San Pedro de Pinatar sits on a small peninsular between the Mar Menor, a saltwater lagoon on Murcia’s Costa Calida, and the Mediterranean Sea. It lies fifty kilometres from the region’s capital, Murcia. Originally a fishing village with an agricultural economy, San Pedro de Pinatar has grown into a very popular tourist resort. Its sandy beaches and its excellent weather attract many holidaymakers from Spain itself, as well as from Northern Europe. There is a first class marina, a wide variety of water sports and a number of golf courses in the vicinity. A San Pedro de Pinatar holiday offers relaxation in a friendly resort that manages to retain its traditional atmosphere.
Although San Pedro de Pinatar lies in a fertile agricultural area, it has very little rain and has over three hundred days of sunshine every year. The verdant countryside is indebted to the Moors who established irrigation systems which have continued to this day. This promise of good weather is a major attraction for sun-starved British holidaymakers. Added to this are the wonderful beaches washed by calm clear water as well as a range of recreational facilities both in and out of the water.
San Pedro de Pinatar has widespread appeal from families with small children to couples of all ages. The sandy beach, the warm water, the variety of water sports and the choice of golf courses are all great attractions.
Although San Pedro de Pinatar is a year round holiday destination with an average temperature of almost twenty degrees, the summer months are the most popular time to go, with guaranteed sunshine and warm seas. Many visitors however, enjoy escaping from the dark dreary days of a typical British winter to San Pedro de Pinatar’s welcoming coast.
San Pedro de Pinatar, once a small fishing village, borders both the Mediterranean Sea and the Mar Menor on the Costa Calida. The calm waters of the Mar Menor, which is a saltwater lagoon, are several degrees higher than the temperature of the Mediterranean, making it very popular with bathers and water sports enthusiasts. The economy of the town depends heavily on the tourist industry and every effort has been made to provide for the comfort and satisfaction of holidaymakers.
San Pedro de Pinatar has long stretches of soft golden sand washed by clear blue waters. A variety of water sports are offered from the beach and the marina. A long palm-fringed promenade borders the beaches of the Mar Menor. It has many small shops bars and cafes offering daylong refreshments. Hotels and apartments provide a range of accommodation to suit most budgets. San Pedro de Pinatar shops provide for necessities and holiday gifts and souvenirs. The Monday market is worth a visit. Those who wound like a wider variety of goods can take a bus to Murcia where they will be amply rewarded for their endeavours.
San Pedro de Pinatar offers a wide range of recreational facilities both in and out of the water. The Marina provides opportunities for sailing, windsurfing, scuba diving and snorkelling. Within a short drive of the town there are several golf courses. Remember to bring your handicap certificate as this is sometimes a course requirement.
Sa Pedro de Pinatar is very close to Lo Pagan where the mud flats with their high mineral content are said to have therapeutic effects, helping to relieve skin and inflammatory complaints. Here you spread the mud over your body letting it dry in the sun before floating in the high salt content of the lagoon.
San Pedro de Pinatar has some vibrant music bars and restaurants offering live music and dance which spills out into the streets. Since the resort caters for many Spanish families, evenings, though lively, are never raucous. There are many secluded restaurants where you can enjoy peaceful and intimate evenings. There is also a casino where you can enjoy a holiday flutter.
San Pedro de Pinatar has a good number of shops supplying all your holiday needs. There are the usual numbers of gift and souvenir shops as well as a weekly market. Monday is market day and it offers an ideal opportunity for haggling over holiday bargains. Popular purchases include traditional baskets, pottery, leather goods, rugs and embroidered linens.
As expected fish dishes abound in San Pedro de Pinatar with small fried fish and shellfish being firm favourites. There are however many restaurants serving international cuisine. There is even the occasional English and Irish style pub serving familiar food for the less adventurous palate. A good way to sample Spanish food is to order a plate of tapas which consists of a medley of bite-sized dishes. Tapas are also ideal for filling the sometimes long gap between lunch and dinner, which is served later in Spain than at home. Spanish wines are pleasing to both the palate and the pocket.
Children are always made welcome in Spanish restaurants
