Holiday apartment in Portman: coast, cultural heritage and nature

Portmán combines its local history with specific sites. The Archaeological Museum of Portmán displays Roman remains, mosaics and stucco paintings from excavations at the Roman Villa Huerta del Paturro.

Culture

The Portmán lighthouse is protected as an Asset of Cultural Interest (Bien de Interés Cultural, BIC) and included in Spain’s catalogue of lighthouses of heritage value. The modernist residence Casa Zapata, also known as Casa Grande, is likewise protected as a BIC. It belonged to the mining entrepreneur Miguel Zapata, known as “El Tío Lobo”, and was extended with a second floor in 1913 by Víctor Beltrí.

The Roman Villa Huerto del Tío Paturro is considered one of the most important Roman villas in the Region of Murcia due to its location, size, terraced layout and state of preservation. Archaeological finds show that it was inhabited from the 1st century AD to the first half of the 3rd century AD. Another cultural event is the Portmán National Theatre Festival: it is organised by Portmán Teatro, has been held annually at the beginning of July since 2000, and is based at the Liga de Vecinos de Portmán.

Historical mooring points have been preserved at Portmán’s former fishing quay. The Mirador del Puerto de Pescadores, in the upper part of the former fishing harbour, offers views across Portmán Bay.

Coast

Playa del Lastre is a natural Mediterranean beach measuring 180 metres in length and approximately 20 metres in average width. Its surface consists of fine sand and gravel. Playa del Lastre has beach bars, first aid and assistance services, foot showers, a garden, waste bins and a picnic area. The beach also has reserved parking spaces, an access ramp, wooden walkways leading to the wet sand, as well as amphibious chairs and amphibious crutches.

The access path to Cala de la Cola del Caballo is 468 metres long. The cove combines beach, cliffs, mountains and areas of rambla landscape.

Nature

The PR-MU 2 hiking trail passes through Mediterranean woodland on Monte de las Cenizas. Natural stands of the Cartagena cypress (Tetraclinis articulata), described as unique on the European continent, can be found there. The Sierra Minera de Cartagena y La Unión is a landscape protected as an Asset of Cultural Interest (BIC). Abandoned mining facilities contrast with areas of high ecological value.

The coastal section of Zone 9 Punta de Aguilones–Punta Negra de Portmán also displays this contrast between striking geology and coastal surroundings. It features the high, rugged cliffs of the Sierra de la Fausilla and includes Gorguel and Portmán beaches. The Calblanque, Monte de las Cenizas and Peña del Águila Regional Park lies between Cabo de Palos and Portmán.

Other places

Cánovas, Jumilla, Casas Del Aljibe, Cehegín, Santa Cruz, La Puebla De Mula, Lo Pagán, Majada del Moro

To the higher-level travel overview: Murcia.