San Pedro del Pinatar: The Town on the Lagoon

Located on the Mar Menor coastal saltwater lagoon, San Pedro del Pinatar in Murcia Province is a small town known for its abundance of salt ponds and rich sea life. The town’s economy is based around fishing, salt production (which has been mined since the period of the Roman Empire) and tourism. There is a small port in the Mediterranean Sea for fishing and salt transportation, a leisure port with numerous berths, and a marina which is situated next to the local fish market and fishermen’s wharf.

While situated on the northern end of Murcia’s Mediterranean coastline, San Pedro del Pinatar is only a 15-minute drive from Murcia San Javier International Airport, making it a popular destination for tourists and expats. Though small, the town boasts lovely beaches, a variety of water and sports activities, and some excellent and well-maintained facilities.

From the dunes of Playa de la Torre, and the soft shores of Llana Beach, you can enjoy sparkling-clear waters, as well as splendid views of the distant mountains, the Mar Menor, and the Mediterranean Sea. The beaches house a sports harbour, and a restaurant from where one can enjoy the views and the refreshing sea breeze.

Being a town nearly surrounded by water, San Pedro del Pinatar provides its residents and visitors with a wide array of water sports and land activities. At either Mojon, or the sports harbor of Las Salinas you can windsurf, water ski, parasail, snorkel, or scuba dive.

San Pedro del Pinatar’s flat and peaceful roads offer a perfect place to spend a nice afternoon peddling through the streets while observing the local scenery and admiring the town’s overall cleanliness and serenity. Promenades located near the town’s wide beaches provide ample space for visitors to stroll and children to play. You will often see pink flamingos feeding amongst the reeds on the Playa de la Mota, a beach with a modern pump that works to transport salt water from the lagoon to the salt-works.

Besides beaches and salt lakes, the town of San Pedro del Pinatar also features a vibrant town center with a variety of shops, boutiques, and cafes. There are many local restaurants offering a taste of traditional Spanish cuisine, and a number of places serving up international dishes. Various bars and lounges scattered throughout the town offer a lively nightlife until the early hours of the morning.

San Pedro del Pinatar is truly a place bustling with life and activity—from the busy fishing ports and markets, to the exceptional sports facilities. It is a town that uses its geography to its advantage, resulting in a small but charming place that exudes a peaceful atmosphere.