PASSAGES

The coast of Cartagena is very varied and along its entire length has different landscapes ranging from high cliffs with hidden coves to large bays to delight any bather, from those in search of comfort and the entire range of services to travellers looking for untouched countryside.

If the visitor starts his journey along the coast of Cartagena from the west, he will come across the villages of Isla Plana and La Azohía, which, with their large sandy beaches and mountain views, are traditional summer resorts. La Azohía has a beautiful polygonal defence tower from the 16th century and is famous for tunny fishing, an age-old art practised by the Arabs. Beyond La Punta de la Azohía, the coast changes to cliffs, with solitary beaches such as Cala Cerrada and Cala Abierta, excellent places for bathing, accessible by sea or by walking down paths, ideal for those who enjoy both active tourism and peace and quiet. After rounding Cabo Tiñoso, an excellent vantage point at an altitude of over 300 m, the traveller reaches an area of virgin coast, dominated by the Mountain Range of La Muela, which has been protected as a result of its high natural value. This area contains the fishing village of El Portús, with its nudist camp site.

To the east of Cartagena, there are different landscapes which include the Regional Park of Calblanque, a privileged area of the coast of Murcia. It has a wealth of species of fauna and flora, with geographical formations as varied as coves, large beaches, fossil dunes, salt flats and mountain slopes, with various routes for visiting the park. Further on are the protected coves of Cala Flores and Cala Reona, near to Cabo de Palos. This area, which also includes the surroundings of Islas Hormigas and Isla Grosa, is especially interesting for divers due to the fauna and flora that live on the rocky sea bottom.