Sprawling across more than 300 square kilometres, Mazarron hugs the Balearic Sea in the Spanish province of Murcia. It comprises the inland town of Mazarron and the beachside area of Puerto de Mazarron. The area has been mined since Phoenician times, with several archaeological sites in the Sierra de las Moreras.
Things to do in Mazarrón
Watching over Mazarron are the hilltop ruins of Castillo de Los Vélez, a 15th-century fortress that is linked to the Fajardo family, who were influential in the Kingdom of Murcia. Coincide your visit with a stop at the nearby Casas Consistoriales, a Modernist-style building that dates back to the late 19th century. Set across three floors, it is beautifully decorated with period furnishings and handicrafts.
A short drive south of Mazarron is the Cabezo del Plomo, an archaeological site in the foothills of the Sierra de las Moreras. Dating back to the Chalcolithic period, it comprises several stone structures with circular-shaped burial mounds that are believed to be ancient tombs. During excavations, the remains of arrowheads and agricultural tools were discovered here.
In the nearby beach town of Puerto de Mazarron is the Phoenician Vessel Interpretation Centre, which preserves the remains of two ancient vessels that were discovered nearby. It offers a fascinating insight into Phoenician shipbuilding techniques and the trade activities of the Iberian Peninsula around 2,000 years ago. One of the vessels has been completely recreated, complete with its cargo of lead ingots.
Getting around Mazarrón
Mazarron is around 30 minutes’ drive from Cartagena and 45 minutes from Murcia. Region de Murcia International Airport is 40 minutes away and has flights to destinations across Europe. Regular buses connect to Mazarron and the town is compact enough to explore on foot.