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Costa del Sol · Spain

Los Alcázares

Los Alcázares is a coastal spa town located on the western shore of the Mar Menor in southeastern Spain. Founded as a municipality in 1983, it has transformed from a historic fishing village into a year-round destination known for its therapeutic waters and relaxed lifestyle.

12.735
Population
3869
Sunshine hours/year
7m
Elevation
30
AQI (Fair)

Living & Lifestyle

Life in Los Alcázares revolves around the Mar Menor, Europe's largest saltwater lagoon. The town has a population of approximately 15,000 to 20,000 residents, though this number swells significantly during the summer months. The name 'Los Alcázares' derives from the Arabic word for 'palace,' referencing the vacation retreats built here during the Moorish period. Today, the town offers a blend of traditional Spanish character and modern amenities. Residents have access to 21 restaurants, 9 cafes, 4 pharmacies, 10 banks, and 2 dental clinics. The town center features a pedestrian promenade along the beach, lined with local businesses. The community is popular among both Spanish nationals and international expats, particularly from the UK and Northern Europe, who are drawn to the mild climate and coastal lifestyle.

Climate & Weather

Los Alcázares enjoys a semi-arid Mediterranean climate with approximately 3,869 sunshine hours per year and only 49 rainy days annually. Average temperatures range from 11.1°C in January to 26.0°C in August. The summer months are hot and dry, with July receiving just 1mm of rainfall on average. Winters are mild, making it an attractive destination for those seeking to escape colder northern European climates. The Mar Menor acts as a natural temperature regulator, warming the area in winter and cooling it in summer. The water temperature of the lagoon can reach 30°C in summer and rarely falls below 12°C in winter, allowing for water sports throughout much of the year.
Month °C gem. °C max°C min Rainfall mm Sun hours
January 12.1° 16.6°8.6° 30 mm 263h
February 13.2° 17.5°9.7° 10 mm 260h
March 14.5° 18.6°11.0° 55 mm 296h
April 16.3° 20.2°12.8° 38 mm 321h
May 19.5° 23.4°15.8° 36 mm 391h
June 23.4° 27.3°19.8° 9 mm 402h
July 26.3° 30.0°22.8° 3 mm 420h
August 26.8° 30.5°23.4° 11 mm 383h
September 24.2° 27.9°21.0° 48 mm 326h
October 20.5° 24.4°17.2° 37 mm 293h
November 16.1° 20.4°12.7° 26 mm 266h
December 13.3° 17.6°9.9° 37 mm 248h

Getting Around

The town is well-connected by road and public transport. Alicante-Elche Airport (ALC) is located 65.6 km away, approximately a 45-minute drive. The Corvera Airport (Murcia) is even closer at around 30 km. Valencia Airport is 197 km to the north. Los Alcázares has its own bus station and is served by 18 public transport lines with 55 stops throughout the municipality. The AP-7 motorway runs nearby, providing easy access to the rest of the Costa Cálida and Costa Blanca. The flat terrain at 7 meters above sea level makes the town highly walkable and cycling-friendly.

Alicante-Elche (ALC)

65.6 km

Valencia (VLC)

197.2 km

Malaga-Costa del Sol (AGP)

344.0 km

Estación de autobuses Los Alcázares

1.4 km

Lines

18

Stops

55

Cycling: - (gradient 0%)

Nature & Beaches

Los Alcázares boasts several beaches along the Mar Menor, including Los Narejos, Las Palmeras, El Espejo, La Concha, and Playa Carrión. These beaches are known for their calm, shallow waters—typically no more than 1.5 meters deep within the first 50 meters from shore—making them exceptionally safe for families with children. The Mar Menor's high salinity (between 4% and 5%) is believed to have therapeutic properties for skin conditions and rheumatism. The lagoon is separated from the Mediterranean Sea by La Manga, a 22 km strip of land. Nearby natural areas include the salt flats of San Pedro del Pinatar and the regional park of Calblanque, offering hiking trails and unspoiled Mediterranean beaches.

Sports & Recreation

The Mar Menor is the centerpiece of recreation in Los Alcázares. Its calm, shallow waters make it ideal for water sports including sailing, windsurfing, kitesurfing, and kayaking. The town has several sailing schools and nautical clubs. On land, residents can enjoy the pedestrian promenade that stretches along the coastline, perfect for walking, running, and cycling. Golf enthusiasts have access to several courses in the surrounding area within a 15-20 minute drive. The warm winters allow for outdoor activities year-round. The annual International Week of the Habanera and Polyphony, held in August, is a cultural highlight celebrating the town's musical traditions.

Amenities

Restaurant

21

Pharmacy

4

Bank

10

Cafe

9

Dentist

2

Air Quality

PM2.5

3.1

µg/m³

PM10

4.5

µg/m³

NO²

4.1

µg/m³

Ozone

74.0

µg/m³

UV Index

0.0

Education

Los Alcázares has several public and private schools serving the local population. For international education, several British and bilingual schools are located in the surrounding municipalities of San Javier and Torre-Pacheco, within a 10-15 minute drive. The proximity to Murcia city (approximately 20 km) provides access to the University of Murcia for higher education. Many expat families choose international schools in the nearby areas of La Manga and San Javier.

Economy & Income

The economy of Los Alcázares is primarily driven by tourism, services, and real estate. The town's transformation from a fishing village to a tourist destination has created numerous jobs in hospitality, retail, and property management. Agriculture, particularly the cultivation of artichokes and other vegetables, remains important in the surrounding countryside. The real estate market has seen steady growth, with new developments attracting both holiday home buyers and permanent residents. The average property price is approximately €433,930, though prices range from €160,000 to €1,390,000 depending on location and property type.

Local Holidays (32)

2026-01-01

Año Nuevo

2026-01-06

Día de Reyes / Epifanía del Señor

2026-02-28

Día de Andalucía

2026-03-01

Dia de les Illes Balears

2026-04-02

Jueves Santo

2026-04-03

Viernes Santo

At a Glance

  • Located on the western shore of the Mar Menor, 7 meters above sea level
  • Population of approximately 15,000–20,000 residents
  • 3,869 sunshine hours per year with only 49 rainy days
  • 65.6 km from Alicante-Elche Airport (approximately 45 minutes)
  • 18 public transport lines with 55 stops
  • 36 properties available from €160,000 to €1,390,000
  • 32 of 36 listings are new developments
  • Beaches include Los Narejos, Las Palmeras, and La Concha

Browse by Property Type

Available Properties

The real estate market in Los Alcázares currently offers 36 properties for sale, with prices ranging from €160,000 to €1,390,000. The average listing price is €433,930. The market is dominated by new developments, with 32 of the 36 available properties being newly constructed. Property types include townhouses, bungalows, and duplexes, with many offering views of the Mar Menor. The area is particularly popular for second homes and investment properties due to the strong holiday rental market. New developments often include communal pools, gardens, and parking. Properties within walking distance of the beach command premium prices, while those further inland offer more space for the price.
Apartments (1) Townhouses (1) New Developments (32) Properties (1)

Apartments (1)

VL535021
VL535021
€160.000
Duplex
Los Alcázares
3 Beds 2 Bath 111 m²

Townhouses (1)

VL797108
VL797108
€197.000
Townhouse
Los Alcázares
3 Beds 2 Bath 81 m²

New Developments (32)

VL742184
VL742184
€1.390.000
New Development
Los Alcazares
3 Beds 3 Bath 125 m²
VL093060
VL093060
€720.000
New Development
Los Alcazares
3 Beds 4 Bath 224 m²
VL635248
VL635248
€695.000
New Development
Los Alcazares
4 Beds 3 Bath 255 m²
VL026154
VL026154
€659.000
New Development
Los Alcazares
3 Beds 3 Bath 118 m²
VL510453
VL510453
€599.000
New Development
Los Alcazares
3 Beds 2 Bath 104 m²
VL364914
VL364914
€590.000
New Development
Los Alcazares
3 Beds 3 Bath 150 m²
Bekijk alle New Developments →

Properties (1)

VL913650
VL913650
€559.900
Bungalow
Los Alcázares
3 Beds 2 Bath 220 m²
VL273258
VL273258
€398.900
Los Alcazares
3 Beds 2 Bath 105 m²

Frequently Asked Questions

How far is Los Alcázares from the nearest airport?
Los Alcázares is 65.6 km from Alicante-Elche Airport (ALC), approximately a 45-minute drive. Murcia's Corvera Airport is even closer at around 30 km.
What is the climate like in Los Alcázares?
The town enjoys 3,869 sunshine hours annually with only 49 rainy days. Average temperatures range from 11.1°C in January to 26.0°C in August.
Is Los Alcázares suitable for families?
Yes, the Mar Menor's shallow, calm waters make it exceptionally safe for children. The town has schools, pharmacies, medical facilities, and family-friendly beaches.
What is the Mar Menor?
The Mar Menor is Europe's largest saltwater lagoon, separated from the Mediterranean by a 22 km strip called La Manga. Its waters are known for therapeutic properties.
What property types are available in Los Alcázares?
The market offers townhouses, bungalows, and duplexes. 32 of the 36 current listings are new developments, with prices ranging from €160,000 to €1,390,000.
How many residents live in Los Alcázares?
The municipality has approximately 15,000 to 20,000 residents, though the population increases significantly during summer months and holiday periods.
What sports and activities are available?
Water sports dominate, including sailing, windsurfing, and kitesurfing. The flat terrain is ideal for cycling and walking. Golf courses are within a 15-20 minute drive.
When was Los Alcázares established as a municipality?
Los Alcázares became an independent municipality on October 13, 1983, when it separated from the municipalities of Torre-Pacheco and San Javier.