- EDITIONS:
Spanish News Today
Alicante Today
Andalucia Today
PROPERTY SEARCH
HOME > MURCIA MAR MENOR & CARTAGENA > LOS URRUTIAS
Los Urrutias is a traditional beach resort on the shore of the Mar Menor
Los Urrutias lies close to the north-eastern corner of the large municipality of Cartagena, not far from the boundary with Los Alcázares on the shore of the Mar Menor, and is one of the many popular beach resorts on the inland shore of Europe’s largest saltwater lagoon.
As is the case with most of the towns on this coastline, the atmosphere still retains a certain element of its slightly old-world charm, reflecting the fact that the popularity of Los Urrutias first grew in the nineteenth century, when residents from the Campo de Cartagena came here for their summer breaks. In the mid-20th century news of the Mar Menor spread not only to the city of Murcia but also to Madrid, and this led to further growth in Los Urrutias and all along the coast of the inland sea.
The main attraction of Los Urrutias is still the long sandy beach, with the warm water of the Mar Menor ensuring that it is possible to swim in the sea practically all year round. There are hardly any waves in the lagoon, and the normally strong prevailing breeze makes the area ideal for those practicing or learning many water sports: the marina of Los Urrutias is one of nine in the Mar Menor.
As is common in seaside resorts, the population of Los Urrutias swells enormously in summer, but the size of the year-round community, which is boosted by the northern Europeans population of the Estrella de Mar development, ensures that for the rest of the year it remains lively! Among the facilities are a hotel, a medical centre, marina and numerous shops and supermarkets, and 
in addition the town is well connected to the city of Cartagena and the rest of the Costa Cálida, and the city of Murcia is also well under an hour away by car.
The town gets its name from the first Christian re-settlers of the area, who bore the Basque surname Urrutia, but is now home to many from far further north, none of them immune to the quiet charms and warm climate of Los Urrutias!
Where is Los Urrutias?
The town of Los Urrutias is on the western shore of the Mar Menor, a few kilometres south of Los Alcázares and the airport of San Javier and approximately 20 minutes' drive from the city of Cartagena. It is easilyu accessed from the AP-7 mortorway: see map for further details.
Sinkhole prompts emergency works on El Portús seafront to stop erosion and protect homesFollowing storm damage, erosion at El Portús has continued to worsen, leading to a sinkhole and prompting emergency works along the seafront The local council in Cartagena is moving forward with emergency repairs in El Portús, where.. 01/05/2026
'They have to use their phones in a positive and creative way': Art students continue to wow with their photography and English skillsExpat TA Jane Murphy has been running the scheme for two years now, and has seen success in her students’ motivation, creativity and English ability For the second year running, the Las Claras del Mar Menor bilingual high school in Los Alcá.. 29/04/2026
MB Services for air conditioning on the Costa CalidaTrusted air conditioning pre-installation on the Costa Cálida Based in San Javier on the inland coast of the Mar Menor, Michael Bowins of MB Services has been established in the Region of Murcia since 2007 and has become one of the most trusted.. 27/04/2026
Mar Menor environmental group condemns heavy pruning of native palm trees in La MangaLocal residents raise concerns with ANSE after heavy pruning of palm trees at Cala del Pino An environmental group has criticised the way palm trees have been cut back at Cala del Pino in La Manga, after receiving complaints and photographs from.. 27/04/2026
Undie arrest: San Javier police dive into Mar Menor to chase swimming crookThe long, wet arm of the law was in full force last Friday in San Javier Unless you're a regular at especially naughty hen parties, most of us mere mortals have to wait until Christmastime when the firefighters release their naked calendars to.. 27/04/2026
Mar Menor balnearios remain closed for repairs but expected to reopen for summerThe platforms were closed earlier this year after routine inspections picked up clear signs of wear and tear that made them dangerous to use The pantalanes or balnearios, which can be translated as floating walkways or bathing platforms, that are.. 16/04/2026
Cartagena heads to Miami cruise fair with record passenger numbers for 2026Alongside record forecasts for 2026, Cartagena is also presenting plans for a new cruise terminal and ongoing work along the waterfront The port of Cartagena is once again in Miami to promote itself at one of the most important events in the global.. 15/04/2026
Spainfully Honest: Behind the podcast for people living in or moving to SpainTwo Murcia-based expats host this podcast that is gaining attention for its honest and balanced conversations about life in Spain A new podcast, Spainfully Honest, hosted by two long-time residents, Catherine and Paul, is gaining a loyal following.. 03/04/2026
The little-known project to restore the spa and restaurant in the waters of the Mar Menor, and why it may not be such a good idea...A lifelong landmark in Lo Pagán may return to its former glory, but there are serious questions to be answered as to whether it actually should For much of the mid-20th century, the Floridablanca floating spa and restaurant was a defining feature.. 25/03/2026
Try your luck with Espacio Mediterráneo's new 'Scratch off an Extra' promoA fun digital game, instant prizes and the chance to win a €100 Carrefour gift card every month If you love a good surprise (and let’s be honest, who doesn’t), Espacio Mediterráneo in Cartagena has just launched something that.. 24/02/2026
La Encarnación tourist apartments in Los AlcázaresAffordable seafront accommodation in Los Alcázares for golfers, water sports enthusiasts and other visitors to the Mar Menor Guaranteed lowest prices when booking via here! While tourism in much of the Costa Cálida relies almost exclusively..
La Palmera Bar and Grill: Authentic flavours in the heart of Estrella de MarFrom hearty breakfasts to unforgettable roasts, Estrella de Mar’s favourite spot has it all La Palmera Bar and Grill in Estrella de Mar, Murcia, has built a well-earned reputation as one of the area’s favourite dining spots. Known for its welcoming..
Power of attorney: Because you never know when you might need someoneWhether you are buying a property, have health concerns or are simply making provisions for the future, a power of attorney could save you a great deal of time, money and aggravation It is hard to understate how useful it can be to grant a power.. 03/07/2025
The best snorkelling sites in the Region of Murcia!Crystalline Mediterranean waters and spectacular scenery and marine life make for great snorkelling beaches in the Costa Cálida Now that the heat of summer has reached the Costa Cálida there is no better way to cool down than with a dip in the..
The outdoor Museum of the Air in San JavierThe Museo Aeronáutico Tiflológico in Santiago de la Ribera is fully adapted for the visually impaired The “Museo Aeronáutico Tiflológico” on the Explanada Barnuevo in Santiago de la Ribera is a new open-air facility..
Enjoy affordable sailing on the Mar Menor with a boat share groupHow to get involved and try out the sport of sailing without making a large financial outlay Sailing is a sport that many in Murcia wish to try when they see the boats out on the waters of the Mar Menor, but sometimes the initial investment can put people..
