Recommendation please for Spain winter 2024/25

[ceejayt]

Hi

For the first time this year we tried booking in Spain - through the CAMC and tested two weeks at Villanova Park. All a bit of a disaster as we have two dogs, we understood there would be access to a beach for dog walks which turned out to be 3 mile hike and not much for the dogs to do on the site. Gave up after. a week and have spent the last three weeks in France and this weekend in Bruges before heading home on Monday

So, need to sort this next year - looking for recommendations Alicante or further South for 4 to 6 weeks December January time with somewhere our dogs can really RUN!! Pus we can get some better weather. Ideally I would like to book very soon and get it all in the diary.

Thoughts please!!

 

[Mike Warland]

I think you will find dogs are not allowed on the beach adjacent to the Mirador, neither are they allowed on the terrace area.

It is not enforced in the winter.

 

[David and Sally]

No you are talking about caravaning La Manga camping Mar Menor is the other side of Alazeres there are no statics there just camping it has been renovated to excellent quality but can be difficult to get in.

Yes, as in a couple of corrective posts I have since made. Confused two sites.

 

[MartinandBev]

It is not enforced in the winter.

That very much depends where you are, we live in Guardamar and the police are very hot about dogs on the beaches all year

 

[Floridalil]

Hi

For the first time this year we tried booking in Spain - through the CAMC and tested two weeks at Villanova Park. All a bit of a disaster as we have two dogs, we understood there would be access to a beach for dog walks which turned out to be 3 mile hike and not much for the dogs to do on the site. Gave up after. a week and have spent the last three weeks in France and this weekend in Bruges before heading home on Monday

So, need to sort this next year - looking for recommendations Alicante or further South for 4 to 6 weeks December January time with somewhere our dogs can really RUN!! Pus we can get some better weather. Ideally I would like to book very soon and get it all in the diary.

Thoughts please!!

What do you mean, nothing for dogs to do.They only pee, poo,sleep and bark

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[Carpmart]

I think you will find dogs are not allowed on the beach adjacent to the Mirador, neither are they allowed on the terrace area.

This is all very confusing. There is no terrace and the beach is 100% dog friendly. For the avoidance of any doubt I’ve always been referring to CAMPING MAR MENOR

 

[flyboyprowler]

It is worth considering Torrox Costa. We have stayed at both Paradise Beach and MiluCar. The beach is just across the road and is dog friendly and there is country walking close by, but you need transport to get to it. Biggest problem, Germans and Dutch who book for the whole winter season, and rebook each year.

 

[ceejayt]

Just to point out that dogs are not allowed on buses in Spain, as the OP has dogs. Fine if you don't mind leaving dogs in a MH but some, like us, would never leave them

Yes was aware of that. We do not like to leave them either

 

[ceejayt]

I clearly have some work to do!!!

 

[deemac]

Hi

For the first time this year we tried booking in Spain - through the CAMC and tested two weeks at Villanova Park. All a bit of a disaster as we have two dogs, we understood there would be access to a beach for dog walks which turned out to be 3 mile hike and not much for the dogs to do on the site. Gave up after. a week and have spent the last three weeks in France and this weekend in Bruges before heading home on Monday

So, need to sort this next year - looking for recommendations Alicante or further South for 4 to 6 weeks December January time with somewhere our dogs can really RUN!! Pus we can get some better weather. Ideally I would like to book very soon and get it all in the diary.

Thoughts please!!

Loads of walks from Vilanova Park. Just turn right up the lane at the entrance and there is unlimited walking in the hills. Beach a bit far and uphill on the way back. Be aware that wherever you go many Spanish beaches are not dog friendly. The C&CC and CAMC winter sun sites around Alicante are often inland.

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[ceejayt]

Loads of walks from Vilanova Park. Just turn right up the lane at the entrance and there is unlimited walking in the hills. Beach a bit far and uphill on the way back. Be aware that wherever you go many Spanish beaches are not dog friendly. The C&CC and CAMC winter sun sites around Alicante are often inland.

Very little dog friendly walks where the dogs can just run and be free

 

[David and Sally]

People were running dogs on the beach last couple of weeks here. (La Manga) . Can’t comment on the terrace but will take a look today.

Ok, in the interests of FUN we did a recce today at our own expense.
The terrace at Camping La Manga, at the south end of Mar Menor does have a very dog-eared () sign saying no dogs allowed on the terrace of the Mirador bar. But there were dogs on the terrace of the Mirador bar.
The beach to the right as you exit the site has signs saying no dogs and to be fair there were none.
But 100yds to the right on the next bit of beach plenty of dogs on the beach and in the sea and no signs saying no dogs. And further on towards La Manga there is a dog specific beach.

In the spirit of research we walked up to the Brambles Bar and had a couple of drinks with the very friendly Welsh owners. As you do.

Then, on the way back into the Mirador bar just outside the gates of the site and just to reassure ourselves about dogs we had a couple of drinks so we could spy on dogs. Dogs on the terrace breaking the no dog signs. But I guess dogs can’t read.

Maybe in the summer it might be different, but at this time of year plenty of dogs and plenty of space to run them.

We will not be putting in a bill for our research costs.

Just to be clear. This is Camping La Manga, at the very south of Mar Menor. Yes, it does have a shanty town feel to it but that really adds to the appeal.

So, between us, Carpmart and ourselves have reviewed two sites on Mar Menor

 

[sparkyvanman]

Hi

For the first time this year we tried booking in Spain - through the CAMC and tested two weeks at Villanova Park. All a bit of a disaster as we have two dogs, we understood there would be access to a beach for dog walks which turned out to be 3 mile hike and not much for the dogs to do on the site. Gave up after. a week and have spent the last three weeks in France and this weekend in Bruges before heading home on Monday

So, need to sort this next year - looking for recommendations Alicante or further South for 4 to 6 weeks December January time with somewhere our dogs can really RUN!! Pus we can get some better weather. Ideally I would like to book very soon and get it all in the diary.

Thoughts please!!

We went to Villanova Park last year , worst site of the year , so noisy we struggled to sleep, groups partying till the early hours

 

[GoldenVision]

What do you mean, nothing for dogs to do.They only pee, poo,sleep and bark

And sometimes they bite...

 

[Boldly]

.......the hand that feeds

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[ronboyracer]

Hi

For the first time this year we tried booking in Spain - through the CAMC and tested two weeks at Villanova Park. All a bit of a disaster as we have two dogs, we understood there would be access to a beach for dog walks which turned out to be 3 mile hike and not much for the dogs to do on the site. Gave up after. a week and have spent the last three weeks in France and this weekend in Bruges before heading home on Monday

So, need to sort this next year - looking for recommendations Alicante or further South for 4 to 6 weeks December January time with somewhere our dogs can really RUN!! Pus we can get some better weather. Ideally I would like to book very soon and get it all in the diary.

Thoughts please!!

Get down to murcia , Mazarron , Las torres camping 🏕

 

[Carpmart]

Get down to murcia , Mazarron , Las torres camping 🏕

Nice site but ceejayt wanted it on the beach , which this isn’t unfortunately…

 

[Julie P]

We are there now. Don’t have a dog but plenty here. The CMC are running a rally here now.

We had very differing views from people about the site.

“Shanty town. Drove in and drove out. Marmite place.”

So we were a bit apprehensive but really liked the place. Yes, there are a lot of crowded self-build shacks but we have quite enjoyed seeing them. Plenty of ordinary touring pitches. Good supermarket and bar/ restaurant.

Facilities are a little dated but adequate. Loads of Brits, Germans, Swedes, Belgians, Dutch overwintering. All very friendly.

Lovely walks along the beaches to bars, restaurants and er…….bars and restaurants

Edit, and a good bus service outside to Cartagena and La Manga areas.

We are near camping Mar menor at St Javier/los Alcázares and no shanty town there! Very neat and tidy and yes a gate onto beach and good walk along board walk into los Alcázares. Are we talking about same site? Book soon Atea Narejos pretty much booked up for next year! Everywhere rammed full and on the streets although the police have been clearing them every couple of days. Can see amended messages. Some people have booked next winters pitch before they came out! But spaces here are popping up daily now and quickly being filled by people parked on the car parks.

 

[Andy from Sandy]

Camping Caravaning La Manga​

is the full official name of the campsite many have been talking about and their website is https://www.caravaning.es/

My thoughts about being "Marmite site" is that it isn't, it's the people who come here who are Marmite - they are either friendly and accepting of the campsite and the culture, have a great time socialising with fellow campers and visit local bars, restaurants, sandy beaches and other beauty spots OR they are critical and want the campsite to be like an expensive premium UK Club campsite at £30+ a night, instead of probably half that amount.

Sorry, this is partly turning into a review.

We often used to spend the winter here in the motorhome but last time we left it at home and privately hired a small cabin near the beach, close to the Mirador restaurant/bar. OK, the Mirador and beach are half a mile from the excellent campsite Spar shop and K block, which is where most motorhome hard-standing fully serviced pitches are, which for less able people could be an issue.

We used to be part of the Caravan Club winter rallies when they were still doing them, and this year we could have joined the Caravan and Motorhome Club and been on their rally, but as we hired a cabin, that wasn't an option. No problemo, we found that we didn't need to be on the rally, although we could still visit our friends there. This is because social events and coach outings are organised by the campsite, however, some private (non-rally) events seem to just happen, by personal arrangement between fellow Brits, sometimes aided by the "La Manga Camping Friends" private Facebook group. If you are the social type, you are bound to make new friends and self-organise social events. What's not to like? Marmite? Bah-humbug!

Here are some beach images overlooking the Mar Menor (small sea).

The above photo was taken near a lovely cafe at Mar de Cristal, about a mile walk from the campsite (turn left past the Mirador, across the field).

The above photo of the beach, in front of the campsite, shows in the distance, "The Strip" (on a narrow peninsular) which is where the town of La Manga is actually located, on the other side of the Mar Menor.

The above photo shows the Mirador restaurant/bar in the distance, and "bungalows" (cabins) at the edge of the campsite on the left.

This photo shows the other end of the beach, furthest away from the Mirador. It features the wife, dressed for winter.

 

[Red Sonja]

Can I ask who did you rent the cabin from and could you take dogs? Was it expensive? Just looking at options and we like it there

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[Andy from Sandy]

Can I ask who did you rent the cabin from and could you take dogs? Was it expensive? Just looking at options and we like it there

We asked for rental cabins in the "La Manga Camping Friends" private Facebook group and a nice lady replied. We didn't ask about dogs as we no longer have any. As it was a private rental it was cheaper than going through the campsite. If you want to book one of the campsite's bungalows (that's what they call cabins) it's cheaper to phone the campsite direct, rather than book online. There is also an agent on site who rent out private client's cabins, or you can buy them sometimes.

 

[Andy from Sandy]

Can I ask who did you rent the cabin from and could you take dogs?

You can also try AirBnB at https://www.airbnb.co.uk/. We know a couple who booked a cabin for next year for six months and they allow dogs.

You can also try this company, they have an office on the campsite by the beach, opposite the Mirador.

 

[ceejayt]

Thanks for all the suggestions really helpful. Even better, SWMBO has decided she is good to go to Morocco next year (she didn't want to go this year but the mess up with Villanova has changed her mind) so will probably do a bit of both.
Now looking for campsite suggestions in Agadir as well

 

[AlanandMayya]

What do you mean, nothing for dogs to do.They only pee, poo,sleep and bark

That is a gross simplification. Their lives are far more nuanced and complex. They also bite other peoples’ dogs, for example. And they eat. By God, they eat!

 

[Bleau’s]

You can take dogs on trains in Spain without cages we took ours to Valencia from benicassim at Christmas with no problems it is only buses which is no go

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[Littlewheels]

That is a gross simplification. Their lives are far more nuanced and complex. They also bite other peoples’ dogs, for example. And they eat. By God, they eat!

And they offer you entertainment if you interact with them, a greeting when you have to leave them at home and undying love and affection. I lost my best pal of 13 years 11 days ago and it’s broken me but l have amazing memories to console myself.

 

[GoldenVision]

And they offer you entertainment if you interact with them, a greeting when you have to leave them at home and undying love and affection. I lost my best pal of 13 years 11 days ago and it’s broken me but l have amazing memories to console myself.

That's why I would never have a dog. My parents were devastated when their dog died. You know it's inevitably going to die (after it gets old and starts to suffer and will probably have to be put down) and you will be faced with dealing with that - no matter how much pleasure it gives beforehand.

 

[ceejayt]

Yes, as in a couple of corrective posts I have since made. Confused two sites.

Have sent you a pm David and Sally

 

[David and Sally]

Have sent you a pm David and Sally

Replied.

 

[ceejayt]

Just awaiting confirmation from La Manga for my booking, crossed fingers, have paid the deposit and will be there over Christmas if all goes according to plan. We aim to leave early December and visit Brugge's and Strasbourg Christmas markets on the way then in January head off to Morocco for a few weeks before returning home.

Thanks David and Sally who also provided this load of detail for me which he thought might be useful to others...

At the sea end of the site there is the restaurant with a terrace. Officially there are no dogs but I have seem small dogs being carried in the terrace area. But, assume no dogs in the bar or terrace just to be safe.
To the right of that as you look at the sea is a beach but no dogs. Go 100 yds further along and dogs do get on the beach and then right along way past the Refugio Bar about 30 mins walk is a dedicated dog beach.

For bars, turn right out of the gates and you will see a bar right on the Playa Honda beach, El Refugio, 10 mins walk, which is very popular with campers. Dogs allowed. Opposite that bar is an alley and at the end of that you will see Brambles Bar to your left. Owned by a Brit couple and full of Brit locals. Not posh but friendly welcome.

Turn left out of the gates and about 20 mins walk along a track in the dunes there is a beach bar just to the left of a large white house you will see in the distance. Not sure about dogs, but can’t see why not on the outside seating.
A bit further, 5 mins, along the promenade is a posher restaurant with outside seating so dogs probably allowed outside.

Dogs on buses. Not allowed but we did see someone with a smallish dog in a bike trailer thingy load onto the rear of the bus and travel with it. But, that was the only instance we saw so unless you hire a car or walk a long way the immediate area is your lot. The gates are a fair walk from most pitches.

If you can look past the odder or shoddier permanent structures on the Camping La Manga site we found it all very fascinating and are planning a return next winter.

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[AlanandMayya]

And they offer you entertainment if you interact with them, a greeting when you have to leave them at home and undying love and affection. I lost my best pal of 13 years 11 days ago and it’s broken me but l have amazing memories to console myself.

I’m sorry to hear that. I’ve had to say goodbye to a few dogs over the years, and Jess and Laska aren’t young now. What can you do when it happens to you? I really don’t know. Soon it will happen to me again. But it’s better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all. All the best to you.