Head to the fishing village of Cabo Palos, where you can enjoy a paella or seafood at a table overlooking the Mediterranean. Our favourite is the last addition to Cabo de Palos harbour, Puertofino, but a classic and longstanding one is La Bocana, and La Tana.  You'll need to make a reservation as they are very popular.

The emblematic dish of our region is a tasty rice dish known as Caldero. The recipe originated from fishermen using unmarketable fish and offcuts to flavour their rice, also adding peppers, garlic, parsley, ñora and tomato. It is served with lots of alioli on the side (garlic mayo). You'll find this in many of the restaurants around Cabo de Palos.

Ventas are workers' restaurants, usually in the countryside, where you can find hearty food at low prices. Eating at Venta El Abasto, where I used to eat with my grandparents, is a must! Abasto makes its own dry-cured meats and sausages, as well as serving snails, beans and other local dishes.  If you are heading towards Murcia, or for a hike at the Muralla de King Kong, stop by the Venta El Garruchal.

If you fancy getting dressed up to have a gorgeous night out, head to La Manga Salinas where you will find three places with wonderful ambiance and sunset views. We have eaten well at Maloca, which often has a creative menu. El Parador del Mar Menor is known for its grilled meat and long wine list.  Vivero 55 has a more youthful ambiance, with concerts and chill-out days. 

Further along La Manga peninsula are some other good spots.  La Mestiza is our new favorite, we went several times, for lunch and dinners, sunsets, etc. Be sure to book in advance.

 Very close to Los Chopos is the Hyatt La Manga Club with some good restaurants and bars.