- EDITIONS:
Spanish News Today
Alicante Today
Andalucia Today
PROPERTY SEARCH
HOME > MURCIA MAR MENOR & CARTAGENA > LOS URRUTIAS
Los Urrutias is a traditional beach resort on the shore of the Mar Menor
Los Urrutias lies close to the north-eastern corner of the large municipality of Cartagena, not far from the boundary with Los Alcázares on the shore of the Mar Menor, and is one of the many popular beach resorts on the inland shore of Europe’s largest saltwater lagoon.
As is the case with most of the towns on this coastline, the atmosphere still retains a certain element of its slightly old-world charm, reflecting the fact that the popularity of Los Urrutias first grew in the nineteenth century, when residents from the Campo de Cartagena came here for their summer breaks. In the mid-20th century news of the Mar Menor spread not only to the city of Murcia but also to Madrid, and this led to further growth in Los Urrutias and all along the coast of the inland sea.
The main attraction of Los Urrutias is still the long sandy beach, with the warm water of the Mar Menor ensuring that it is possible to swim in the sea practically all year round. There are hardly any waves in the lagoon, and the normally strong prevailing breeze makes the area ideal for those practicing or learning many water sports: the marina of Los Urrutias is one of nine in the Mar Menor.
As is common in seaside resorts, the population of Los Urrutias swells enormously in summer, but the size of the year-round community, which is boosted by the northern Europeans population of the Estrella de Mar development, ensures that for the rest of the year it remains lively! Among the facilities are a hotel, a medical centre, marina and numerous shops and supermarkets, and 
in addition the town is well connected to the city of Cartagena and the rest of the Costa Cálida, and the city of Murcia is also well under an hour away by car.
The town gets its name from the first Christian re-settlers of the area, who bore the Basque surname Urrutia, but is now home to many from far further north, none of them immune to the quiet charms and warm climate of Los Urrutias!
Where is Los Urrutias?
The town of Los Urrutias is on the western shore of the Mar Menor, a few kilometres south of Los Alcázares and the airport of San Javier and approximately 20 minutes' drive from the city of Cartagena. It is easilyu accessed from the AP-7 mortorway: see map for further details.
New high-tech tool to track the health of the Mar MenorAn algorithm will monitor the chlorophyll level of the Mar Menor using satellite images A team of Spanish researchers has developed an innovative tool called Bela, designed to monitor the health of the Mar Menor lagoon using satellite images. This.. 11/04/2025
Puerto Mayor project in La Manga finally set for full dismantlingAfter years of delays, the failed marina scheme will be removed and the damaged coastline restored Nearly 20 years after construction first began on the ill-fated Puerto Mayor marina beside the Estacio canal in La Manga del Mar Menor, the Spanish.. 09/04/2025
Cartagena faces Easter 2025 without beach barsMost beach bar owners in Cartagena agree there’s no way they can be ready for Holy Week Although the weather forecast sadly isn’t great for Easter 2025, Cartagena’s beaches are still expected to be packed with holidaymakers. However.. 09/04/2025
Anti-jellyfish nets could return to the Mar Menor this summerA 20-day window is now open for public feedback on the regional government’s proposal The Mar Menor could see the return of anti-jellyfish nets this summer, though for now it’s just a possibility and not a done deal. The coastal authority.. 07/04/2025
Cartagena readies its beaches for Easter visitorsFootbaths, access points and beach furniture are being installed from Isla Plana to La Manga del Mar Menor The Cartagena City Council has begun a comprehensive preparation of its beaches ahead of the busy Easter period, with improvements stretching.. 07/04/2025
There will be fewer chiringuitos on Cartagena beaches this summerThe council has reduced the number of beach bar licences and introduced stricter criteria to try to improve quality Cartagena City Council is launching a new tender process for the concession of chiringuito beach bars along its coastline, but.. 12/02/2025
The outdoor Museum of the Air in San JavierThe Museo Aeronáutico Tiflológico in Santiago de la Ribera is fully adapted for the visually impaired The “Museo Aeronáutico Tiflológico” on the Explanada Barnuevo in Santiago de la Ribera is a new open-air facility..
Enjoy affordable sailing on the Mar Menor with a boat share groupHow to get involved and try out the sport of sailing without making a large financial outlay Sailing is a sport that many in Murcia wish to try when they see the boats out on the waters of the Mar Menor, but sometimes the initial investment can put people..
La Manga Adventure Golf fun for all the family near to Playa Honda and Cabo de PalosMinigolf, leisure entertainment, bargain meal and minigolf packages; as seen on A New Life in the Sun with Snooker, pool, darts and table tennis with a spacious bar lounge and outdoor terrace seating in the heart of the Costa Cálida La Manga Adventure..
Understanding the Funeral Process in SpainIn Spain, it is the norm to plan ahead for your funeral. It’s all part of making things easier for the family and loved ones The cost of a funeral in Spain continues to rise and most Spanish families take out some kind of funeral plan to cover the..
217 kilometres of cycling on the EuroVelo 8 route as it passes through the Region of MurciaEasily manageable sections of the 7,560-km route which runs from Cádiz in south-western Spain to Athens and Cyprus! The Region of Murcia has long been a preferred destination for cycling holidays, the varied terrain attracting tourists from all over..
MB Services for air conditioning on the Costa CalidaAir conditioning pre-installation and maintenance services offered by one of the most trusted trade centres in the Costa Cálida Based in San Javier on the inland coast of the Mar Menor, Michael Bowins of MB Services has been established in.. 17/02/2021
Espacio Mediterráneo shopping centre Cartagena Murcia: open seven days a week Where to shop in Cartagena and the Mar Menor Murcia The Espacio Mediterráneo shopping centre is on the eastern outskirts of Cartagena, heading out of the city towards La Manga and the Mar Menor, and contains a full selection of shopping opportunities..
Fun n Games African Adventure Golf, fun for all the family in the Mar Menor Golf ResortCrazy golf, giant pool croquet, outdoor skittles and plenty more for a great day out in the Mar Menor area A new addition to the sporting and leisure facilities in the Mar Menor Golf Resort is proving a great hit among children and fun-loving adults all year..
The regional park of Calblanque between Cartagena and Cabo de Palos A great area area for walking with several wild and picturesque beaches 1,882 hectares of land in Calblanque have been a protected nature reserve since 1987 in recognition of the fact that the area is one of the most typical of the coastline of the Region..
Weekly markets in the municipality of Cartagena Year-round and summer-only street markets in Cartagena Not all weekly markets are set in stone, and if they coincide with public holidays they may be cancelled or postponed. In addition, days can change, so if you're not sure a call to the relevant..
