MAZARRÓN

An ancient mining enclave with 30 kilometers of beach

MAZARRÓN

The municipality of Mazarrón presents the visitor with three well-differentiated areas, allowing it to offer a diverse and highly appreciated range of experiences. In the inland part of the municipality, with Mazarrón as the municipal capital, agriculture of an intensive nature is the main activity. Trade and tourism form the economic base of the coastal area, with the main nucleus located in Puerto de Mazarrón. Between these areas, the geographical barrier of the Sierra del Algarrobo, Sierra de las Herrerías, and Sierra de las Moreras is an ideal setting for mountain biking, hiking, or climbing at a basic level.

The Mazarrón core holds a significant part of the heritage left by history in the territory. The Castle of Los Vélez, the Convent of La Purísima, the Church of San Andrés, as well as the Town Hall, are some of the most prominent examples.

 

Mining activities attracted the presence of the Phoenicians, who considered Mazarrón a stop in their trade between Ibiza and Cádiz. . Important findings from Phoenician shipwrecks have made the area highly interesting. If you visit the Interpretation Center of the Phoenician ship in Mazarrón, located in Puerto de Mazarrón, you will find all the information about this ship, considered one of the oldest found in the Mediterranean.

Mining, along with the proximity to ancient Cartagonova, was also attractive to the Romans. They established a significant metallurgical industry while setting up a salting factory that exported to the entire Empire, leaving its mark on Mazarrón’s gastronomic tradition . Today, it is possible to visit this facility, now turned into an Archaeological Museum.

The coastal area offers the visitor thirty kilometersof beac h, with ten of them being almost pristine – up to sixteen – while the remaining fifteen urban beaches present a truly spectacular water and sand area, equipped with all the services that users may need.

Another characteristic of the coastline is the presence of watchtowers, built in the 16th century with the intention of protecting the coast from the incursions of Berber pirates. There is a route that visits all the towers, but it is at the Tower of Los Caballos where the Interpretation Center is located and is prepared to receive visitors who will learn about the functioning of these defensive structures.

Due to the geographical variety found in Mazarrón, this town becomes a tourist destination that can satisfy a wide range of interests. Therefore, numerous activities are programmed in Mazarrón ranging from whale watching to ideal spots for diving. The surface is as spectacular as the underwater environments of Mazarrón are well-preserved. The marinas encourage the practice of water sports, including sports fishing.

In the mountainous areas, there are different routes to explore, both on mountain bikes and on foot Specifically, there are two mountain bike routes t hat cover the GR 92 and the greenway that connects Mazarrón with Totana and Cartagena. Road cycling enthusiasts can easily tackle significant challenges from Mazarrón, as the Sierra de Espuña, with challenging mountain passes, is just 30 kilometers away.

If you prefer hiking, there is a route that covers the ancient mining hills of San Cristóbal and Los Perules, and a second one that goes through the Algezares ravine, with an ascent to Morro Blanco in the Sierra de las Moreras. It is also possible to enjoy the pristine beaches mentioned earlier with a route that leads from Punta Vela to Percheles Beach.

Additionally, the Mazarrón City Council offers free guided tours to these points and others: visits to the Archaeological Museum, the Convent of La Purísima, or the mining sites of Mazarrón are some of the cultural visits available. Hiking excursions are also organized, such as those to the Sierra de las Moreras and Calas de Bolnuevo. To learn about the schedule and register for some of these activities, it is necessary to consult the website visitamazarron.com (organize your trip section).

Visitors to Mazarrón will have the opportunity to explore a gastronomic tradition characterized by the use of local products from the town’s own farms – or from nearby areas, such as Calasparra rice – and from the sea.

In fact, Lobster Rice is one of the standout dishes. Other notable dishes include “rape” or sea bass a la mazarronera, ajotomate, hake meatballs, and sardine moragas.

It is also worth mentioning that the tradition of the salted fish industry, initiated in Roman times, continues with the production of salted products such as fish roe, “mojama,” tuna, and bonito.

Mazarrón preserves ten kilometers of practically untouched beaches and offers a varied range of experiences.

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