Mar Menor / Murcia / Spain

Mar Menor is situated between the upmarket resort of La Manga and Cartagena. It is a lake spot that is very popular with catamarans, wind surfers and kite surfers alike of all levels and abilities. There is even a watersports school here where you can learn to catamaran, wind surf etc. They also hire out dinghies and equipment even if you are a complete novice. There are restricted zones here for each water sport, so make sure you stay within your correct zone. The best times here are from May to September.

Mar Menor has a medium sized sandy beach which does get busy during the months of June to September. There are a few rocks located in the shallow water but they are easily spotted. To find it you drive north from La Manga, until you get to El Oasis, here you will see signs for Playa Pudrimel follow this to the south where Mar Menor is located.

The predominant wind direction is easterly or variations thereof, and this is also the best direction for surfing in this area. A northeast wind creates flat water, but it gets choppy further out, which means the conditions are perfect for kite and wind surfers. The wind speed is around 8 knots and is pretty consistent throughout the year. The water is flat to choppy and is shallow for the first 100 meters or so. The water quality is clean and the water temperature in this lake has its own micro climate and rarely drops below a very pleasant 18 degrees.

This spot has plenty of parking and a fully staffed watersports school. There is also a manned rescue center, if anyone gets into trouble as well as eating places. If you are looking for shops and night life then you will need to head into Cartagena or the upmarket La Manga.

Be aware of your restricted zones and watch out for other watersport users, especially during the summer months and at weekends.