Introduction to the Local Area
Located in the picturesque region of Murcia, Spain, La Serena Golf Course offers an unparalleled golfing experience amidst the stunning surroundings of Los Alcázares. Situated along the idyllic Mar Menor coast, this destination boasts a mild Mediterranean climate, making it perfect for outdoor activities year-round. The Costa Calida, or ‘Warm Coast,’ features sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and numerous golf courses. With easy access to nearby cities like Murcia and Cartagena, visitors can explore rich cultural heritage, vibrant nightlife, and a plethora of dining options.
Los Alcázares
Los Alcázares, which is a 5 minute drive from La Serena Golf Course, is located on the western shore of the Mar Menor, a large saltwater lagoon separated from the Mediterranean Sea by La Manga, a narrow strip of land. This location provides the town with beautiful beaches and access to various water sports and recreational activities. The town features a scenic promenade, known as the Paseo Marítimo, which stretches along the waterfront. The promenade is perfect for leisurely strolls, cycling, or enjoying the beautiful views of the Mar Menor.
Los Alcázares has a rich history dating back to Roman times when it served as a settlement known for its thermal baths. Visitors can explore historical sites such as the Tower of Rame, a mediaeval watchtower, and the Church of Nuestra Señora de los Remedios, which dates back to the 18th century. The town also offers a variety of dining options, ranging from traditional Spanish cuisine to international dishes. Seafood is particularly popular due to the town’s coastal location, with many restaurants serving fresh fish and seafood dishes.
Other Nearby Towns & Cities
Santiago de la Ribera
Nestled to the north of La Serena Golf Course and Los Alcázares on the Mar Menor, Santiago de la Ribera exudes coastal charm and tranquillity. Its picturesque promenade, adorned with swaying palm trees, offers a delightful setting for leisurely walks while enjoying views of the shimmering waters. Along the promenade, inviting cafes and seafood restaurants tempt visitors with fresh local cuisine, creating the perfect ambiance for a relaxing meal by the sea. Sandy beaches invite sunbathers to bask in the Mediterranean sun, and the bustling marina provides a glimpse into the town’s maritime heritage, with colourful boats bobbing in the harbour.
San Javier
Adjacent to Santiago de la Ribera lies the historic town of San Javier, a mere 10-minute drive from La Serena Golf. Steeped in history, San Javier boasts architectural marvels such as the grand San Javier Church, a testament to the town’s religious significance. The Museum of San Javier offers a captivating journey through the region’s past, showcasing artefacts and exhibits that illuminate its cultural heritage. Vibrant local markets showcase the bounty of the land, with stalls brimming with fresh produce, artisanal crafts, and traditional delicacies. Visitors can immerse themselves in the lively atmosphere, sampling local flavours and admiring the craftsmanship of local artisans.
Murcia City
Approximately 40 minutes from La Serena Golf lies the historic city of Murcia, a cultural gem waiting to be explored. The city’s centrepiece is its magnificent cathedral, a masterpiece of Gothic and Baroque architecture that commands attention with its towering spires and ornate facade. Wandering through the elegant streets of the city centre, visitors encounter charming plazas adorned with fountains and shaded by leafy trees, offering tranquil retreats amidst the bustling urban landscape. The old town beckons with its narrow cobblestone streets, lined with historic buildings and quaint boutiques. Murcia’s culinary scene is a feast for the senses, with traditional tapas bars and gourmet restaurants serving up a tantalising array of dishes featuring local ingredients.
Cartagena
A short 20-minute drive from La Serena Golf, Cartagena beckons with its rich history and maritime heritage. The city’s well-preserved Roman ruins, including the iconic Roman Theatre and the archaeological museum, offer a glimpse into its ancient past, where visitors can wander among ancient ruins and marvel at the ingenuity of Roman engineering. Cartagena’s bustling port bustles with activity, with ships of all sizes navigating its waters and fishermen unloading their daily catch. Along the waterfront promenade, visitors can enjoy scenic walks with panoramic views of the sea or indulge in waterfront dining experiences, savouring fresh seafood dishes while watching the sunset over the horizon.
Beaches
Mar Menor
As mentioned, Los Alcázares sits on the shores of the Mar Menor, which is renowned for its calm, shallow waters and therapeutic mud baths. The Mar Menor offers opportunities for swimming, sailing, windsurfing, kayaking, and other water sports, making it a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.
Los Alcázares
Los Alcázares boasts several other sandy beaches, including Playa de los Narejos, Playa de las Salinas, and Playa de la Concha. These beaches are well-equipped with facilities such as showers, lifeguard stations, and beach bars, making them ideal spots for relaxation and family-friendly activities.
Playa de los Nietos
Located just a short drive from La Serena Golf, Playa de los Nietos is a charming beach on the Mar Menor coast. This beach is known for its calm, shallow waters, making it ideal for families with young children. It’s also a great spot for water sports enthusiasts, with opportunities for windsurfing, kayaking, and paddleboarding.
Playa de la Manga
A bit further south from La Serena Golf, Playa de la Manga stretches along the famous La Manga Strip, which separates the Mar Menor from the Mediterranean Sea. This expansive beach offers soft sands and crystal-clear waters, perfect for sunbathing and swimming. It’s also a popular destination for water sports, with rental facilities available for activities like jet skiing and parasailing.
Calblanque Regional Park
For those seeking a more natural and secluded beach experience, Calblanque Regional Park is a must-visit. Located on the Mediterranean coastline near Cartagena, just a 25 minute drive from La Serena Golf Course, this protected area boasts pristine beaches surrounded by rugged cliffs and untouched landscapes. Playa de Calblanque is the main beach in the park, offering unspoiled beauty and a sense of serenity away from the crowds.
Playa de Cala Cortina
Also near Cartagena, Playa de Cala Cortina is a small but picturesque beach nestled within the city’s harbour. Despite its urban location, this beach maintains a peaceful ambiance and offers stunning views of Cartagena’s skyline and historic landmarks. It’s a great spot for swimming, snorkelling, or simply relaxing by the sea.
Other Golf Courses near La Serena Golf
Near La Serena Golf, golf enthusiasts are treated to a plethora of world-class courses scattered throughout the Costa Calida landscape. From the formidable challenges of Hacienda del Álamo Golf Resort to the coastal allure of Roda Golf & Beach Resort, the options are abundant and diverse, catering to players of all skill levels and preferences.
Roda Golf & Beach Resort, a mere 10 minute drive from La Serena Golf, was crafted by the renowned designer Dave Thomas, It stands out for its championship calibre amidst breathtaking coastal panoramas. Here, golfers can test their skills against meticulously designed fairways while soaking in the beauty of the surrounding seaside vistas.
Meanwhile, La Torre Golf Resort, a 20 minute drive from La Serena Golf Course, offers a different kind of charm, with impeccably maintained greens set against a picturesque lakeside backdrop. Each hole presents a new opportunity for players to immerse themselves in the tranquillity of the setting while enjoying a challenging round of golf.
Just a short drive away, Mar Menor Golf Resort beckons with its Jack Nicklaus Design course, seamlessly integrated into the natural landscape. As players navigate the course’s undulating terrain and strategically placed hazards, they’re treated to stunning views of the surrounding countryside, creating a truly immersive golfing experience.
With such a diverse array of options, golfers can indulge in endless variety, ensuring that every tee-off is a fresh and exhilarating adventure along the sun-drenched shores of the Costa Calida. Additionally, within a short drive to the neighbouring Costa Blanca, players will discover even more championship-calibre courses, including well-known destinations like Villamartin Golf and Las Colinas Golf and Country Club, which are both a 25 minute drive from La Serena Golf Course. Whether seeking a challenging round or simply basking in the beauty of the Mediterranean landscape, the Costa Calida and Costa Blanca offer an unparalleled golfing paradise.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while La Serena Golf offers a world-class golfing experience, its allure extends far beyond the fairways. The surrounding area, characterised by the stunning landscapes of the Costa Calida and the rich cultural heritage of towns like Los Alcázares, San Javier, Murcia City, and Cartagena, provides visitors with a wealth of experiences to enjoy. From pristine beaches and historic landmarks to vibrant markets and tantalising gastronomy, there’s something to captivate every traveller.
