Murcia region is situated at the south-est of the
Iberian Peninsula. Mar Menor (Minor Sea) is at the south-est of the Murcia
region, where Lo Pagan is situated at the north, into the coast of Mar
Menor, very close to the Mediterranean Sea. So it is a very privilegiated
place.
Plain: San Javier airport at
just 5 km from Lo Pagan (Tel. (+34) 968.240050), or El Altet, Alicante,
airport, at 65 km from Lo Pagan (National and International flights, tel.
(+34) 96.6919400).
Train: Madrid-Cartagena, leaving
in Balsicas, at 10 km from Lo Pagan, or in Cartagena (at the end of the
line) at 30 km from Lo Pagan. From the Mediterranean coast: Barcelona-Alicante,
at 70 km from Lo Pagan.
Bus: Regular lines with Madrid,
Alicante, Murcia and Cartagena, all of them has a stop in Lo Pagan. From
Madrid: Madrid-Cartagena-Mar Menor (leaving in Lo Pagan). From Bilbao,
San Sebastian, Pamplona, Vitoria and Valencia, with the company Bilman
Bus, stopping in San Pedro del Pinatar at 1 km from Lo Pagan.
Car: From Madrid, by A-3 Madrid-Valencia
motorway, deviating to Alicante, after, the last 70 km, in the Alicante-Cartagena
national road in the coast until reaching Lo Pagan. Other alternative is
to leave the motorway in Albacete and go to Murcia (capital) by national
road, from there to Lo Pagan by the Murcia-Mar Menor motorway.
From Barcelona by A-7 Mediterranean
Motorway (Autopista or Autovia del Mediterraneo).
From Basque Country go to Madrid (N-I
Motorway), and after continue the route from Madrid (described before).
From San Sebastian and Pamplona, there is an alternative: Zaragoza-Teruel-Valencia,
by national road, this been a shorter alternative, but with the inconvenience
of the road.
Few regions have the fortune to have
a salt water lake close to the Mediterranean Sea. This intimate sea, historically
know, visited, receive the name of Mar Menor (translating into English,
Minor Sea). In its litoral perimeter it has a 73 km coast in what there
are transparent water beaches and with little deep waters (the maximum
depth is not superior to 7 meters) and with an area of 170 km2,
that it place the Mar Menor in the European greatest salt water lake.
The touristic and coastal zone of the
San Pedro del Pinatar municipality receives the name of Lo Pagan, in where
are famous the mud baths that are taken in the area of Las Charcas de las
Salinas, because their curative-beneficial effects for rheumatical type
affections. This zone is dotated with innumerable services and touristic
instalations, so it is a comfortable and animated place for the Summer
Season, also to reside during all the year.
The San Pedro del Pinatar municipality
consist of 21.7 km2 and nowadays its census is 14,650 inhabitants.
During summer it does three times its amount.
In the Mar Menor, the beaches of Villananitos
and La Curva (formely known as La Puntica), offer low depth waters, like
an incentive to take bath or practise any kind of water sport.
The beaches bathed by the Mediterranean
are El Mojon and La Llana with 400 and 2,500 meters long respectively.
These beaches are equiped with all
the services that garanties the accesibility, confortability and information
to the people that use them.
The therapeutic values of mud and clay
have been acknowledged since mankind. The Chinese used them for centuries
making poultices to heal inflammations. Other cultures within the Indian
subculture of South America found that the sand and clay in that area aided
rheumatic cases.
Hipocrates (460-337 BC) the father
of traditional medicine, recommended their use in many of his treatments
and many other doctors of that era, like Empedocles (490-430 BC), Galen,
in the Second century, or Paracelso, in the Sixth century, compiled data
of the many popular remedies using clay and mud, that apported many of
the basic minerals like calcium, magnesium, silica, iron and potassium
to the body.
The mud from the Mar Menor
The particular climatic conditions
of the Mar Menor, the long hours of sunlight and the high level of salt
n the water, have created, in the farth north part of the lake, known as
La Puntica, a mud known for its therapeutic value. The last analysis carried
out by the University of Murcia in 1995 found that these sediments contain
a high percentage of calcium, magnesium, potassium and flouride, as well
as chlorine and sulphur. This percentage is far superior to the normal
values found in this type of water with such a high level of salinity.
The tests also show that there are high levels of fine and very fine sands
(slime and clay), the basis of the healing attributes of this mud. The
PH varies between 7.12 and 8.45.
Symptons
Use of this mud is recommended in many
cases of skin disease, such as abscesses, ulcers, inflammations, sores,
and acne, due to its rapid absorption, its mineralising effect and its
capacity to neutralise acid as well as the stimulating effect it has on
wound healing. A layer of mud applied to the skin absorbs all the conjunctive
tissue and eliminates lymphatic toxins from the dermas, acting as a blotting
pad for the skin. This mud is also appropiate as an anti-inflammatory in
the cases of rheumatism, arthritis, gout and for rehabilitation after a
bone fracture. It is also recommended for throat illnesses.
Application
The mud baths can be taken by applying
the mud with a spatuta or by hand. It is best to apply the mud initially
in small areas and leave on the skin for a maximum of one hour. If no side
effects are experienced, you can the increase the amount and the duration
of the bath. It is best to apply the mud during the day and in warm weather
so that the sun can quickly dry the layer of clay applied. The area should
be washed with salt water between each treatment.
Mineromedical waters
The Mar Menor is a lake with a very
high level of salt. The characteristics of the water is conditionated by
the extreme heat, the wind and above all its connection to the Mediterranean
through the fishing canals. The ionic concentrations of magnesium, calcium,
sodium, iodine and fluoride are much higher than the amounts found in the
Mediterranean. It has been proved that thermal treatments with this type
of salt water has an osmotic effect on the interstitial tissue of the human
body and increases the activity of the blood circulation. As a result toxins
are eliminated and the bodies muscles relax, very good for sufferes of
arthritis, rheumatism, tendonitis, nervous diseases and all types of pathologies
related to the articulations.
Where these mud baths can be taken
The area traditionally known for its
mud baths is the sat flats of La Puntica, in Lo Pagan, in the north corner
of the lake, where the lake bed houses a treasure of medical sediments.
For those interested in bathing in the salt water of the Mar Menor any
area is valid.
Situated in the explanation of Lo Pagan. It offers the
possibility to know the auction sale of fishes newly capturated, although
they can be bought directly from fishes.
Punta de Algas
The access from La Llana beach (Mediterranean Sea) or
from the Baño de la Mota or "Los Barros" (Mar Menor) zone. From
this place it can be observed the "encañizada" (typical fishing
art from Mar Menor) in the natural union of the Mar Menor wih the Mediterranean
Sea.
Museo del Mar (Sea Museum)
Located in the Lorenzo Morales street ("Hogar del Pescador",
Fishers House building), in San Pedro del Pinatar, it offers collections
of: sea-shell, fish denture, mollusc caparison, miniature of typical art
from Mar Menor (like the "encañizadas of Punta de Algas), knots,
cartografic maps, etc.
Condes de Villar de Felices Palace or "Russian House"
Huge dimension building and palacetic line, it is located
into the center of San Pedro del Pinatar. It was built al the end of XIX
century assigned by Benifayo Baron, who assigned also to built a similar
palace in the Isla Mayor (Major Island) of the Mar Menor.
San Sebastian's House or "Clock's House"
It is modernist style house and was built in the XIX
century by the Server-Sporttorno family (very known one in Murcia). It
is rounded by a little palm and eucalyptus garden and its name comes from
the clock situated in its principal façade. In may 1889, D. Emilio
Castelar y Ripoll, Spanish Republic President, died in this house, who
used to stay long relax temps in San Pedro del Pinatar.
In the region
Fruit trees (Vega Alta and Media del Segura), mountain
(Sierra Espuña, magnifically poblated with pines), nearly unknown
and very beutiful parts (in the northwest, Caravaca de la Cruz and Moratalla),
vineyard lands (Jumilla and Yecla), monumental and historical towns (Lorca,
the Sun Town) and other where you can encounter notable muslim influences
(Abanilla and Ricote).
In the Costa Calida, it is suggested to do an sea
excursion through the Mar Menor, there are several organized tours.
The visit to the capital must include the Fuensanta's
Santuary (Santuario de Fuensanta), at five kilometres and where you can
observe and splendid panoramic to the Huerta (Market Garden); the Salzillo
Museum, musicium whose music murcian people go into procession in Holy
Week (Semana Santa); the Cathedral; the Casiono, and the old town.
De Cartagena, el popular barrio de Santa Lucía
(según la tradición, en sus playas desembarcó el apostol
Santiago); Parque Torres; Museo Arqueológico, riquísimo en
fondos romanos; iglesia de la Virgen de la Caridad, patrona de la ciudad,
y los monumentos a los Héroes de Cavite y al submarino de Isaac
Peral.
Going to Cartagena you must see, the popular suburb
of Santa Lucia (according to the tradition, into its beaches the apostle
Santiago landed); Torres Park; Archeologic Museum, very rich in roman grounds;
Virgen de la Caridad church, town patron, and the monuments to the Heros
of Cavite and the Isaac Peral's submarine.
Like appetizer there are common salted
fishes like mojama, mujol and tuna spawn, the tasteful prawns of the Mar
Menor, and also sausages.
Caldero rice, made with ñoras,
garlic and different varieties fishes, is the most important plate. In
the same way there are also important Dorada and Mujol fishes prepared
to the salt.
The regional wines are Yecla, Jumillas
and Bullas.
January 5, Magic Kings Cavalcade.
Landing to Lo Pagan by sea and posterior carriage procession until reaching
San Pedro del Pinatar.
February, Carnivals. In the
Carnival Sunday the local procession and the next sunday there are the
Mar Menor Carnival (each year there are celebrated in a different town
of the refion).
Holy Week. Declarated of Tourist
Interest since 1993. There are processions in Lo Pagan (Wednesday) and
in San Pedro del Pinatar (Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, and the
next Sunday). Its origin is situated in 1951.
June, Sevillian Feria. Sevillian
Houses, live actuations and variated program.
June 24, Saint John (San Juan).
June 29, San Pedro Apostol
Patronal Parties. Live music, Animal market (celebrated sinde 1796 and
one of the olderst in Spain), and carruages, folkloric actuations, cultural
and sport activities, etc.
July 16, Virgen del Carmen
Parties. Declarated of Touristic Interest in 1965, and it is celebrated
since 1892. coincide with Lo Pagan's Parties.
Christmast, Misa del Gallo (Midnight
Mass), several actualtions.
Mar Menor
February, Carnival. The Sunday
of Carnival there are celebrated processions into each town and village,
election of the Carnival Queens, masc dances, etc. The next Sunday, the
macro procession of Carnival with the San Pedro del Pinatar, San Javier
and Los Alcazares music companies (rotating a company each year).
San Javier
June 24, Saint John (San Juan)
Bonfire.
July and August, Theater Internationd
Festival, Music and Dance.
December 3, San Francisco Javier
Patronal Parties.
Chirstmast, Nativity Belen
of Spain
Santiago de la Ribera
February 3, San Blas Pilgrinage.
July 16, Virgen del Carmen
Parties. Maritime Processions.
July 25, Santiago Apostol Patronal
Parties
Los Alcazares
August 15, Maritime procession
of Asuncion.
Second fornight of August,
La Huerta Week.
Octuber 12, Caldero's Day.
Octuber 13, Municipal Autonomy
Party.
Los Narejos
December 8, Purísima
Patronal Parties.
La Manga del Mar Menor
September 27, Tourism World
Day.
Cabo de Palos
Holy Thursday, Fishermen's
Procession.
July 16, Virgen del Carmen
maritime procession.
August, Virgen de la Asuncion
Parties.
La Unión
August, Cante de las Minas
Song Festival.
Cartagena
Carnival Holy Friday, Patronal Parties
Holy Week June, Cartageneras song National
Competition.
July, "La Mar de Músicas"
music Festival.
September, "Carthaginesian
and Romans" Parties.
November, International Jazz
Festival and International Maritime Cinema Week.
Lo Pagan. Centro de Salud. Edif. Casa
del Mar (Explanada). Tel. 968.184728
San Pedro del Pinatar. Centro Médico
de Salud. C/ Miguel de Unamuno, 8. Tel. 968.181710 (urgencies y public
attention). Tels.: 968.180230 - 968.182062.
Pharmacies
Lo Pagán. Ldo. Muruera Alvarez..
Avda. Gereralísimo, s/n. Tel. 968.182090.
Lo Pagán. Lda. Munuera González.
C/ General Casola, 9. Tel. 968.180893.
San Pedro del Pinatar. Ldo. Lorente Tortosa.
Avda. del Taibilla, s/n. Tel. 968.185870.
San Pedro del Pinatar. Ldo. Muruera Martínez.
C/ Dr. Ferrero Velasco, 2. Tel. 968.180678.
San Pedro del Pinatar. Lda. González
Pomares. C/ Emilio Castelar, 57. Tel. 968.183793.
Travel agencies
San Pedro del Pinatar. Nilo-Tour. C/ Alimirante
Guitan Vietio, 14. Tel. 968.182415.
San Pedro del Pinatar. Viajes Pinatar
I. C/ Emilio Castelar, 82. Tel. 968.186035 - 968.186174.
San Pedro del Pinatar. Viajes Pinatar
II. C/ Emilio Castelar, 40. Tel. 968.184328 - Fax 968.183603.
San Javier airport flights
Information y reservations IBERIA. Tel.
968.172045 - 902.400500 (24 hours).
Charter flights SERVISAIR. Tel. 968.170222
- 909.610744.
Rent-a-car
San Pedro del Pinatar. Rent-Menor. Avda.
Dr. Artero Guirao, 232. Tel. 968.182410 - 908.044894
Taxi stops
Lo Pagán. Avda. Generalísimo
(Explanada de la Feria).
San Pedro del Pinatar. C/ Victor Pradera
(junto Ayuntamiento). Tel. 968.181760.
Radio Taxi. 968.180808 - 968.186996.
Public Library
Lo Pagán. Parque de los Reyes de
España (edificio Casa del Mar).
San Pedro del Pinatar. C/ Alcalde Julio
Albaladejo, 16 (edificio Casa de Cultura). Tel. 968.182575.
Interest telephones
Airport San Javier (Murcia's airport).
968.172900.
San Pedro del Pinatar Town Hall. 968.180600.
Fire-brigade (Los Alcázares). 968.171302.
Casa de la Juventud (Youth House). 968.184352.
Medical Center (Lo Pagán). 968.184728.
Medical Center (San Pedro del Pinatar).
968.181710.
Post Office. 968.180751.
Fishermen House (Cofradia de Pescadores).
968.181920.
We can recomend you accommodation in
one of four apartments we have between our family in Lo Pagan.
Apartment of 90 m2. Kitchen,
2 bathrooms, 2 bedrooms, big saloon-eatingroom, hall, ample terrace, comunitary
garage and it is situated in the first line of beach. Well kept and equiped. Second floor without elevator.
Place: 5-7 people. Situation: Occupied until October 31st 2007. Available starting from November 1st 2007.
Apartment of 65 m2 in a Apart-hotel
and spa (Centro Aguas Salinas).2 bedrooms, lounge, kitchen, bathroom and
terrace. It has two swimming pools in the exterior private of the Apart-hotel.
Next to the La Puntica beach and to 100 metres to the muds. Air-conditioned. Garage. Second floor with elevators. Place: 4-6
people.Situation: Available
Small apartment of 35-40 m2.
It has one spaceful bedroom with two beds (plus another one in case of
necesity), lounge-kitchen-eating room that include two beds, and ample
terrace. With beautiful views to the sea, in the town center at two minutes
walk to the beach. Forth floor without elevator. Place: 2-5 people. Situation: Available
Two bedroom apartment. New (June 2002). Gardoned private park. 50 meters to beach, 300 meters to curative muds. One of the bedrooms with 1.50 meters double bed and the other room with two 90 cms single beds. Living-room (23 sq meters), full bathroom, wide terrace to park, garage. Good equiped. Relaxed area. Second floor with elevator.
Place: 4-6 people. Situation: Available
If you want to put in
contact write to lopagan@gmail.com (Gloria) or phone to (+34) 645711594 to be attended in Spanish or to (+34) 656750043 to be attended in English for any doubt you have after
reading this information, and to ask about price or availability
an apartment you are interested in.
