San Javier

Famous for its summer festivals and its dedication to agricultural and nautical activities, San Javier, located in the Mar Menor, goes way beyond the mere expectations of beaches. Cool air and the fresh taste of seafood provide alternatives to this area, whose main tourist hotspots are Santiago de la Ribera and La Manga del Mar Menor.

Located on the coast of the Mar Menor, its history began after the period of the Berber invasions in the area. It arose around a shrine that was built at the beginning of the 17th century and dedicated to the Apostle San Francisco Javier. Its territory, which is dedicated to agriculture and the sea, has the outstanding coastal locations of Santiago de la Ribera and La Manga del Mar Menor, both of eminent tourist interest. Santiago de la Ribera was created in 1888 with the construction of a shrine dedicated to the Apostle St. James. Currently, this modern-looking town has a beautiful sea front and holds on to its fishing village flavour. La Manga, which mostly belongs to the municipality of San Javier, offers the possibility of choosing between two seas with different temperatures, saltiness and waves. Moreover, its special qualities for water sports and its wide range of leisure and accommodation possibilities have turned it into a magnificent tourist resort. San Javier perhaps widens the options for the rural tourist with its many inland villages and protected areas away from the coast, such as Cabezo Gordo, and make it an excellent alternative to bear in mind if you're looking for something other than its excellent beaches.

THE FLYING ACROBATS
Those who regularly come to Mar Menor know that at any moment, one of the most amazing spectacles that exist can happen above our heads. The acrobatics of the Patrulla Águila team, which is based out of the San Javier Air Force Academy, defy the laws of physics to delight all those that are lucky enough to see it. Once you have seen the acrobatics, you cannot look away from the sky.

THE SEA AND GOLF
Like the rest of the Mar Menor, the San Javier coast is ideal for water sports. The majority of the sailing, diving or paragliding schools take place in the Mar Menor Marine Resort, and they give you an unforgettable experience in a unique setting in the Mar Menor.

FROM THE SEA... CALDERO
The local specialty is called Caldero, a typical coastal dish made up of rice and fresh fish with a secret ingredient ñoras (a sun-dried pepper grown in Murcia). The following are typical Murcian items: fish eggs, dried tuna, and the richest langoustines of Mar Menor as well as home grown vegetables like lettuce, tomatoes, artichokes and peppers. For dessert, we suggest that you enjoy the sweet and savoury Pastel de cierva or, if you have a sweet tooth, the Tocino de Cielo (very similar to flan in Southern Spain).

LET'S GO TO THE FESTIVALS
The San Javier Jazz Festival is considered as one of the best in Spain. The annual event takes place in July and offers a whole month of concerts, where the most outstanding Jazz musicians perform. Can you think of anything better than spending your summer nights listening to Jazz on an outdoor stage just a few minutes from the sea? The summer festival of Theatre, Music and Dance is another very important one in San Javier. The range of classical and avant-garde theatre, world music, prestigious soloists and internationally renowned classical and modern dance groups all attend this annual event.

FESTIVALS AND CUSTOMS
The Romería de San Blas is one of the most well-known festivals in Murcia, which takes place at the beginning of February. During the summer in Santiago de la Ribera, they also celebrate the Festival of the Virgen del Carmen with a maritime procession and popular street parties.