Venture beyond La Manga Club and you will find that the region of Murcia offers a wealth of little-known delights.

Historic Cities

The fascinating cities of Cartagena and Murcia are within easy access of La Manga Club Resort.

Cartagena
Just 20 kilometres from the resort is Cartagena, an ancient port founded by the Carthaginians in 223 BC. Throughout the city, you will find evidence of its 2200-year history, marked by the imprint of different civilisations, battles, ruins, ancient walls, castles and churches.

You could visit its numerous Roman ruins, its archaeological museums, or simply stroll through the city centre and marvel at its modernist architecture.

Murcia
The regional capital, Murcia, is a 45-minute drive from Hyatt Regency La Manga. Its most notable monument is the cathedral, which is characterised by the variety of architectural styles that overlapped during its construction. The Episcopal Palace, the Casino and several churches are also well worth a visit, as are its museums and art galleries. The city also offers good shopping as well as pleasant squares in which to relax and enjoy a drink or tapas at one of the many cafés.

Lorca
Approximately one hour from the resort, the ancient town of Lorca is home to some of the most important examples of Spanish baroque. A walk through its streets and plazas will take you back to an illustrious past, when powerful aristocratic families and religious orders populated it with their churches, convents and sumptuous mansions. The town is dominated by its castle, the Fortress of the Sun, which is one of the region's most important cultural attractions.

Coast and Countryside

Natural Parks
Bordering La Manga Club, the Mediterranean coast at Calblanque is a site of unrivalled natural beauty. For nature lovers and ramblers there are many walks in the hills surrounding the resort, with a system of well-marked paths running along the coast and through the natural park of Calblanque. Further afield, the mountainous Sierra Espuña regional park offers many nature trails and treks.

Mar Menor
Only a few kilometres away, the Mar Menor is Europe's largest saltwater lagoon and an area filled with history and charm.

Salt Flats of San Pedro del Pinatar
The region's most important wetland area, where thousands of migratory birds, including flamingos, rest on their journey between Europe and Africa.

Villages and Markets

Los Belones
Within four kilometres of the resort, Los Belones holds a small fruit market every Tuesday.

Cabo de Palos
Cabo de Palos is a typical fishing village offering a wide choice of gastronomy. From its emblematic lighthouse, perched on the cliffs carved out by the waves, you can see the whole of La Manga. Stroll along the harbour or look for a bargain in its lively Sunday market.

The coast around Cabo de Palos offers some of Spain's best diving territory. Discover its exceptional submarine flora and fauna in sites such as La Perdiguera, La Isla del Ciervo or the Islas Hormigas Marine Reserve.

Festivals

There are many different festivals and celebrations throughout the region. The following are just tasters of what is on offer:

Carnival
There are colourful processions in most towns and villages in anticipation of the arrival of Lent, although the grandest and most famous takes place in Aguilas in the south of the region.

Easter Week
The Easter celebrations in Cartagena are renowned throughout Spain for their emotive processions and stunning costumes with embroidery and hoods. The processions are organised by four principal cofradías (fraternities) and numerous sub-groups, some dating back as early as the 16th century, each with their own history and traditions.

Lorca's Easter festivities are marked by their colourful horse parades, while Murcia is most famous for its religious images by the sculptor, Salzillo.

'Cante de las Minas' Flamenco Festival
Every August the nearby mining town of La Unión plays host to the world's most important flamenco song festival, known as the Festival del Cante de las Minas (Song of the Mines Festival). The town's historic modernist market building brings together some of Spain's best-known flamenco singers as well as young artists, all vying to take away the coveted awards for the best flamenco singer, dancer or guitarist.

Carthaginians and Romans Festival
During the second half of September, the normally tranquil citizens of Cartagena don their tunics and togas to re-enact events which took place between 223 BC, when the city was founded by General Asdrubal, and 209 BC, when the city fell to the Romans. During the festivities, thousands of local people head for the streets dressed in typical costumes from the period, representing the famous personalities, the different social groups, the Carthaginian troops and the Roman legions who played a part in the city's history.

There are numerous events during the festival, including a Roman circus and the wedding of the Iberian Princess Himilce and the intrepid Carthaginian General Hannibal. After each of these events the crowds head for the 'Camp' where the different groups have their own 'field headquarters' and a party atmosphere is guaranteed.