Discover El Mar Menor in Murcia

Occidental Mar Menor 4: your oasis in front of the calm of Mar Menor

Located on the shores of the Mar Menor, the Occidental Mar Menor is the perfect destination for those who dream of sun, relaxation and Mediterranean breeze. Its privileged location lets you enjoy calm waters and seaside walks in an ideal setting to truly unwind.

Stay in modern rooms, relax by the outdoor swimming pool and savour the buffet restaurant, all designed to create a comfortable and carefree holiday experience. Its spaces are tailored for relaxation, whether you’re travelling as a couple or with family.

Travellers especially value the proximity to the beach, the cleanliness and attentive staff, as well as the excellent value for money.

If you’re looking for a getaway where the sea takes centre stage and every day begins with light and tranquillity, this is the place to book.

Choose Your Perfect Stay: Basic or Superior Room

In this deal, you decide how you want to experience your stay. Choose between a Basic or a Superior room — the comfort level is in your hands.

Basic room

• A practical and comfortable option, perfect for relaxing after a day full of activities.
  • Located in the hotel’s annex building.
  • 25 m² of functional space.
  • Set in front of the tennis courts.
  • Fully equipped with TV, desk, air conditioning, Wi-Fi, amenities and hairdryer.

Superior room

• The ideal choice if you’re looking for that extra touch to elevate your stay.
  • 25 m² designed for enhanced comfort.
  • Equipped with air conditioning, TV, Wi-Fi, amenities and hairdryer.
  • Two single beds convertible into a double bed.
  • Furnished balcony to enjoy your surroundings.

Feast in front of the Mar Menor! Gastronomy to fall in love with

Looking for a hotel where the cuisine is as impressive as the views? At Occidental Mar Menor, dining becomes part of the experience. Forget about cooking and focus on pure enjoyment:

• Top Buffet with Show Cooking: Say goodbye to ordinary buffets. Watch live cooking stations prepare the finest Murcian produce alongside international favourites for every taste. Vegan and gluten-free options available.

• Breeze Pool Bar & Food Truck: The ultimate midday plan. Grab a quick bite or indulge in a gourmet hot dog without leaving your sunbed. Total relaxation guaranteed.

• Sunset & Drinks: As the sun goes down, the terrace transforms into the perfect spot for cocktails and live music. Pure Mediterranean vibe.

• Quality All-Inclusive: Snacks, drinks and ice cream always within reach, so you and your family only have to decide what to try first. Click here to discover all the details.

Mar Menor: 6 secrets of Europe's largest saltwater lagoon

The Mar Menor is much more than a lagoon; it is a unique geographical phenomenon in the world. Although you've probably heard about its calm waters, here are the curiosities that will make your stay much richer and more interesting:

• Europe's largest "Soup Dish". It is the largest saltwater lagoon on the continent, but what is really surprising is its depth. Despite its 170 square kilometres of surface, its maximum depth is only 7 metres. This means that the water is always several degrees above that of the Mediterranean (the "Mar Mayor"). It is like bathing in a giant, warm natural pool almost all year round.

• The Natural Mud Spa (Free of charge) In the area of Lo Pagán (San Pedro del Pinatar), you will see people walking down the street covered in a black cloak. It's not a disguise, it's the famous therapeutic muds of the Mar Menor. They are high in calcium, magnesium and potassium. Applying them yourself in the ponds of the Salinas is an ancient health ritual for the skin and joints, and it's totally free!

• The Volcanic Islands (Yes, volcanoes , located in Mar Menor (Murcia), ) Many people don't notice, but in the middle of the lagoon there are five islands: the Perdiguera, the Mayor (or Baron's), the Ciervo, the Rondella and the Sujeto. All of them are of volcanic origin. The Isla Mayor is an ancient extinct volcanic cone. Watching the sunset with these silhouettes silhouetted against the horizon is the most powerful image of the Mar Menor.

• The "Bridge" that disappears: La Manga La Manga is that 21 km long sholiday of land that separates the two seas, but it has a curious history:

Before cement: Just 60 years ago, La Manga was a virgin spot of dunes and vegetation where fishermen dried their nets.

Today it is a floating city, but if you go to the end (in La Llana or Veneziola), you can still sense what that original wild paradise was like.

• The gastronomic jewel: El Caldero You can't say you've been to the Mar Menor if you haven't tried the Caldero. It is a rice dish invented by the fishermen of the area. It is cooked with "morralla" (rock fish that was not sold) and ñoras (black peppers). It is served in two times: first the rice (mellow and powerful) and then the fish. The taste of the sea is so intense that you will not forget it.

• The refuge of the Seahorses Historically, the Mar Menor has been the sanctuary of the seahorse (Hippocampus guttulatus). Although it is a very fragile and protected species, there are incredible recovery projects. If you snorkel respectfully in calm areas, you might be lucky enough to see one, a symbol that life is always struggling to break through.

• A plan for your afternoon: Rent a kayak or paddle surf and make your way to Deer Island. You can almost walk there because the water barely covers, and you will feel like a castaway in a volcanic environment in the middle of a giant lagoon.

Murcia: the jewel of south eastern Spain that has it all

Murcia is one of Spain’s best-kept secrets, offering sunshine almost all year round, a relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle and a rich cultural heritage. Located in the southeast of Spain, this vibrant city and its surrounding region are ideal for couples and families looking for good weather, great food and a more authentic Spanish experience away from the crowds.

Make sure you visit:

• The impressive Catedral de Murcia, a stunning mix of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque styles.
• Murcia’s historic old town, perfect for strolling through lively squares and traditional streets.
• The Cartagena, famous for its Roman heritage and natural harbour.
• Local markets such as Verónicas, where daily life and local flavours come together.

Beaches we think you’ll like:

• Mar Menor: shallow, warm waters, ideal for families.
• Los Alcázares Beach: calm and well-equipped.
• La Manga beaches: long sandy stretches between two seas.
• Cala Cortina (Cartagena): small, scenic and very local.

Family-friendly activities:

• Enjoy a relaxed boat or paddleboard session on the Mar Menor.
• Visit parks and gardens around the Segura River.
• Discover Roman history through interactive museums in Cartagena.
• Take easy cycling routes along the coast or flat inland areas.

Make sure you try these local delicacies:

• Caldero del Mar Menor, a traditional rice dish cooked with fish.
• Zarangollo, made with courgette, onion and egg.
• Pastel de carne, Murcia’s iconic savoury pastry.
• Fresh fruit and vegetables from the fertile Huerta de Murcia.

Make the most of your visit and go to...

• Cartagena (45 minutes): Roman ruins, harbour views and history.
• La Manga del Mar Menor (40 minutes): beaches on both sides.
• Alicante (1 hour): castles, beaches and a lively atmosphere.