The Puente de la Risa bridge in La Manga del Mar Menor

A curious vestige of plans to create a mini-Venice at the northern end of La Manga!

The Puente de la Risa (the Bridge of Laughter) is one of the vestiges of an ambitious idea proposed by the pioneer of modern La Manga, Tomás Maestre, by which he intended to construct a small residential version of Venice at the northern end of the 21-km spit of land which encloses the Mar Menor.

Around the bridge are numerous canals, ensuring that most of the few properties which were eventually built have their own mooring point for boats to take them across the Mar Menor or out into the Mediterranean. At the centre of this incomplete development is the Venetian-style bridge, renowned for its steep gradient which makes it an exciting prospect for small cars as they travel across it by road!

The bridge was designed by Catalan architect Antoni Bonet i Castellana and was modelled on the style of structure which crosses the canals of Venice. It was built in 1978 and continues to attract curious visitors, attracted by the colloquial name it has been given and the roller-coaster feeling in the stomach when driving across it!

Address

Avn. Gran Via de La Manga Calle L, 30. 30380 La Manga del Mar Menor, San Javier

Tel: +34 711042823 / +34 711046210

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The stylish Colina del Emperador is uniquely situated on the shores of the Mar Menor

Situated between the Mediterranean Sea and the Mar Menor, Europe’s largest saltwater lagoon, Colina del Emperador is a family-run boutique hotel offering style, a friendly atmosphere and unbeatable views.

 

Overlooking the pristine waters, the villa has been completely renovated but retains all the classic charm of a Spanish casa. Colina del Emperador offers 5 double bedrooms, including the newly added opulent Emperor Suite (40m2), an intimate and personalised experience for up to 10 guests, as well as a generous breakfast, free tea and coffee facilities and a range of tapas and snacks.

 

Lunch and dinner can also be arranged by booking with staff before 12pm on the day.

 

Getting there

 

The closest airport is Corvera Airport, Murcia (RMU) or you may use Alicante Airport, Elche (ALC).

By car, drive to Cabo de Palos and enter the La Manga strip from the south. The best way to find Colina del Emperador is by entering the name of the hotel directly into Google Maps and following the directions from here (in-car SatNavs don’t always get it right).

Staff will also be happy to arrange a pick-up service for you but this needs to be arranged in advance.

Go to the Colina del Emperador website to book your next stay in the Mar Menor.

 

Follow Colina del Emperador on Instagram: @colinadelemperador