Playa del Pudrimel / Murcia / Spain

Situated on the ocean side of the Mar Menor salt lake, smack bang between Torrevieja and Cartagena lies the coastal spot of Playa De Pudrimel. It is a great spot for surfers and kite surfers of all levels and abilities as you can pick up some pretty good waves here. There is no particular season here but be aware that during the summer (June, July and August) surfing restrictions may well apply, so it may be wise to check before you arrive. The best winds are in the winter from November to March.

Playa De Pudrimel is a long sandy beach that gets pretty packed during the summer season. Out of season you might well be able to pick your spot, especially if you surf on a weekday. To get here you drive east out of Cartagena heading for Playa Honda and La Manga. From here, follow the signs for El Oasis. Playa de Pudrimel is a little before it.

The wind here comes predominantly from an east northeasterly direction for most of the year, except during the winter months (especially February) when it switches to a south southwesterly direction. This is the best wind direction to surf here. The wind speed averages around 8-9 knots and is fairly consistent, although there are stronger breezes during the winter. The water is choppy most of the time, but it is possible to catch some fairly large waves of up to 3 meters in height, when the wind is coming from the right direction. The water temperature here falls somewhere between 16 degrees in the winter and 26 degrees in the summer, so you might want to suit up or suit down accordingly.

There is plenty of parking here and the odd beachside Chiringuito where you can buy a tapas and a drink. However you are only a stones throw away from the exclusive La Manga which has all the shops, bars and restaurants you will need. If you want to let your hair down, then travel to Cartagena.

There really isn't too much to worry about here, except the crowds of bathers and swimmers in the water during the summer months.