Playa Honda Beaches

Overview

Playa Honda is a premier destination for a tranquil beach holiday in Murcia, perfectly suited for families and those looking to relax. The town is situated on the coast of the Mar Menor, Europe's largest saltwater lagoon. This unique setting provides exceptionally calm, shallow, and warm waters, making it an ideal and safe environment for swimming. Unlike more bustling tourist spots, Playa Honda offers a quieter, more residential atmosphere for a truly restful getaway.

The region boasts a diverse selection of beaches to explore. The main in-town beach, Playa Honda, offers golden sand and easy access for a convenient day by the sea. For an escape into nature, the protected park of Playa de Calblanque features an iconic landscape of unspoiled dunes and wild coastline. Nearby, Playa de Los Narejos is a vibrant hub popular with locals, while the charming cove of Cala Cortina provides a more intimate and secluded beach experience.

Beyond the main highlights, the adjoining Playa Paraíso is well-known for its natural, therapeutic mud baths. While Playa Honda is defined by its peaceful environment, visitors seeking more vibrant nightlife and activity can find it just a short drive away on the famous La Manga strip. To discover even more coastal gems, from quiet coves to lively shores, be sure to browse our complete guide to the area's beaches.

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FAQ

Is Playa Honda good for a family holiday?

Yes, Playa Honda is considered an excellent destination for families. The beach is on the Mar Menor, a large saltwater lagoon, which means the water is consistently calm, shallow, and warmer than the Mediterranean Sea. These conditions are ideal for children to swim and play safely. The beach also offers amenities like play areas, and lifeguards are on duty during the peak season from June to September.

Playa Honda

Can you swim in the sea at Playa Honda?

Absolutely. The beach at Playa Honda fronts the Mar Menor, which is famous for its calm, warm, and shallow waters, making it perfect for swimming and wading. The water is non-tidal and lacks strong currents or waves, offering a safe and pleasant bathing experience for most of the year due to the region's mild climate.

Playa Honda

What is the beach like at Playa Honda?

Playa Honda features a long, wide beach with fine golden sand. It's a semi-urban beach backed by a promenade perfect for walking or cycling. You'll find good amenities such as showers, toilets, sun lounger and umbrella rentals, and beach bars. It has been awarded a 'Q for Quality' flag, indicating its high standards for services and cleanliness.

Playa Honda

Is Playa Honda a busy, lively resort?

Playa Honda is generally a quiet and relaxing resort, especially outside of the peak summer months. It's more of a residential and family-oriented area than a party destination. While it has several bars and restaurants, those seeking vibrant nightlife often travel to the nearby La Manga strip or the city of Cartagena, both just a short drive away.

Playa Honda

Are there apartments to rent right on the beach in Playa Honda?

Yes, Playa Honda's shoreline is lined with numerous apartment buildings, many of which are available for holiday rentals. Complexes like 'Verdemar' are frequently mentioned and are located directly on or just across the road from the beach, offering stunning sea views of the Mar Menor from their balconies.

See the full list of accommodation options here.

Playa Honda

What's the difference between Playa Honda and La Manga?

Playa Honda is a quieter, more residential beach town on the shore of the Mar Menor. In contrast, La Manga is a narrow strip of land separating the Mar Menor from the Mediterranean Sea, offering beaches on both sides. La Manga is much more developed and commercial, with a wider array of nightlife, shops, and restaurants, making it a livelier and busier destination overall.

Playa Honda

When is the best time to visit Playa Honda?

The best time to visit depends on your preference. For a classic beach holiday with the warmest weather for swimming and sunbathing, the summer months of June to September are ideal, though it is also the busiest period. For pleasant temperatures, fewer crowds, and activities like hiking or cycling, the spring (March to May) and autumn (October to November) are excellent choices.

Playa Honda

Are there any natural beaches near Playa Honda?

Yes, one of the biggest attractions near Playa Honda is the Calblanque Regional Park. Just a short drive away, it offers a completely different beach experience with protected, unspoiled natural landscapes, golden sand dunes, and wild coves. There are no buildings or loud beach bars, making it a perfect escape for nature lovers.

Playa de Calblanque

People Also Ask

How do you get to Playa Honda from Murcia International Airport (RMU)?

The most direct way to get to Playa Honda from Murcia International Airport (RMU) is by car or taxi, which takes about 35-40 minutes. There are also shuttle bus services that operate routes to the La Manga area, with a stop in Playa Honda. Public bus transport is available but requires a transfer in the city of Cartagena, making the total journey time around 2 hours.

Playa Honda

What is there to do besides going to the beach?

Besides the beach, you can enjoy various water sports on the calm Mar Menor, such as paddleboarding and kayaking. The flat promenade is great for walking and cycling. Nearby, you can visit the charming fishing village of Cabo de Palos for its lighthouse and seafood restaurants, explore the hiking trails of Calblanque Park, or take a short drive to the historic city of Cartagena for cultural attractions.

Playa Honda

Is Playa Honda suitable for a winter sun holiday?

Playa Honda can be a good choice for a peaceful winter sun holiday. The Murcia region is one of the warmest on mainland Spain, with mild winter temperatures. While it may be too cool for most people to swim, the weather is often pleasant enough for long walks on the beach and promenade. However, be aware that the resort is much quieter in winter, with fewer restaurants and amenities open compared to the summer season.

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Are there mud baths in Playa Honda?

While Playa Honda itself doesn't have the famous mud baths, its adjoining beach, Playa Paraíso, does have an area with therapeutic mud. These natural mud baths are a well-known attraction of the Mar Menor. Further north, the salt flats at San Pedro del Pinatar offer the most famous mud-bathing experience in the region.

Playa Honda

Playa Paraíso