La Manga del Mar Menor, known by most as the 'La Manga Strip' (except by the locals!), separates the Mediterranean sea from the Mar Menor (minor sea) lagoon. It's just 21 km long and no more than 100m wide at some points but is a popular tourist spot and where many Spanish families choose to come for their holidays.
In addition to driving, a much more fun way to get there is to take a ferry or a water taxi across the Mar Menor. Both options depart from Santiago de la Ribera and dock at Puerto Deportivo Tomás Maestre (the port on La Manga).
We meet you on La Manga as you disembark the boat and rent you your e-bikes for you to explore the strip at your own leisure. Then when you're done, return to the port, drop off the bikes and catch the ferry back to the mainland.
e-bikes must be reserved in advance and are available for pick-up at Puerto Deportivo Tomás Maestre on La Manga. Rental periods are 3, 4 or 5 hours with time slots to fit in conveniently with ferry disembarkment times.
Ferry departs Santiago de la Ribera Tuesdays and Thursdays at the following times:
10:00
12:00
14:00
The ferry departs La Manga to return to Santiago de la Ribera at:
13:00
15:00
18:00
The crossing is approx. 35-40 minutes. Cost for the Ferry is €6 each way and tickets can be bought on board (ferry operated independently of e.GO. Prices and crossing times subject to change. Check with operator before booking).
What to see and do on La Manga
Cabo de Palos and Islas Hormigas
This is a fishing village in the south of La Manga that is famous for its marine area, as they form part of the Marine Reserve of Cabo de Palos and Islas Hormigas. THere are numerous, excellent restaurants here overlooking the sea. The lighthouse located here is over 50 metres high and 150 years old and it can be seen from various points in La Manga. Close to the lighthouse, visitors can take impressive photos of La Manga, the Mar Menor lagoon and the Mediterranean.
Estacio Lighthouse
This lighthouse overlooks the inlet of the canal that connects the Mar Menor lagoon and the Mediterranean Sea, the Estacio canal. This is a spot that, thanks to its location on the breakwater, allows visitors to enjoy some magnificent views of Isla Grosa and of the boats that use the canal to enter and leave Mar Menor.
Veneciola
To the north end of La Manga, you'll find Veneciola. Here there is a network of canals with a large islet in the centre that, together with the surrounding buildings, are reminiscent of the city of Venice (hence the name of the area). Its peaceful beaches make the area the perfect place for a quiet swim.
There is also a small semi-circular Venetian bridge that connects the northernmost area to the rest of La Manga, the ancient buildings of “La Encañizada” and the old windmill that contrasts with the rest of the setting and that is part of this area’s history.
Puente de la Risa - Bridge of Laughter
Aside from the superb stonework of Puente de la Risa, what makes it a popular and scary tourist attraction is the extremely steep blind rise and curve of its construction which takes a brave driver to negotiate, but that's what visiting the bridge is all about! Dare you ride it on an e-bike?
Booking
Please note that for this experience the e-bikes are picked up at the port - we do not deliver to your home or elsewhere. Please select 'La Manga - Puerto Deportivo Tomás Maestre' as the Delivery Option.
You will rent one of our e-bikes dependent on availability. Please contact us if you have a specific preference.