Gola de Marchamalo, La Manga: the channel between the two seas

The only artificial channel between the Mar Menor and the Mediterráneo

Gola de Marchamalo is a channel linking Mar Menor with Mediterráneo in southern La Manga del Mar Menor, in the municipality of Cartagena and near Salinas de Marchamalo. It is one of La Manga's golas, the channels through which water enters and leaves the lagoon.

What is a gola?

In La Manga, a gola is each of the narrow channels through which water flows between the two bodies of sea. The one at Marchamalo is the only entirely artificial link between the two seas.

History

The licence to build it was granted in 1762 to the Real Hospital de la Caridad of Cartagena, for fishing with the so-called Encañizada de Calnegre. Today it still regulates the water level between the two seas. It is shallow, so only canoes and shallow-draught boats cross it.

How to visit

Access is free and a visit takes little time, so it fits easily into a walk around southern La Manga or a visit to the nearby salt flats. To round off your route, see what to visit in La Manga.

Frequently asked questions

What is Gola de Marchamalo?

An artificial channel linking the Mar Menor with the Mediterráneo in the south of La Manga.

Where is Gola de Marchamalo?

In southern La Manga del Mar Menor, in the municipality of Cartagena, near Salinas de Marchamalo.

What is the Gola de Marchamalo for?

It regulates the water level between the Mar Menor and the Mediterráneo. It is shallow, so only canoes and shallow-draught boats can pass through.

Is it free to visit?

Yes. Access is free.

Gola de Marchamalo

The only artificial channel between the Mar Menor and the Mediterráneo

What is a gola?

History

How to visit

What's on offer

Services

Frequently asked questions

Reviews

Leave a review

Similar places nearby

Would you like to continue?