La Manga holidays

This stunning spit of land in southern Spain has everything you need for a great sunshine break. ...

Holidays in La Manga are something special. La Manga del Mar Menor (to give it its full title), or ‘The Sandbar of the Minor Sea', is a coastal spit in the region of Murcia on the sun-drenched Costa Calida, which is close to the Costa Blanca. Its long and narrow mass has been steadily developed over the years to become a destination crammed with high-rise hotels, top restaurants and holiday amenities. Wherever you stay, you shouldn't have a problem getting a sea-view room in La Manga: the strip boasts cream and gold Mediterranean Sea beaches on both sides.

La Manga holidays can be taken in one of the hotels on the spit or amid the lush hills that look down upon this unique seascape. Inland hotels offer easy access to the golf courses that attract so many sporty types to the area. The famous La Manga Club Resort is a sporting mecca for amateurs and professionals, while there are also lots of other activities, especially water-based sports, on offer around La Manga del Mar Menor.

Read our La Manga climate guide to figure out when to book your next Spanish break

It's no surprise that sporty types book winter training here in La Manga, as mild weather prevails from November to March (daytime temperatures range from 16-20C) with little rainfall.

From May onwards, the mercury rises beyond 20C, with summer peaks in July and August of around 30C.

Lounge by the pool or on the sands if you wish, but there are plenty of things to see in La Manga when you fancy a change of pace

Kids and teens: Mar Menor is the largest salty lagoon in Europe and its water can be accessed from almost anywhere in La Manga. The water temperature remains higher in the lagoon than it does in the sea on the other side of the spit, so families can splash about all day, especially in summer and autumn, without feeling the chill.

Relaxing: Towards the northern end of the spit is swanky Tomas Maestre Marina. Find a suitably chic bar, take a seat, and witness the majesty of the sun setting over Mar Menor.

Active types: The calm waters of Mar Menor are ideal for beginners having a go at windsurfing, water skiing, sailing, canoeing or one of the many other activities available.