This coastal town on Spain's Costa Cálida has 35 km of Mediterranean beaches and a rich mining past. Local restaurants serve fresh seafood near 16th-century watchtowers.
Mazarrón, a coastal area in Spain’s Murcia region, gives you 35 kilometers of beaches recognized for clean waters and safety standards. Dive into clear Mediterranean waters above Phoenician shipwrecks near Playa de la Isla, climb to the 15th-century Vélez Castle, or walk through dry hills in the Sierra foothills. Inland, narrow streets painted white lead to daily markets selling fruits and vegetables, along with baroque-style San Andrés Church. Expect sunshine more than 300 days a year, with winter temperatures staying above 42°F, allowing for sailing, golf, and outdoor concerts even in cooler months. Menus here focus on dishes like seafood rice and oven-baked fish, mixing recipes from farming and fishing traditions.
Beaches and Water Activities
Puerto de Mazarrón’s beaches include Playa de la Isla, Playa de las Minas, and Playa de las Capas, all meeting strict cleanliness criteria for Blue Flag status. From June to September, the sea warms to 77°F, perfect for swimming or renting a jet ski. Near Playa de la Isla, a metal frame protects Mazarrón 2, a Phoenician cargo ship sunk in the 7th century BCE. Local diving companies organize trips to see this wreck and other marine life, like octopuses and sea bream. You can also join free snorkeling tours arranged by the Town Hall during summer weekends.
History and Culture
At the Phoenician Vessel Interpretation Center, learn how archaeologists recovered two ships carrying lead ingots, with full-scale replicas displayed near Cartagena. The 18th-century San Andrés Church in Mazarrón’s old town has wooden ceilings shaped like geometric patterns and gold-covered altarpieces. Vélez Castle, built on a small hill in the 1400s, overlooks old mining sites that once produced silver and iron. The Municipal Archaeological Museum displays flint tools from prehistoric caves and Roman road markers found nearby. In early December, the Purísima Concepción festival fills streets with music, parades, and shared meals celebrating the Virgin Mary.
Weather and Best Times to Visit
January temperatures average 60°F, rarely dropping below 50°F at night, while August highs reach 87°F. April and May bring dry weather for hiking in the Coto Fortuna forest or biking past almond groves in bloom. July and August draw the most visitors to beaches—arrive before 11 AM to secure shaded spots. September keeps the sea warm but with fewer people, ideal for kayaking or paddleboarding. Winter travelers play golf at courses like Camposol or shop at weekly markets for oranges, lemons, and olives.
Food and Markets
Seafood restaurants along Puerto de Mazarrón’s port serve rice cooked with prawns, squid, and clams, or tuna steaks paired with tomato-based noodles. Inland, family-run spots prepare rabbit stewed with rice and olla gitana, a thick soup with chickpeas and spinach. The Mercado de Abastos in town sells freshly caught octopus, saffron from local farms, and smoked paprika every Thursday. Save room for pastel de cierva, a pumpkin dessert dusted with sugar, often enjoyed with a shot of anise-flavored liquor.
Hiking, Cycling, and Other Land Adventures
Trails in the Sierra de la Almenara lead past old silver mines and caves like Cueva del Algarrobo, where ancient rock art depicts animals and hunters. Cyclists follow a 40-kilometer path from Mazarrón to Lorca, alternating between flat coastal stretches and steep inland climbs. Evenings from June to August bring free concerts on the seafront, ranging from jazz bands to flamenco dancers. Diving schools in Bolnuevo teach beginners how to explore underwater reefs, while fishing charters head to Calnegre’s rocky outcrops for sea bass.
Golf Courses Nearby
Three 18-hole golf courses sit within 30 minutes by car. Hacienda del Álamo has wide, forgiving fairways good for new players, while Lorca Golf’s slopes and narrow greens test experienced golfers. Camposol Golf, nearest to the coast, stays open after sunset with floodlit driving ranges. Green fees cost between €35 and €70, with lower rates for booking multiple days. Clubs rent clubs and shoes, and instructors give lessons in English or Spanish.
Where to Stay and Getting Here
Stay at Hotel Bahía near Playa Grande for easy beach access, or choose apartments like Playasol with kitchenettes and balconies. Inland guesthouses near Sierra Espuña often have pools and organize walks to spot eagles and hawks. Pick up maps and event schedules at the tourist office on Plaza Toneleros. Fly into Murcia International Airport (45 minutes away) or Alicante (1 hour 45 minutes), then take direct buses to Mazarrón’s central station.
