The Parque Regional Salinas y Arenales de San Pedro del Pinatar is a wetland of international importance. The 856-hectare area lies between the Mar Menor and the Mediterranean Sea; numerous bird species breed and rest there. San Pedro Del Pinatar’s focus on nature is particularly evident in its salt-flat landscape and birdwatching opportunities.
Wetlands and coastal landscape
You can hike and cycle along the designated paths and tracks in the regional park. One specifically named route in San Pedro del Pinatar is the Senda de los Tarays: this Sendero Azul is an easy nature trail. It runs parallel to a freshwater channel that surrounds the salt flats and flows into the Mediterranean Sea. Along the Senda, you can observe various bird species; the observation point also offers panoramic views of the salt flats. Playa de Torre Derribada is also located within the regional park.
The Centro de Visitantes Las Salinas offers another way to explore the area’s natural features. It has an exhibition room, a screening room and information materials; you can also borrow binoculars free of charge. Check the operating arrangements locally if you are planning a visit. This means the nature focus includes both outdoor activities on designated paths and information and birdwatching.
Fishing, collections and history
The Encañizadas are a traditional fishing system of Arab origin. They use the movement of fish between the Mar Menor and the Mediterranean Sea to catch them in a maze of reeds and nets. This shows that the connection between the two bodies of water is not only part of the natural landscape, but also the basis of a traditional fishing technique.
The Museo del Mar is dedicated to the art of fishing. Its exhibits include shells, fish jaws and mollusc shells, as well as miniatures of typical Mar Menor fishing equipment, knots and cartographic maps. The Museo Municipal Palacio Barón de Benifayó offers a different perspective: it displays terrestrial and underwater archaeological finds, fossils and materials from prehistoric cultures of the southeast.
Remains of Roman dwellings were found at the Yacimiento romano de La Raya. Check access to the archaeological site separately before visiting.
Festive traditions and salt production
Semana Santa de San Pedro del Pinatar in the Mar Menor has been recognised as a festival of regional tourist interest. As the dates change each year, it is best to coordinate your travel dates with the festival dates for that year. This is a different kind of timing consideration from the permanent landscape and museum attractions described above.
The Salinas de Coterillo are also still in operation. This means that, alongside the natural landscape and collections, the continued use of the salt flats is also part of the area’s character.
Discover more destinations: El Palmar, Retamalejo, Canteras, Corvera, Valladolises, Aljucer, Sucina, Santiago de la Ribera.
For the regional travel overview: Murcia.
