A day out with a difference in El Portús: kayakking followed by relaxation at the campsite

Active tourism blends seamlessly with winding down by the pool in this hidden bay on the coastline of Cartagena

El Portús is one of those places it’s easy to miss on a visit to the coast of the Region of Murcia – well set back from the main road between Cartagena and Mazarrón as it winds its way through the mountainous terrain, just one road in and out of the village, little in the way of built-up development and a small bay you might miss even if approaching from the sea!

On the other hand, though, it should be high on the list of destinations for those hoping to find active tourism and water sports. El Portús may be small but the guided kayak tours available here allow you to discover caves, tiny, secluded coves and unique underwater landscapes, all with the safety guarantees of fully qualified guides who know the area in depth.

And to round off your day out, what better way to wind down than at the recently revamped facilities of the campsite and its restaurant, both with great views out over the mountains and the Mediterranean?

Kayak tours: sea, snorkelling and hidden caves

Being such a small village, El Portús provides easy parking in the main square, from where it’s just a couple of minutes’ walk to the beach. This is the starting point for various tours, and although participant numbers are necessarily limited they are well organized, so that when you arrive the previous tour will have just finished, leaving you plenty of space to park the car!

The route typically begins on the main beach of El Portús, where the monitors provide a brief introduction to the activity that follows and check that you know the correct manoeuvres to control your craft. No previous experience is required: this is a fully accessible activity, fully supervised by professionals.

Probably the most popular tour lasts around 4 hours, including both paddling time and plenty of rest stops. One of these is La Cueva del Gigante, a highlight along the route which consists of a natural cave – here you have to leave the kayak moored outside and swim a few metres to the entrance. It’s not especially difficult, but obviously a certain level of comfort in the water is needed!

Along the way there’s also time to stop and relax in a little cove, where you’ll enjoy a little snorkelling and a snack with the rest of the group in perfectly preserved natural surroundings which encourage you to leave the hustle and bustle of everyday life behind for a while!

An activity for everyone!

Although this experience is designed mainly for adults and groups of friends, it’s also appropriate for families with children (as long as the children share a kayak with ad adult). The route can be adapted to suit the requirements of any group, making it accessible for most people.

Time for a little R&R at the campsite of El Portús

After all that paddling and snorkelling, time to cool down, and many visitors opt to spend the rest of the day at the campsite of El Portús, located alongside the cove of Cala Morena. The site has recently been fully refurbished and there are ample areas for motorhomes as well as bungalows and shared facilities such as showers, changing rooms and toilets.

The pool is surrounded by a natural lawn and plenty of other greenery, and the mountain and sea views are among the best on warm summer afternoons and evenings. The whole site is open to those who are not planning to stay the night (at a rate of just 5 euros per day, which includes full use of the facilities), and the children’s activities and other services make this a perfect way to enjoy a complete afternoon.

The taste of the Mediterranean on your table!

To make this a truly complete day out, the campsite restaurant offers its own modern take on traditional Mediterranean cuisine, with a host of beautifully prepared dishes in a relaxing ambience – the perfect meal after a day of active beach experiences. Prices are easily affordable, the service friendly and efficient and staff are willing to make recommendations for those who find it difficult to choose.

Handy tips

- Book our kayak tour in advance, especially in summer!

- Don’t forget water shoes for getting in and out of the water

- Bring along plenty of drinking water, a cap and suncream

- Check the campsite opening hours before finalizing your plans

- Parking is available inside the campsite at the rate of 5 euros per vehicle per day, including surveillance cameras

Summing up, El Portús brings together all the very best in active tourism in a protected natural environment – a place to paddle your kayak, explore sea caves and end the day enjoying the sunshine, the evening and the taste of the Mediterranean. Just one of the many experiences which show that the Region of Murcia always has something new waiting for you to enjoy!

For more activities of this kind, download the “Blue Tourism” guide published by the tourist board of the Region of Murcia.

Source and images: ITREM, elportus.com