La Manga facts for kids
La Manga (which means "The Sandbar of the Minor Sea") is a long, narrow strip of land in the Region of Murcia, Spain. It's like a natural bridge that separates two different seas!
This amazing sandbar is about 21 kilometers (13 miles) long and around 100 meters (328 feet) wide. It acts as a natural barrier between the big, open Mediterranean Sea and a smaller, calmer lagoon called the Mar Menor (which means "Minor Sea"). It stretches from a place called Cabo de Palos all the way to Punta del Mojón.
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How La Manga Was Formed
Long, long ago, La Manga was just a bay that opened into the Mediterranean Sea. Over time, something amazing happened. Volcanic rocks at both ends of the bay started to catch sand and dirt carried by the sea currents.
Slowly, this sand and sediment built up, forming a sandy column. This column grew into a strip of land with sand dunes, plants, and long beaches. It created a unique place with two seas right next to each other!
Natural Channels and History
La Manga has natural channels, called golas, that connect the Mediterranean Sea with the Mar Menor lagoon. These channels allow water to flow between the two seas.
For a long time, this area remained mostly untouched. But in the 1960s, people discovered La Manga as a great place for tourists. It then changed a lot, with new buildings and places for visitors to stay and have fun.
Cabo de Palos Lighthouse
Near La Manga is Cabo de Palos. This area is known for its lighthouse, which started working on January 31, 1865. The cape is also part of a special marine reserve. This reserve, called the Reserva Marina de Cabo de Palos e Islas Hormigas, helps protect the sea life there.
During the Spanish Civil War in 1938, a battle called the Battle of Cape Palos happened near the cape.
Getting There
The closest airport to La Manga is the Región de Murcia International Airport. It's located just over 50 kilometers (about 31 miles) away by road, making it easy for visitors to arrive.
Sports and Fun
The Mar Menor is a perfect place for water sports! It has five islands and calm, shallow waters that are great for all kinds of activities. It's even known as an International Water Sports Station.
You can find schools that teach sailing and water skiing. They offer regular courses for people who want to learn. You can also try windsurfing, catamarans, and canoeing.
Football at La Manga
In the nearby town of Los Belones, there's a stadium called La Manga Stadium. This stadium is famous for hosting many football clubs from all over the world, especially during the winter months.
The La Manga Cup has been held at La Manga Club every year since 1999. Also, parts of the 2011, 2012, and 2013 Copa del Sol tournaments were played at the stadium. Many matches from the 2000–01 Nordic Football Championship were also held there.
Panoramic view La Manga del Mar Menor
See also
In Spanish: La Manga del Mar Menor para niños
