Some rides stay with you because they contain much more than good roads and impressive numbers.
This route starts beside the Mar Menor in Los Alcázares. It passes through small waterside communities before climbing above the Mediterranean coast. Portmán Bay, La Unión’s mining landscape and several excellent café options add character along the way.
I first shared this ride through Murcia Bike Hire in 2020. I also chose it for my six-page Bike Magazine feature the following year.
Years later, it remains one of my favourite ways to introduce visiting cyclists to the area.
Leaving Los Alcázares beside the Mar Menor
The ride begins in Los Alcázares and follows the western shore of the Mar Menor.
The early kilometres pass El Carmolí, Los Urrutias and Punta Brava. Estrella de Mar and Los Nietos follow. Frequent views across the lagoon give this section its identity.
These opening roads provide a useful opportunity to settle into the ride. The terrain stays relatively gentle, so there is no need to chase the pace.
Several villages offer access to the water, cafés and places to stop. That freedom matters on a holiday ride. A good day on the bike should leave room to notice where you are.
Wind can make this exposed shoreline feel different from one day to another. Check the forecast before leaving and save something for the return journey.
Mar de Cristal, Los Belones and the first choice
Beyond Los Nietos, the route begins to offer choices.
Riders can visit Mar de Cristal for a promenade stop beside the lagoon. Alternatively, they can turn through Los Belones and continue towards La Manga Club.
This makes the route easy to adapt. A relaxed group can include a coffee or lunch stop. Stronger riders can keep moving towards the climbs beyond the resort.
From Los Belones, the road approaches La Manga Club through a landscape that feels very different from the lagoon. The terrain starts to roll, and the hills draw closer.
Climbing through La Manga Club
The route enters La Manga Club at roughly 24 kilometres from Los Alcázares.
From here, the road begins a steady climb towards the ridge above Portmán Bay. Trees and rocky hillsides replace the open shoreline. Glimpses of the Mediterranean appear as you gain height.
The climb is short enough to feel approachable, but it still demands a sensible effort. Riders who started too quickly beside the lagoon often notice it here.
At the summit, stop for a moment and look back. The view explains why this route has appeared in so many customer photographs over the years.
It also provides the day’s most useful decision point.
Descending the Green Mile to Portmán
The descent towards Portmán follows the road known locally as the Green Mile.
Portmán village and bay sit below the ridge. Riders can descend for refreshments, visit the beach and lighthouse area, or simply enjoy the coastal setting.
The bay also carries the visible history of the Sierra Minera. Mining shaped this landscape and the communities around La Unión for generations. That history gives the route a character that goes far beyond sea views.
Remember that a descent to Portmán creates a climb back towards La Manga Club. Keep that return effort in mind when deciding how far to continue.
Continue towards La Unión or turn for home
Cyclists with more distance in their legs can continue through Portmán and climb towards La Unión.
This extension brings more coastal views and glimpses of the former mining landscape. The gradients also make the ride noticeably harder.
There is no wrong choice at Portmán. Some riders want the full loop and its extra climbing. Others prefer lunch near the coast before returning over the Green Mile.
I have guided both versions many times. The best option always depends on the rider, the weather and the purpose of the day.
Returning to Los Alcázares
The return towards Los Alcázares brings the Mar Menor back into view.
After the climbing around Portmán and La Unión, the flatter coastal kilometres offer a welcome change of rhythm. They also provide time to talk about the ride and choose a final café stop.
That contrast makes the route special. One day can include lagoon roads, Mediterranean views, resort climbs, mining history and small coastal villages.
Those ingredients placed this ride in my own cycling memory bank. Many OriMar and Murcia Bike Hire customers have taken it home in theirs too.
Planning this route with OriMar Bikes
This journal shares the character of the ride rather than turn-by-turn navigation. Road conditions, access and weather can change, so riders should use current route information.
Confirmed OriMar Bikes customers can request GPX guidance suited to their accommodation, preferred distance and climbing level. We provide this guidance as part of our premium bike-hire service.
Explore our Los Alcázares Cycling Guide and La Manga Club Cycling Guide. You can also browse the wider Mar Menor Cycling Area Guides.
Once you confirm your accommodation and dates, check current bike availability.
