Traveling to distant places without even leaving the country is possible and much easier than you imagine. For example, to feel like you're in the French Touraine, you just have to go to this charming town two hours from Madrid. Spanish Tuscany is two hours from Barcelona, Mykonos is in the province of Malaga and the most beautiful town in Portugal is in Spain. However, if your vibe is more Venetian, you can't miss La Manga del Mar Menor in Murcia.
Two thousand years ago, due to the accumulation of sand on rocky outcrops of volcanic origin, La Manga was formed. This narrow sandy strip, 22 km long and a width ranging between 100 meters and a kilometer and a half, closed the bay, giving rise to the salt sea lagoon that we know today as Mar Menor.
With its 24 kilometers of land bathed by two seas (Mediterranean and Mar Menor), it is one of the tourist icons of the Region of Murcia. However, it is a peculiar (even more so) area at the end of this orographic whim that we are going to talk about today.
Miguel Mora Hernández on Flicker
It is at this specific point, in the northern area of La Manga, where Veneziola extends. But let's start at the beginning: In the 1970s, developer Tomás Maestre devised a small residential Venice there, creating artificial canals over some old salt mines. These channels are navigable by small boats and have an exit to the Mar Menor.
Although Tomás Maestre's original idea was not finally implemented in its entirety, we are left with these golas and the so-called Laughter Bridge, also in Venetian style. In fact, this bridge is quite an attraction for drivers because it is a small walkway with a large drop that makes it seem like you are going to fly away.
@turismoregiondemurcia
Furthermore, another great attraction of this part of La Manga is its secluded beaches compared to the rest of the place. Ideal for those looking for a quiet bath and enjoy relaxation in the middle of nature.
Cover photo | @turismoregiondemurcia, Miguel Mora Hernández on Flicker
