Postcard from La Manga

This story happened on: 16/02/2015

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We’ve never been to La Manga dell Mar Menor before. We wanted to rendezvous with our caravanning friends, Robert & Marion, who are spending a month with the C3 rally at Caravaning La Manga, and, as we’d heard so many conflicting opinions of the site, we had to see for ourselves. We phoned ahead and managed to get a pitch for four nights. The reception staff were very friendly and helpful.

We arrived in rain and things weren’t looking their best, but next morning the sun shone and we met our new chums from Navajas, also on the rally, for coffee. On Friday night, we sampled the rally social life when Robert and Marion invited us to the Fish & Chips Quiz Night!

The campsite is at Playa Honda on the southern shore of the Mar Menor (lesser sea) facing across to La Manga (the sleeve) which is a long sand-spit which separates Mar Menor from the Mediterranean. The area is very popular for sailing and windsurfing, with lots of grey-haired surfers out on the bay despite the temperatures.

On Saturday we cycled along the coastal path to La Manga where Cath had her first ‘paddle’ of 2015. There’s a splendid long beach but no promenade, just access points between the hotels. It was easy cycling for the most part on a dedicated path. Everyone else went to one of two Valentine’s Dinner Dances that evening ( one British, the other German). As a result we had the wifi signal to ourselves and managed to stream the final of Harry Hill’s ‘Stars in their Eyes’ – Catherine’s second treat of the day!

On Sunday we cycled to Cabo De Palos for the market (3 pairs of Chas-socks for 1.50€) before pedalling on to the lighthouse, Faro de Cabo de Palos. It was a long way and we were a bit saddle sore by the time we got back to the site. The village and harbour around the Cabo is in pleasant contrast to La Manga.

We enjoyed our stay, meeting up again with our friends. The site is an unusual mixture of hedged pitches, semi-permanent large motorhomes, and a ‘Residential Area’ comprising sheds, cabins and caravans all with bits added on. There’s a swimming pool, tennis courts and boules: it’s best you look at the Campsite’s webpage to learn more. It’s not everyone’s cup of tea; however, some people do love the life and stay for months.

5 comments

royandsharont commented on 16/02/2015 19:34

Member

royandsharont

Motorhomer

Commented on 16/02/2015 19:34

I am glad you caught up with your friends and enjoyed yourselves. I too am not overly keen of the actual campsite appearance but it has all the facilities, was beautifully clean facilities when we were last there & the location is great for us with many friends living in the area. We spent 16 months just along the coast of the Mar Menor at Los Alcazares and loved it back in 2010; still miss the mainly dry weather. Hope you have a good birthday bash at El Bero. Regards, Roy

Johnc 26 commented on 16/02/2015 19:42

Member

Johnc 26

Commented on 16/02/2015 19:42

Have to agree with all your comments cathnchas, we stayed there for 2 weeks in late May early June last year and really enjoyed it. We were invited to evening drinks by several of the long stayers who go every year in late February and stay for 3 months. It looks as if you are having nice weather, what temperatures can you expect this time of the year?

John C

chasncath commented on 16/02/2015 20:04

chasncath

Commented on 16/02/2015 20:04

Weather not looking too good for the next few days, but yesterday in La Manga it was about 20C but it has been down around 12 C.

Here are a couple of additional photos.

chasncath commented on 16/02/2015 20:26

chasncath

Commented on 16/02/2015 20:26

Thanks for the birthday wishes, Roy! We're at el Berro tonight, but weather forecast isn't looking good for a few days, and there aren't any dinner dances up here....

ps Our chums from Navajas were Dave & Lesley, the Tamworth Two.