Cabo de Palos sits at the very end of the motorway from Cartagena, at the point where the road turns on to La Manga. It is easy to reach by car and workable, with some patience, by public transport.
By air
Region of Murcia International Airport (RMU)
The region’s own airport, at Corvera, opened in 2019 and replaced the old San Javier airport beside the Mar Menor. It is about 55 km from Cabo de Palos, roughly 40 minutes by car. Flights are strongly seasonal, mainly from the UK, Ireland, Belgium and other northern European countries, with far more in summer than in winter. There is no direct public transport to Cabo de Palos; hire a car, book a transfer or take a taxi.
Alicante–Elche Airport (ALC)
Much larger, with flights from most of Europe all year. It is about 110 km to the north, around 1 hour 15 minutes by car on the AP-7 motorway (part of which is tolled) or the free A-7/A-30 via Murcia, which takes a little longer. Most independent visitors fly here and rent a car.
By car
From Cartagena or the AP-7, take the RM-12, a free dual carriageway signposted “La Manga”. It ends at a roundabout: right for Cabo de Palos, left for La Manga. From Murcia city allow about an hour (A-30 to Cartagena, then RM-12); from Alicante about 1 hour 15 minutes; from Madrid about four and a half hours.
| From | Distance | By car | By public transport |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cartagena | 30 km | 30 min | Bus, about 45–60 min |
| Murcia airport (RMU) | 55 km | 40 min | No direct service |
| Murcia city | 75 km | 50–60 min | Train or bus to Cartagena + bus |
| Alicante airport (ALC) | 110 km | 1 h 15 min | Bus to Murcia or Cartagena + bus |
| Madrid | 460 km | 4 h 30 min | Train to Cartagena or Murcia + bus |
By bus
Regional buses run from Cartagena bus station to Cabo de Palos and on along La Manga. Services are more frequent in summer and thinner on winter weekends; the journey takes roughly 45 minutes to an hour depending on the route. Timetables and operators have changed in recent years, so check the current schedule before relying on a particular departure. In summer there are also some direct coaches from Murcia and Madrid to La Manga.
By train
The nearest station is Cartagena, with trains from Murcia and long-distance services from Madrid. High-speed trains from Madrid reach Murcia, where you can change for Cartagena. From Cartagena station it is a short walk to the bus station for the bus to Cabo de Palos.
Parking in Cabo de Palos
The village is small and its streets were not built for August. In July and August, at Easter and on Sunday mornings (market day):
- Use the larger parking areas at the entrance to the village and walk in; the harbour is about ten minutes away.
- Arrive before 10 am for the beach or the market, or after 6 pm for dinner.
- Divers: ask your centre where to unload and park; some have arrangements near the quay.
- Do not park on yellow lines or across garage entrances; towing is enforced in summer.
Outside those periods, parking is rarely a problem.
Getting around
The village, the lighthouse and the coves are all walkable. A car is the practical way to reach Calblanque (outside summer bus season), Cartagena, La Unión and San Pedro del Pinatar. Bicycles and e-bikes work well for the first kilometres of La Manga, which is flat. Taxis are available but limited; book ahead for early starts. In high summer, remember that La Manga is a single road with heavy traffic at peak hours.
Calblanque in summer
During the high-season restriction period you cannot drive to the beaches of Calblanque in the daytime; a shuttle bus runs from a car park near the park entrance. Alternatively, walk in from Cala Reona.
