The Romans were first to settle in the area. The salt content of the Mar Menor allowed them to set up an industry with salted meat, fish as well as thermal baths and spas.
The La Manga strip also gave them more security against any attacks from the sea.
The Arabs came in the 600s. Los Alcazares’s is a name of Arab origin, it means palace and refers to the luxurious dwellings built by the Arabs at that time.
In the late 1800s, the nobles and rich from Murcia built their summer residence in Los Alcazares, the city is still dominated by Spanish tourists from Murcia and Madrid.
The coastline of Los Alcázares is seven kilometers long, it has seven beaches.
There is a fantastic beach promenade, a marina, beach bars, restaurants – a majority of them still very Spanish. In the newer part of town there are also bars and restaurants with international menus. The locals in the area often come to the beaches in the evening and enjoy both the city's restaurants and nightlife.
Los Alcazaras also has the first hotel built on the Mar Menor, ‘La Encarnacion’ this is located directly on the beach - built in the late 19th century, it has a great restaurant and bar as well as stunning views.
Many sports are practiced on the beach and in the water including volleyball, windsurfing.
In addition to the crystal-clear waters of the Mar Menor, you can also relax in the waters of Spa Punta Calera, a fantastic wellness centre.
On Tuesdays and Saturdays there are a large colourful street markets in the streets of Los Alcázares, selling all kinds of traditional flair.
Festivals are held all year round. Among other events is the medieval market in March, in August there is a large international folklore festival, La Semana de la Huerta el Mar, which celebrates the region's agricultural traditions. Last but not least, every year on 13th of October is the a local bank holiday where they celebrate the towns independence (13 Oct 1983) - all 7 kilometres of beach, promenade and streets are filled with the locals celebrating with some spectacular festivities.
