two very different levels. There.. 25/09/2026
Spanish property prices are rising three times faster than wagesProperty values have risen by 36.3% in three years, while salaries have increased by just 12.3%, making it harder for buyers to save for a deposit Buying a property in Spain is getting harder as prices continue to rise much faster than wages. Property..
Murcia photo of the month September 2026Here’s the September image of the month taken by the Los Alcázares Digital Camera Club (LADCC) LADCC’S monthly competition, entitled ‘Golden Hour’, proved a great challenge to many as this light is only seen up.. 14/09/2026
Autumn breaks, winter sun and trips home: Getting to Corvera Airport made easyFrom Torrevieja and La Zenia to La Manga, Mazarrón and Mojácar, Airport Buses offers convenient connections to Murcia International Airport The suitcases might only just have been unpacked after the summer holidays, but for many people.. 09/09/2026
Read the September edition of Home & Living magazine online nowWelcome to the September issue of Home & Living! We hope you’ve had a wonderful summer filled with sunshine, adventure, and plenty of time to recharge. As a new season begins, we’re delighted to bring you another issue packed with.. 04/09/2026
Just 17 weeks until 2027! Why now is the time to sort your Will in SpainWith the end of the year approaching, Thy Will Be Done explains why now is the ideal time to put your estate planning in order As September begins and we look down the barrel of the final third of the year, life tends to shift gears. The lazy, sun.. 03/09/2026
Ecocorp Solar: The smarter way to cut your energy bills and take control of your homeWith 15 years of experience across southern Spain, Ecocorp Solar is helping homeowners harness the sun and say goodbye to rising energy costs Let's be honest. If you live in southern Spain, you already know the sun is one of the best things about.. 14/08/2026
The definitive guide to choosing a health insurance policy for expats Are you planning to move to Spain and looking for a health insurance policy specifically designed for expats? We understand that such an abundance of information can be overwhelming, particularly when you wish to make a decision as quickly as possible.. 12/08/2026
