Playa Paraíso is not part of La Manga, although many people search for it that way: it is right at the entrance, on the shore of the Mar Menor, between Playa Honda and the small beach of Los Alemanes, already within the municipality of Cartagena. It is an everyday beach for locals and holidaymakers from the area, with calm water, a long promenade and, unusually, the Marchamalo salt pans behind it instead of a row of buildings.
For anyone living or staying in La Manga it is a change of scene five minutes away: the same calm water of the Mar Menor, less hassle parking and a dog beach next door.
Quick fact
The sand of Playa Honda, Playa Paraíso and Los Alemanes forms one continuous beachfront: you cannot tell where one ends and the next begins. The council gives Playa Paraíso a length of about 800 metres.
What the beach is like
Fine sand, a seabed that slopes very gently and water with no waves or currents. You can walk a long way out without losing your footing, so it's easy with children and for trying paddle surfing or kayaking without any scares. As everywhere on the Mar Menor, the water warms up sooner and stays milder for longer than on the Mediterráneo.
Behind it, instead of buildings, there is a wide promenade with gardens and the old Marchamalo salt pans, now a refuge for birds. In the evening it is a good place for a stroll or a bike ride as the sun goes down over the lagoon.
During the bathing season (1 June to 30 September, according to the Cartagena council) there are lifeguards, boardwalks, foot showers, toilets, a children's area, a beach bar and sun loungers and parasols for hire. For more places to eat or have a drink near the sand, see the beach bars in the directory.
The dog beach, right next door
Cartagena council has three dog beaches, signposted since 2023: La Calera, in Isla Plana; Lengua de la Vaca, in Los Nietos; and Los Alemanes, on the stretch from Los Alemanes to Playa Paraíso. That last one is what you are after if you search for "La Manga dog beach". It is a short, fenced-off stretch of shore with a dog shower, open all year round with no set hours, and we have it in its dog beach listing.
These are the rules set by the Ayuntamiento de Cartagena (town council):
The list
- 1The dog must be supervised and under its owner's responsibility at all times, and must not disturb other visitors or damage plants or wildlife.
- 2You must pick up the droppings and put them in the bin.
- 3Aggressive dogs, bitches in heat, puppies under four months and sick animals are not allowed.
- 4The dog must be vaccinated, dewormed, microchipped and have its health record or pet passport.
- 5Under-14s may only bring a dog if accompanied by an adult. Fines range from 500 to 1.500 euros.
If you go with your dog, stay within the signposted stretch: it's the area set aside for dogs, and during the bathing season the rest of the beach is for swimmers.
How to get there from La Manga
From anywhere in La Manga, take the Gran Vía out towards the RM-12 motorway, heading for Cartagena, and take the Playa Honda exit, the first one right after leaving La Manga. In a couple of minutes you are on the promenade. The easiest option is to park at the east end of Playa Honda, the one closest to Playa Paraíso, and carry on on foot. Driving to Los Alemanes means going round the salt flats along narrow streets: if you are heading for the dog area, it is worth leaving the car earlier and walking.
In summer there are buses linking Playa Honda with La Manga; check routes and timetables on our La Manga bus page. And if you are coming from further afield, you have every route in how to get to La Manga del Mar Menor.
The Playa Paraíso sports centre
Inside the development, on Calle Himilce, is the Playa Paraíso sports centre, run by the council: paddle and tennis courts, beach volleyball, 7-a-side football, basketball and a gym. Handy if you are spending a few weeks here and want to keep up your exercise routine; for opening hours and prices, ask at the centre itself.
Frequently asked questions
Is Playa Paraíso in La Manga?
Not exactly. It sits on the shore of the Mar Menor at the entrance to La Manga, right next to Playa Honda, in the municipality of Cartagena. From the start of the Gran Vía it is only a few minutes away.
Can you bring a dog to Playa Paraíso?
Yes, to the signposted dog section next to Los Alemanes, which the council keeps open all year round with no set hours. Outside it, better not to risk a fine.
Is it good for children?
Yes: a very gentle seabed, no waves and lifeguards in season. You have more ideas in our guide to Mar Menor beaches for children.
