Pronounced 'los-alcatha-res' is an old fishing and saltwater spa town on the Costa Calida (warm coast) in the Murcia region of Spain. The town is on the western shore of the Mar Menor, a saltwater lagoon separated from the Mediterranean Sea by a 22 kilometre long strip of land called La Manga. The Mar Menor is always 3-4 degrees C warmer than the Mediterranean and the area enjoys an average of 320 days of sunshine each year. Along it’s shores there are a variety of bars, cafes and restaurants providing drinks, tapas, meals and entertainment. The warm and shallow waters of the Mar Menor make the resort a mecca for sailing, windsurfing and jet skiing enthusiasts.

On the 13th October 1983, the town was afforded Municipal Autonomy and in celebration of this, a week-long outdoor party is held every October featuring live music, shows and firework displays. During the last three days of March every year, Los Alcazares plays host to a large medieval market and numerous events in recollection of the times when Barbary pirates used to raid this stretch of Spain’s coastline during the 15th century. Throughout the last two weeks in August, the town hosts ‘La Huerta’ the international celebration of the region’s status as the market garden of Spain, when Spanish and other European countries gather to display their folklore, handicrafts and gastronomic feasts from their local produce.

Along the 7km promenade you will find over 20 beach bars where you can get a drink or a snack type meal, hire sun beds, parasols and pedallos. Being as flat as it is, cycling is very popular in Los Alcazares and bikes can be hired from several hire shops in the town. You can also hire motorbikes behind the Deutsche Bank in the El Oasis development at the North end of town.

There are 2 tourist information offices in Los Alcazares, which can also provide lots of up-to-date literature regarding local events and places to visit in English.

*Please be aware that Los Alcazares is quite Spanish and with only 2 discos and 1 karaoke bar, the nightlife in the resort is relatively low-key, making it ideal for both relaxing and active family and golf holidays alike. Couples will enjoy the many excellent restaurants in the town or just lazing around on the beach or by the pool all day, however it is worth noting that Los Alcazares will definitely not suit those looking for a lively clubbers-style holiday in the Med.

Restaurants

When it comes to eating out in Los Alcazares, you will be truly spoilt for choice. There are numerous excellent restaurants Here are just a few of our favourites by type and price (indicated by the number of £££ signs shown).

Spanish/Continental

Casa Penhalver in the centre of Los Alcazares is a cosy, traditional Spanish restaurant. Ideal for a romantic dinner for two.

El Patio 1 & 2 – Both within 3 minutes walk of the apartment and both do excellent meat and seafood.

Roblemar at El Oasis is possibly the most exclusive restaurant in Los Alcazares. Great Tapas, seafood and meat dishes.

Biancha – the green fronted building on the main road just round the corner from the market place. Very friendly and does great pizzas and pork steaks.

Restaurante Tropical is in the centre of town, just off the Real de Feria parade of shops behind the Town Hall. The Tropical does great Tapas and has both indoor and outdoor seating. It’s also only 50 yards from the promenade, so you can walk off your meal afterwards with a gentle stroll!

El Chato – just across the road from Biancha does great tapas in a traditional Spanish style. Very popular with the locals so you may need to book (even in the quiet season at weekends)

The Hotel Balneario, an old spa hotels right on the promenade, next to the Marina, is the oldest hotel in Los Alcazares. Decorated in a quirky colonial style with wicker chairs, ceiling fans and brass bar fittings, dining here is like stepping back in time to 1930’s Cuba. The food and service here is of a high quality, but quite pricey.

Italian

Angela’s Pizzeria – just at the bottom of the Balneario Plaza opposite the Hotel Costa Narejos. Great value pizza & pasta. £

Chinese – There are 3 or 4 excellent Chinese Restaurants in Los Alcazares which provide excellent food at very reasonable prices e.g. set meal for 2 people 19 euros (around £13!). These include El Chino in Edificio Europa and Cocina Asiatica in the Balneario Plaza, but the one we particularly like is the Hong Kong, just past the El Arbol supermarket and next door to the lamp shop. £