Mar Menor, Spain - A Place in the Sun

2023 / Mar Menor, Spain, Lucy Alexander on 25 January 2023

Mar Menor, Spain, Lucy Alexander

Lucy Alexander is house hunting with John and Debbie around the Mar Menor on the Costa Calida in south-east Spain. The couple are dreaming of a 2 bedroom holiday home that’s near the beach. They have a budget of £80,000 to buy an apartment or townhouse, which could become their permanent home in the future, but can Lucy find them the perfect property?

About the area

The Mar Menor, which means “smaller sea”, is, in spite of its name, Europe's biggest salt water lagoon. It’s separated from the Mediterranean Sea by a strip of land 14 miles long called La Manga. The area’s closest airport is Murcia, to which direct flights from the UK take under three hours. The lagoon’s coastline is home to lots of charming towns like Santiago de la Ribera and Los Alcazares. Most of these have developed from fishing villages and are now popular tourist destinations filled with shops, bars and restaurants. There’s also a great mixture of fine sandy or pebbly beaches, as well as several ports, marinas and historic spots to explore. All this plus more than 300 days of sunshine a year!

Property 1

Two-bed Townhouse in Los Nietos

This townhouse has three separate outside terraces – each with views of the lemon grove opposite. Inside on the ground floor is a living room and a separate kitchen with utility and a toilet. Upstairs is a double bedroom, a second smaller double and a shower room. There’s also a basement-level garage, handy for storage. For more information on this property.

Valued at £91,176 at the time of filming.

Property 2

Two-bed beach Townhouse

To the front of this beach townhouse is the outside space. Inside is an open plan living dining room, a utility room and a separate kitchen with a small outside area. Upstairs are two double bedrooms – one with twin beds - and a bathroom. See more from the agent.

Valued at £70,588 at the time of filming.

Property 3

Three-bed House in Santiago de la Ribera

This house has a good sized front terrace which leads onto a covered section. At the back of the house is a spacious covered terrace which leads out onto a back garden. Inside is a traditionally tiled living dining room, separate kitchen and a toilet. Upstairs are three bedrooms – two doubles and a single - as well as a family bathroom. See more from the agent.

Valued at ££74,790 at the time of filming.

Property 4

Three-bed House in Los Urrutias

As well as its communal pool this property has a lovely front terrace, a small back courtyard, and an upstairs balcony. Inside is an open plan living-dining room, a separate kitchen, a shower room and a downstairs double bedroom. Upstairs are two more good sized double bedrooms and a bathroom. See more from the agent.

Valued at £79,832 the time of filming.

Property 5

Two-bed Townhouse in Santiago de la Ribera

This property has a communal pool as well as a front terrace, a small courtyard to the back of the kitchen and a wraparound sun terrace. Inside is a modern living dining room. There’s a separate kitchen and a downstairs shower room. Upstairs are two double bedrooms - one with a balcony - and a family bathroom. See more from the agent.

Valued at £83,193 the time of filming.

Hot Property

Five-bed luxury Villa

On the market for over half a million pounds this luxury villa has several outside spaces perfect for al fresco entertaining as well as an olive grove. Not only does it have a great sized outdoor pool, it’s also got a pool house complete with an indoor one and a jacuzzi. Inside there’s a lovely blend of modern meets traditional around its living areas, five bedrooms and gym slash games room. See more from the agent.

Valued at £668,067 at the time of filming.