La Manga

La Manga (Spanish for "The Sleeve") refers to a sandbar or spit enclosing the Mar Menor lagoon in the Region of Murcia, southeastern Spain. It stretches approximately 21 kilometers from Cabo de Palos to Punta del Mojón, separating the Mediterranean Sea from the Mar Menor.

Geologically, La Manga is a relatively recent formation, having developed from volcanic islands. Sediment deposition and sand accumulation gradually connected these islands, creating the narrow strip of land that exists today. The width of La Manga varies, ranging from around 100 meters to over 1.5 kilometers in certain areas.

The area is a popular tourist destination, known for its beaches on both the Mediterranean and Mar Menor sides. The Mar Menor, a saltwater lagoon, offers calm and shallow waters, making it suitable for water sports and families. La Manga also boasts numerous hotels, apartments, restaurants, and other tourist facilities.

However, La Manga has faced environmental challenges in recent years, primarily due to agricultural runoff containing fertilizers and pollutants entering the Mar Menor. This has led to eutrophication, algal blooms, and oxygen depletion, impacting the lagoon's ecosystem. Efforts are underway to mitigate these environmental issues and restore the health of the Mar Menor.