Calblanque

Calblanque, Murcia – rocky bays, beaches, nature

Calblanque is a remote and almost untouched stretch of coast, just south of the Mar Menor. This designated natural park enjoys secluded bays, solitude and an abundance of wild birds and flowers. Boardwalks criss–cross the sand dunes leading down to the beaches, with paths along the coast.

Best reached by car access is via a bumpy road, off the main road to La Manga. The area is completely protected from the uncontrolled building which has affected other coastal destinations.

The beaches are great for scuba diving and snorkelling as the waters are very clear. You are more likely to bump into a herd of goats than see an armada of pedalos sailing past.

Calblanque Revealed – Our Trip To Calblanque

On a damp Sunday afternoon in February the beach is secluded. The sun is just about breaking through the low clouds, the sound of the sea crashing into the fossil-rich rocks acts as our backdrop and we once again marvel at how lucky we are to be living in Murcia. Our peace is only broken by the call of birds, the crash of the sea and the sound of a couple of 4×4’s zipping around on the dirt roads.

Calblanque Noticeboard – describing the area, walks, plants, beaches…

We visited the natural park of Calblanque, a little bit of Murcia that I’d never visited before and wish I’d gotten round to sooner.

The beaches are great for scuba diving and snorkelling as the waters are very clear, though I must say that only the very hardy would be in the water at this time of year. You are more likely to bump into a herd of goats than see an armada of pedalos sailing past, as was proven by the hundreds of cloven footprints and little black droppings on the trail we followed. These beaches are also of interest to surfers, kitesurfers and windsurfers.

Calblanque Wildflowers

The area is abundant in wildlife and you may see: cypress groves, badgers, sea turtles (if you’re very lucky), Bonelli’s eagle, the eagle owl, the green woodpecker, flamingoes and several varieties of heron and plover and many varieties of wild flowers.

Areas to visit include: Salinas de Rasall (salt flats), Playa de Calblanque, Playa Larga (long beach), Playa Negrete (nudist beach, though it was a little too cold!), Playa de las Cañas and the old mines (abandoned tin, silver and copper mines).

Best reached by car access is via a bumpy road, off the main road to La Manga. Head for the Information Point and if you’re lucky you’ll meet the same highly enthusiastic and knowledgeable young woman we did. When we visited they also had a small exhibition of photographs on display in the adjoining room. T: 968 29 84 23 – Open 10am–2pm, 3–6pm Tue–Sun. The information point has some useful leaflets.

There is an extensive network of long distance walks throughout Spain, with a number crossing into Murcia. These are called the senderos de Gran Recorrido (GRs). We have the GR7 all the way from Andorra, as well as many shorter footpaths called the senderos de Pequeño Recorrido (PRs).

The best books, covering the whole of the region are a range from Natursport – www.natursport.com – which can be bought online or from some tourist information points. Their publications include walking and cycling routes along the River Segura, into the Sierra Espuña and along the miles of coast, including here in Calblanque. There is the PR1, PR2 and the GR92. I’ve included links to these routes on the website for you, they include maps and suggested walk times.

The Federación de Orientación de la Región de Murcia www.form–orientacion.com organises orienteering in the Murcia region.

If you enjoy walking, cycling, nature, swimming, snorkelling or relaxing, then this is the place to come.