Activities
Bateria de Castillitos
(the cannons of Mazarron)
Cartagena region : The Bateria de Castillitos is an ancient fairytale fortress equipped with some very large cannons, one of the largest on the Spanish coast. Because of this, it is popularly called "the cannons of Mazarron".
The military fort was built in the years 1933 - 1936 together with a smaller such fort (Bateria de Cenizas) on the other side of Cartagena. The intention was that these 2 together could protect the access at sea to Cartagena.
For this purpose the fort was equipped with 2 heavy Vickers-Armstrongs guns (model 381 mm -15 inch) capable of firing a projectile with a weight of one ton over a distance of 35 km. The Battery is located on the small Tiñoso headland near the town of La Azohía between Cartagena and Mazarron at 250 metres above sea level.
This strategic location has breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea and Cartagena. The cannons and associated observation towers are still intact. In addition, there are several cannons of a smaller type on the domain.
The guns are so big that you can see them perfectly by zooming in on the aerial photo. This visit is much more extensive than it looks at first sight.
Provide at least half a day if you want to visit the entire fort.
Also keep in mind that only very little parking is provided. some important tips : * the road to the fort (+/- 8 km) is narrow and sometimes crowded, the view here is often not enough, be sure to be careful. * Entrance is free and you have beautiful views of the bay of Cartagena! * the fort is not equipped for tourism. Schedules and the like are not provided in many places. Be careful with children. * there are no shops or pubs nearby. Therefore bring enough water. * this place can always be visited * distance +- 90 km, 80 minutes * GPS : 37.541159,-1.125963 Campillo de Adentro
​
free mud bath Lo Pagan
20 minute drive
Lo Pagan located on the Mar Menor, a saltwater lake which is the largest in Europe and on the other side located on the Mediterranean Sea. Salt has been extracted here since Roman times. There are almost always flamingos to admire.
The main attraction is Lo Pagan Here you can see people in the lake rubbing themselves with medicinal mud. The first time this all seems a bit strange but on closer inspection this mud turns out to have a very healing effect.
The mud contains calcium, fluoride and magnesium, sulphate and chlorine. The high salt content of the lake contains a lot of iodine and it is mainly people with rheumatic complaints and arthritis who visit these baths. The mud is also said to have a healing effect in the rehabilitation of fractures. Skin diseases are considerably reduced by the mud, so they say.
People first smear mud on the sensitive areas or sometimes completely and then let the mud dry in the sun. Then they rinse themselves in the salty water.
Especially the Spaniards who like cosiness unite here the useful with the pleasant and when you walk over the pier in the morning you see several couples and family members rubbing each other and letting themselves dry while enjoying a drink and snack.
The long pier invites you to go for a nice walk and you can also rent bikes to cycle all the way to the end of the pier.
The mud baths are free of charge. The water of the Mar Menor is always a few degrees warmer than that of the Mediterranean Sea, so you can stay here until late in the season. Route : Torrevieja-Cartagena road ( N332 ) : San Pedro del Pinatar.
At the roundabout with the boat ( San Pedro del Pinatar ) take the third exit direction Lo Pagan.
Follow this road until you reach the windmill ( approx. 3,4 km ).
The mud baths are located to the right of the windmill on the pier ( baños de Lodos).
salt lakes Torrevieja
10 minute drive
For decades the lakes of Torrevieja have been on the list of the world health organization because of the excellent quality of the salt and the influences on human health.
It is therefore allowed to enter the lakes and enjoy a delicious salt bath. Floating on the salt lake is a very special experience. book with us and we will give you GPS coordinates to walk to the lake.
Tips: Make sure you have water shoes / slippers with which you can go in the salt water. The bottom of the lake consists of all salt crystals that can feel pretty sharp. Bring enough water with you to rinse off anyone who is going to bathe afterwards or in case you unexpectedly get some salt water in your eyes. There are no facilities in the neighborhood for rinsing afterwards. On the shores of the lake you can rub yourself with some black mud.
Do you doubt how it works? Feel free to ask the other visitors. There's a good chance that you'll meet several enthusiasts who come here more often and who already have enough experience to be able to explain it properly.
It is a very special experience to float effortlessly on the water. Afterwards your skin is fantastically soft and feels wonderful. For many people with skin problems it has now become a fixed location to restore and relax the skin.