Atamaría Beaches

Overview

More than just a world-class golf destination, Atamaría offers a unique beach holiday experience thanks to its prime location. Nestled between two distinct bodies of water, it provides access to both the calm, exceptionally warm waters of the Mar Menor lagoon and the expansive, open Mediterranean Sea. This dual coastline means visitors can enjoy a wide spectrum of beaches, from sheltered family-friendly shores to wild, natural coves, all within a short drive.

The area's variety is showcased in its celebrated beaches. For families, the shallow and tranquil waters of Playa Honda and Playa de Mar de Cristal on the Mar Menor are ideal. For a livelier atmosphere close to the city, locals favor the urban cove of Cala Cortina. Guests of the La Manga Club resort have the beautiful and convenient Cala del Barco at their doorstep, which offers an exclusive feel. For those seeking snorkeling and scenic hikes, the hidden gem Cala Reona provides a perfect escape.

For a truly unspoiled coastal experience, the protected Calblanque Regional Park is an essential visit. Here you will find some of the region's most stunning and undeveloped beaches, famed for their golden sands and natural beauty, such as the renowned Playa de Calblanque. These wild beaches offer a dramatic contrast to the calmer shores of the Mar Menor. To discover even more coves and sandy stretches, be sure to explore our complete guide to the beaches in the region.

Top Beaches

Playa de Calblanque

An iconic, unspoiled beach within a protected park, celebrated for its stunning natural beauty and golden sands. This is one of the best-preserved natural landscapes on the coast, offering a true sense of escape just a short distance from the developed areas of La Manga. The scenery is a dramatic mix of arid mountains, ancient fossil dunes, and lonely coves that create a wild and rugged backdrop against the clear blue sea. This protected status ensures the environment remains pristine, allowing its rich natural character to be the main attraction. Its long, ochre-colored shoreline and tranquil atmosphere make it a paradise for nature lovers. A visit here feels less like a typical beach day and more like an immersion into the raw beauty of the Mediterranean coast.

FAQ

Is Atamaría a good base for a beach holiday, or is it just for golf?

Atamaría is an excellent base for a varied beach holiday, not just for golf. While it is home to the famous La Manga Club resort with its world-class golf courses, it's also strategically located between the calm, warm waters of the Mar Menor lagoon and the open Mediterranean Sea. This gives you easy access to a wide variety of beaches, from the secluded cove at La Manga Club to the wild, natural beaches of the Calblanque Regional Park.

Playa de Calblanque

Are the beaches near Atamaría good for families with children?

Yes, the area offers fantastic options for families. The beaches on the Mar Menor side, such as Playa Honda or Mar de Cristal, are particularly suitable for young children due to their calm, shallow, and warm waters. The resort's own cove, Cala del Barco, is also a sheltered option, though the more natural beaches in Calblanque Park have fewer amenities and may be better for families with older children.

Playa Honda

Do you need a car to visit the beaches around Atamaría?

A car is highly recommended to make the most of the beaches around Atamaría. While the La Manga Club may offer shuttles to its private cove, a car gives you the freedom to explore the different beaches along the Mar Menor and, crucially, to access the trailheads and parking areas for the more remote beaches within the Calblanque Regional Park.

Is the beach at La Manga Club private?

No, all beaches in Spain are public property by law. However, the access to Cala del Barco, the cove associated with La Manga Club, is through the resort itself. This gives it a secluded and exclusive feel, and it is primarily used by resort guests, but it is not technically private.

Are there hotels in Atamaría with direct beach access?

While Atamaría is very close to the coast, it is primarily a resort community set slightly inland. The Grand Hyatt La Manga Club Golf & Spa provides easy access to its nearby cove, Cala del Barco, often via a short drive or shuttle. For properties directly on the sand, you would typically look towards the towns along the Mar Menor or on the La Manga Strip itself.

See the full list of accommodation options here.

Which is better for swimming: the Mar Menor or the Mediterranean beaches?

It depends on your preference. The Mar Menor is a large, shallow saltwater lagoon with very calm, warmer water, making it ideal for relaxed swimming and families. The Mediterranean beaches, like those in Calblanque Park, offer a more traditional sea experience with clearer water, gentle waves, and a wilder, more natural setting.

Playa de Calblanque

How do you get to the beaches in Calblanque Park?

Access to Calblanque's beaches is typically via a main road leading from the La Manga motorway. From there, unpaved tracks lead to designated parking areas. During peak summer months, private vehicle access may be restricted to protect the park's environment, and a public bus service may run from a central parking lot to the main beaches.

Playa de Calblanque

Are there sandy beaches near Atamaría or are they rocky?

The area boasts a mix, but it is well-known for its beautiful sandy beaches. The beaches within Calblanque Regional Park, such as Playa de Calblanque and Playa Larga, are famous for their golden sands. The Mar Menor beaches are also sandy. While there are some rocky coves and cliffs, especially along the Mediterranean coast, sandy stretches are plentiful.

Playa de Calblanque

People Also Ask

What's the best time of year for a beach holiday in Atamaría?

The best time for a beach holiday is from June to September when temperatures are hot and ideal for swimming. However, the shoulder months of May and October are also excellent, offering pleasant weather, warm sea temperatures, and fewer crowds. The Murcia region boasts over 300 days of sunshine a year, making it a viable destination even in late autumn.

Are there beach bars (chiringuitos) or restaurants on the beaches?

It varies significantly. The resort's cove, Cala del Barco, has a well-known restaurant overlooking the sea. Many of the developed beaches along the Mar Menor have chiringuitos and restaurants. In contrast, the protected beaches within Calblanque Regional Park are completely natural and have no facilities, so you must bring your own food and water.

What are some hidden gem beaches near Atamaría?

For a true hidden gem experience, explore the more remote coves within the Calblanque Regional Park, such as Cala Arturo or Cala de los Déntoles. These require a bit more walking to reach but reward you with tranquility and unspoiled nature. On the Mar Menor side, Mar de Cristal is often considered a quieter, more relaxed alternative to the busier beaches.

Playa de Mar de Cristal

How does Atamaría compare to the main La Manga Strip?

Atamaría offers a more tranquil, upscale, and nature-focused holiday experience centered around the La Manga Club resort and Calblanque Park. The La Manga Strip is a bustling, 21-km long sandbar with numerous hotels, apartments, restaurants, and bars, offering a livelier and more developed resort atmosphere with beaches on both the Mar Menor and Mediterranean.

Playa de Calblanque