We love exploring the outdoors, and we're happy to share with you many of our favourite spots, all within an hour's drive of Los Chopos. Scroll down, and you'll find our favourite places to go hiking, climbing, surfing, sailing or scuba diving. There's also a wealth of other activities that you can enjoy, including golf, kayaking, fishing, paddle-boarding, horse-riding, and some world-class kite-surfing. Or enjoy the beautiful cities of Murcia and Cartagena.

Hiking Cabezo de la Fuente

The small mountain behind the house, or call it a hill if your prefer, is the perfect place to get your bearings after arriving at Los Chopos 1. From the top, you get an unparalleled viewing point of the Mar Menor to the north, Cabo de Palos to the east, the beaches of Calblanque to the south, and to the west you can watch the sun setting over the hills of Murcia (just take a torch in case you stay too long). The shortest ascent can be clearly seen from our kitchen window, and starts above the Fuente de Los Belones, returning via an easier path that passes through the pine forest and the col between the two hills. Allow an hour for walking, plus however long you want to relax at the top.

Hiking loop from Los Chopos to Calblanque

Theres' a great hiking loop of around 9km that goes from Los Chopos all the way to the salt pans of Calblanque (Las Salinas) and back along the coastal path. The easier version starts out via the dirt track that leads through the nearby hamlet of Cobaticas.  A more challenging version follows the narrow footpath that winds up through the valley behind Los Chopos, descending towards the beaches via a ravine in the pine woods. On the way back, there are swimming opportunities in the the secluded coves. Take plenty of drinking water.

Scuba diving and snorkeling at Cabo de Palos

Pete is a seasoned scuba diving instructor, having logged several thousand dives around the world, but Cabo de Palos remains among his favourite spots. We usually take a boat to the marine nature reserve at Islas Hormigas when we are with more experienced divers. Or, if we're feeling lazy, we'll simply hire a few air tanks from Cabo de Palos and head out from the shore near the lighthouse.

Snorkeling is a must while visiting Los Chopos, the Med has clear turquoise water, great visibility and many creatures to see.

Exploring Bateria de las Cenizas

This easy 6km stroll, or more challenging 9km loop, takes you to the Batería de las Cenizas, which was a military gun emplacement built with the purpose of defending the naval port of Cartagena. This was one of 3 batteries protecting the port, the other two being at Cabo Tiñoso (see below) and Cabo Negreta. In the summer, the walk is best done early morning or in the evening, as it can get very hot. The starting point for both options is about 6km from Los Chopos, at a car park near the high point of the RM-314 from Los Belones towards Portman. If you're feeling energetic, you can also walk there from the house.

Teatro Romano Cartagena

The theatre was built between 5 and 1 BCE, as has been proven by the dedication of the edifice to Gaius and Lucius Caesar, grandsons of Augustus, who had designated them as his successors.

In the 3rd century a market was built over the theatre, reusing its materials, with a semicircular open space which followed the plan of the orchestra. The market was perhaps abandoned after a fire caused by the Vandals in 425. A market quarter of the Byzantines was established on the site in the 6th century.

During the 13th century the Old Cathedral of the city was built over the upper cavea. In 1988 the first remains of the theatre were discovered during the construction of the Centro regional de artesanía. The archaeological excavations and the restorations were completed in 2003. In 2008 a museum, designed by Rafael Moneo, was opened.

(text from Wikipedia)

Wing Foil, Kite Surf, Paddle Surf, Wake Board, Boating...

Explore the huge array of different water sports that the protected lagoon of the Mar Menor. The wind is highly reliable, making this region a mecca for kite surfers, wing foilers, windsurfers, sailors, etc.

Learning a new water sport is a great way for a family and couples to connect and spend quality time together. There is a huge amount of schools and shops, but we always used Maskite in La Manga. Their teaching staff was great. 

We sometimes rent a power boat without a license and spend the day snorkeling the Med. The Isla Grosa and its surroundings are close to shore but with plenty of fish to see. We highly recommend Lifeaholic at Puerto de Tomas Maestre, the couple running this business is welcoming caring, and enthusiastic.

Rock Climbing around Murcia

Hiking Muralla de King Kong

This dramatic walk follows the top of a rocky escarpment that divides the lowlands of Mar Menor from the higher lands around Murcia. It returns via a gravel track in the pine forests on the northern slopes beneath the Muralla. The area is rich in wildlife, and you have a chance of spotting Eurasian Eagle Owls, Choughs, Natterjack Toads, and various geckos. The longer version of this walk is a 12km loop that starts at a parking on the RM-F13, not far from the excellent restaurant Venta el Garruchal. There's also a shorter 6km loop that starts at a car park on the pine-clad slopes beneath the Muralla. The area is about 50 minutes drive from Los Chopos.

Surfing in Murcia Region

Exploring Bateria de Castillitos at Cabo Tiñoso

Sailing in the Mar Menor and Med

Hiking Pico de Columbares

Exploring Salinas de San Pedro del Pinatar

Exploring Sierra Espuña

If you want to explore further, a drive of just over an hour will take you to Sierra Espuña in the heart of Murcia province. Here you can find dozens of challenging hiking trails, as well as rock climbing on walls, such as the magnificent Pared de Lleva (pictured).

FOR KIDS

The area is packed with activities for children, ours (teenagers) love going to the Go-Karting in La Manga, Diving, playing tennis and eating out.

You can enrol them in summer activities at the Hyatt Resort, which is literally 5 minutes drive from our house. Golf, Tennis, Football academy, etc are among the activities that they can do. There is also a Kids Club there as well.

There are many water sports available in the nearby beaches. Ours did a sailing course when they were 10 years old. Last year they  did the PADI Open Water Course in English. 

You can also rent a kayak and explore the coastline, or book a Stand UP Paddle session.

In the village there are Yoga and Pilates lessons, and in the summer, you can do Yoga on a paddle board at sunset!