The best hiking routes in Paisaje Protegido Espacios Abiertos e Islas del Mar Menor

Paisaje Protegido Espacios Abiertos e Islas del Mar Menor offers a flat, coastal walking experience defined by salt marshes, volcanic hills, and sandy beaches along the saltwater lagoon. Unlike the rocky cliffs of the nearby Mediterranean coast, this protected area consists of low-lying wetlands, salt pans, and isolated volcanic cones like Cabezo Gordo that rise abruptly from the plains. Walkers will find a stark contrast between the dry, scrubby inland soils and the damp, saline environments closer to the water.

Underfoot, the terrain varies from loose sand along the beaches and spits to firm, dusty dirt tracks through the agricultural borders and salt flats. Some sections near the wetlands feature wooden boardwalks to protect the fragile salt-tolerant vegetation, such as glasswort and sea lavender, while other paths are simple, unmarked trails over stony volcanic ground. The lack of shade is a constant feature across these open spaces, where low shrubs replace trees.

This landscape is shaped by its history of salt extraction and volcanic activity, which is highly visible in the dark, jagged rocks of the hills and the geometric shapes of the old salt pans. It is not a place for mountain climbing or deep forest hikes, as the elevation changes are minimal and the vegetation remains close to the ground. In autumn, particularly around October, the salt pans often attract migratory waterbirds, making these flat, open paths especially interesting for those focused on coastal ecology.