Best beaches in Murcia: our pick of Spain’s secret hideaways

The Mar Menor is said to be Europe’s largest salt-water lagoon, separated from its big sister, the Mediterranean, by La Manga, a 22 km-long sand bar measuring between 200 m and 1,200 m wide. Villananitos beach, at the top of the lagoon, ticks all the boxes if you have kids in tow: calm shallow waters, fine sand and a children’s play area, plus sun loungers and shades to rent. Eateries are on hand for when hunger strikes. A quirky distraction are the nearby mud baths, which locals say have therapeutic properties. For a more rustic experience, cross the wooden boardwalks over the salt flats and dunes of San Pedro del Pinatar to the natural, open beaches of La Llana, a long sweep of pristine powdery sand bathed by a crystalline Med.

An attractive alternative to the succession of long La Manga del Mar Menor beaches is Cala del Pino, a smaller stretch of sand sheltered between rocky outcrops. With a pine grove at the back providing natural shade, the cove feels intimate and secluded despite having all the amenities on hand. The crystal-clear water is popular with snorkellers, and the surrounding landscape provides welcome relief from the more developed Mar Menor beaches. If you’re looking for a quieter few hours on the sand without venturing too far from town, Cala del Pino is an excellent choice.

Returning to the Med side now, another of the best La Manga beaches is Playa de las Amoladeras. This long, spacious, semi-wild stretch of fine golden sand and transparent waters largely backed by a protected dune system hits that sweet spot between urban and rustic. Basic amenities like foot showers and toilets are provided, while eateries are just a pleasant stroll away, including beach bars in the summer months.

Head further down La Manga’s southern curve and you’ll reach the fishing village of Cabo de Palos, one of Murcia’s most attractive coastal destinations. Levante beach sits at its heart. Guarded by the town’s iconic lighthouse, the beach combines soft sand with crystal-clear waters. Scuba enthusiasts from across Europe flock to Cabo de Palos as the nearby marine reserve is considered one of the finest diving spots in the Mediterranean. Even from the shore, the clarity of the water is remarkable, making it a strong contender for best beach in La Manga. Be sure to spend some time wandering the harbour, where seafood restaurants serve some of the freshest fish in the region.

A stone’s throw southwest of Cabo de Palos lies Cala Reona, a small cove that feels a world away from the busy resort beaches nearby. Surrounded by rocky hills and an altogether more natural landscape, the cove offers transparent turquoise waters ideal for water sports like snorkelling and diving. An eatery operates in the summer months. Cala Reona acts as a gateway to the regional park of Calblanque, and many visitors combine a morning swim here with a hike along the coastal trails. The stark beauty of the cove makes it one of Murcia’s hidden gems.

No list of the best beaches in Murcia would be complete without Calblanque, a protected area (sea turtles nest there) beyond Cala Reona. Nature lovers rate this spectacular succession of pristine beaches and coves lapped by a deep azure sea as the region’s crown jewel. Golden sand stretches for miles beneath rolling dunes and rugged hills, giving visitors a rare sense of wilderness on the Mediterranean coast. The scenery and wildlife are the main event in Calblanque – vehicle access is regulated, especially during the summer months when a bus service is provided. Remember, it’s a completely wild space with no shops, restaurants or facilities, so pack your own food, water and sun protection.

Moving west now, and nestled in Cartagena Bay, Cala Cortina is one of Murcia’s most popular urban coves. Sheltered from strong winds by rocky cliffs, it offers clear, calm waters that are a hit with both kids and divers. The cove’s horseshoe shape provides an idyllic setting, while a beachside bar makes an excellent perch from which to admire the natural beauty. All in all, an ideal choice for travellers wanting to combine a few hours on the sand with a visit to the history-steeped port city of Cartagena.

Rounding Cabo Tiñosa from Cartagena is the charming fishing village of La Azohía, home to the zone’s last almadraba. This ancient, sustainable fishing technique involves setting a complex maze of vertical nets designed to corral tuna or mackerel. The relaxed, low-key beaches in and around the village give visitors a more authentic slice of local life, and the calm waters are perfect for paddleboarding or swimming. Take in the rugged coastal scenery or spot fishermen bringing in their catch, as you cool off every now and then in that clear, azure Med.

A little further on – or arriving in Mazarrón in under an hour from Murcia – Playa de Bahía lives up to its name with a beautiful, curved bay sheltered from strong waves. This local favourite is renowned for its fine golden sand, family-friendly ambience and cute, low-rise waterfront. Tranquil waters and a gentle slope into the sea make it one of the safest swimming beaches near Murcia, while the surrounding town provides plenty of eating options for visitors looking to sample fresh seafood after a day in the sun. Dog owners will love canine-friendly Playa de las Moreras just a few hundred metres west.

Our route continues past Mazarrón to Playa de Bolnuevo. This broad semi-urban stretch of coarse golden sand is perhaps best known for Las Gredas, extraordinary sandstone formations at the back of the beach sculpted over centuries by wind and water. The beach itself offers calm waters and great facilities, including beach bars in the summer, but it is the backdrop that makes Bolnuevo unforgettable. 

Sunset here is particularly stunning, as the fading light illuminates the strange rock formations in shades of gold and orange. Beyond the main beach are the Calas de Bolnuevo, a series of craggy, unspoilt coves that are perfect for travellers seeking peace and a raw, natural setting away from the crowds.

Among Murcia’s lesser-known treasures, Playa de Percheles sits between Mazarrón and Águilas. Framed by the area’s signature rugged hills, a grove of palm trees provides an almost exotic backdrop, while the sheltered crescent bay offers calm, clear waters. The beach remains relatively undeveloped and draws visitors seeking tranquillity rather than crowds. Let the hours slip by unnoticed as you alternate between swimming, reading or simply taking in the natural beauty of the place.

If getting away from it all and reconnecting with nature is your priority, the protected area around Puntas de Calnegre, southwest of Percheles, has some of the best beaches in Murcia for you, serving up a plethora of pristine strips of sand and coves. Take your pick from Playa de Calnegre, Parazuelos, Playa Larga, Cala de Calnegre, Playa del Siscal, the list goes on.

Some of these little-known spots are entirely undeveloped, which means they’re not always easy to get to and you might need to take all you need for the day with you. The reward, however, is an unspoilt, tranquil getaway bathed by crystal-clear waters far from the crowds, even in the height of summer. 

For an accessible, family-friendly urban vibe with excellent amenities and eateries on hand, one of the best beaches in Murcia is Playa de Poniente in Águilas. This lively spot –guaranteed to please parents and kids alike – offers fine golden sand and clean, calm Mediterranean waters sheltered by a promontory topped by San Juan de Águilas castle. If you’re a diving enthusiast, the town has a number of schools and centres, as local conditions are optimal for practising the sport.

As we come to the southern end of our tour of best Murcia beaches, wild secluded Playa La Carolina is among the finest examples. The beach combines soft sand, rocky outcrops and exceptionally clear water. While it’s perfect for relaxing and soaking up some sun, snorkellers and divers will find plenty to explore too, and the dramatic coastal scenery is the perfect backdrop for Insta-worthy snaps. Despite its beauty, La Carolina often remains quiet outside the peak summer season. 

And just yards away, our journey concludes at Playa de los Cocedores, one of the most distinctive of the Costa Cálida beaches. Straddling the border with Andalusia, this small cove features unusual rock formations and traditional fishermen’s caves carved into the cliffs. The beach feels secretive, tucked away between rocky headlands and washed by clear Mediterranean waters. It’s a fitting finale to a journey that showcases Murcia’s unsung, refreshingly authenticcoastline, where nature is still the star turn.