General - There is a small but well-stocked convenience store one or two minutes walk along the road running adjacent to the beach, which is open every day. There is a beach bar in this direction on the beach, and some other local restaurants close by. For larger food-shopping trips there is a supermarket in Cabo de Palos a short drive away, and for a superstore there is Upper on the other side of the main road. There is an absolutely superb choice of restaurants right the way up the La Manga strip and within the La Manga Golf Resort.
Walkway Next to Flat.
Around the Mar Menor - The natural salt-water lagoon known as the Mar Menor (Little Sea) is famed for its health giving properties, (you might like to try the nearby mud bathes). It has a temperature several degrees warmer then the Mediterranean. The long sandy beaches and crystal clear, shallow waters make it an ideal location for children. Boat trips can be taken to visit the 5 small islands in the lagoon, or pedalos can be hired nearby. The La Manga strip, just a walk along the beach or 5 minutes by car, offers many restaurants, bars, shops and beaches. At its tip is a superb new marina with wonderful views across both the Mar Menor and the Mediterranean. Few can resist the chance to swim in both the large, rolling waters of the Med and the calm, shallow, salty ones of the Mar Menor. There are several coastal villages around the Mar Menor. Los Nietos, a sleepy, old Spanish fishing village and Alcazares, a delightful Old Spanish holiday town and formerly a retreat for Moorish kings are definitely worth a visit. As is the village Los Belones. Not least for its great restaurants and superb Bodega. Definitely a wine buffs dream!
View of Beachbar Closeby to Flat.
On the Mediterranean side - Just a few minutes away and jutting out into the Mediterranean is the picturesque fishing port Cabo de Palos. This is an absolute must for its superb choice of seafood restaurants situated along the quayside. This is also where you can find most of the diving schools. The biggest & best market in the area is held here every Sunday morning. Just along from here is the natural park Calblanque. Reached by a rough road but well worth the effort for its gloriously unspoilt sandy bays nestled in the rocky peaks. It is renowned to be one of the most beautiful areas in Southeast Spain, and local people fought hard in the 1980s to protect this area which is now a designated natural park. There is also an abundance of bird life around the salt lakes. This really is the perfect place for getting away from it all for a day. And if you are up early enough the sunrise is spectacular from here. You can also go on horse rides or walking treks. For the more energetic of us it is the perfect place to explore off road on a bicycle.
View from Ground Floor Terrace
Murcia & Cartagena - The historic city of Murcia, the capital of the province is less than 45 minutes drive away. Murcia is a truly beautiful city and one of the most diverse regions in Europe. This ancient city boasts cultural & architectural influences dating from the Carthaginians, the Greeks, the Romans and the Arabs. A great place to shop and for sightseeing the unique hoards of baroque art and architecture. The famous casino is definitely worth a visit if only for the extravagant décor, and ladies do make a point of visiting the cloakroom. The historic town and naval port of Cartagena is 20 minutes away by car. Apart from its wealth of naval history, museums and places to visit, is great for shopping. Also home of many excellent restaurants. Part of the charm of Murcia and Cartagena is that they are very Spanish and hence, in typical Spanish style very friendly places. You may well need your phrase book.
Calblanque National Park -5 minutes Drive Away
(Rated No.1 Attraction by Murcia Guidebooks!)