Anyone visiting the Costa Cálida really should not miss the mud baths of Lo Pagán. For decades this remarkable spot has been a favourite with locals and visitors alike, drawn by the mineral-rich mud, the warm water of the Mar Menor and the beautiful nature all around. Best of all? A visit costs nothing at all.

What are the mud baths of Lo Pagán?

On the northern edge of the Mar Menor — at over 135 km² the largest saltwater lagoon in Europe — lies a natural area of mud where the seabed is exceptionally rich in minerals. The extremely salty, shallow water combined with constant sunshine creates a dark, smooth mud that visitors have used as a natural wellness treatment for generations.

The baths lie within the protected nature reserve of Las Salinas y Arenales de San Pedro del Pinatar, on a narrow strip of land with the calm lagoon on one side and the Mediterranean on the other. Wooden boardwalks take you easily into the shallow water. Seeing groups of people covered from head to toe in mud is entirely normal here — it is simply part of the experience.

Wooden boardwalk at the mud baths of Lo Pagán where visitors let the dried mud set in the sun
The wooden boardwalks take you into the shallow water — ideal for letting the mud dry in the sun.

Why is the mud so special?

The mud of the Mar Menor owes its reputation to its high concentration of natural minerals, including magnesium, calcium, potassium and sodium. Many visitors notice afterwards that their skin feels remarkably soft, and people with muscle and joint complaints often report a pleasantly relaxed sensation.

We think it is important to be honest about this: scientific evidence for healing effects is limited and results vary from person to person. So treat a visit above all as a relaxing outdoor wellness experience — and always consult your doctor if you have health concerns.

How a visit works

  1. Follow the wooden boardwalks to the mud area.
  2. Carefully scoop up some mud from the bottom.
  3. Apply the mud to your body.
  4. Let it dry in the sun for around 15 to 20 minutes.
  5. Rinse off in the warm water of the Mar Menor.
  6. Then enjoy the view, or a drink on the promenade.
Visitors completely covered in the dark mineral-rich mud of the Mar Menor at Lo Pagán
Covered from head to toe: for many visitors this is the best part of the day.

The mud baths have recently been renovated

The mud baths have undergone an extensive renovation as part of the sustainable tourism programme of the municipality of San Pedro del Pinatar. The works included new wooden platforms, improved access to the mud area, additional benches and shade facilities, and a rebuilt stairway down to the water.

Important for many visitors: the site has been made more accessible for people with reduced mobility, including a chair lift. With this investment, the municipality aims to preserve the mud baths as one of the leading wellness and nature attractions on the Costa Cálida, deliberately using sustainable materials suited to the protected nature reserve.

Renovated wooden jetties and platforms at the mud baths of San Pedro del Pinatar
The renovated jetties and platforms make the mud baths more comfortable and more accessible.

Why are the mud baths worth a visit?

✔ Free to enter
✔ Recently renovated facilities
✔ Suitable for almost all ages
✔ Easy to reach with parking nearby
✔ Directly on the Mar Menor
✔ Beside the Las Salinas nature reserve
✔ Lively promenade with restaurants and terraces

The Mar Menor is literally right beside you

One of the great advantages of the mud baths is their unique setting on the Mar Menor. Thanks to the calm, shallow and remarkably warm water, this is a wonderful place to swim or simply relax — with children too. While the Mediterranean on the other side of the spit can be rough at times, the lagoon stays almost always calm.

Would you like to know more about the finest swimming spots in the area? Then also read our comprehensive guide to the beaches of the Mar Menor & La Manga.

A paradise for nature lovers

Countless bird species live around the salt lakes throughout the year. With a little luck you will see the famous pink flamingos up close, feeding regularly in the shallow lagoons. For nature lovers and photographers this is one of the most beautiful spots on the Costa Cálida.

Pink flamingos feeding in the shallow water of the Mar Menor near Lo Pagán, with a red fishing boat and La Manga in the background
Pink flamingos in the shallow lagoon — with the skyline of La Manga behind them.

Bring binoculars and keep a respectful distance: this is a protected nature reserve and the birds are sensitive to disturbance. Read our in-depth article on Las Salinas de San Pedro del Pinatar for more on the nature park, the flamingos and the walking routes.

Make a day of it in Lo Pagán

The day certainly need not end after your mud bath. Take a stroll along the Lo Pagán promenade, enjoy fresh fish or tapas in one of the many waterside restaurants, visit the marina or admire the sunset over the lagoon. Lo Pagán is also an excellent base from which to explore the rest of the Costa Cálida.

Aerial view of the Lo Pagán promenade beside the salt lakes with the historic windmill and La Manga in the background
The Lo Pagán promenade: salt lakes on one side, the Mar Menor on the other — with the historic windmill as its landmark.
Historic salt-production windmill near Lo Pagán beneath a rainbow at sunset
The old salt windmills are the emblem of Las Salinas — a photographer’s dream, especially at sunset.

Would you like to combine relaxation with sport? The region has dozens of golf courses playable all year round — read our guide to golf on the Costa Cálida. Prefer walking? Then the spectacular Rio Seco walk through its erosion-carved sandstone walls is not to be missed during your stay.

Practical tips for your visit

A visit takes little preparation, but these few points will make it considerably more comfortable:

What to bringWhy
Water shoes or sandalsThe bottom is muddy and uneven in places
Old swimwearThe mud can permanently stain light-coloured fabric
TowelThere are no changing rooms or showers on site
Drinking waterThe salt water and sun dehydrate you quickly
Sun creamApply after rinsing off the mud
BinocularsFor the flamingos and other birds in Las Salinas

AnaCosta Tip

Come early in the morning or towards sunset. It is quieter then, the light is beautiful for photographs and the temperatures are far more comfortable — especially in July and August. Spring and autumn are the nicest periods for weather and crowds, but thanks to the mild winter climate the location stays popular in December and January too.

In conclusion

The mud baths of Lo Pagán are without doubt among the most remarkable attractions on the Costa Cálida. Whether you come for the relaxation, the nature or simply for a unique experience, this natural wellness spot is well worth a visit. And with the recent renovation it is more accessible and more comfortable than ever.

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Frequently asked questions

Are the mud baths of Lo Pagán free?
Yes. The mud baths are freely accessible and there is no entrance fee. They lie in the public part of the Las Salinas y Arenales de San Pedro del Pinatar nature reserve, reached via wooden boardwalks. Parking is available nearby.
How do you use the mud at Lo Pagán?
Walk into the shallow water via the wooden boardwalks, carefully scoop up some mud from the bottom and apply it to your skin. Let the mud dry in the sun for around 15 to 20 minutes, then rinse off in the warm water of the Mar Menor. Wear old swimwear and bring water shoes or sandals.
When is the best time to visit the mud baths?
Spring and autumn are the most pleasant in terms of temperature and crowds, but thanks to the mild climate the location is popular all year round. Go early in the morning or towards sunset: it is quieter, cooler and the light is at its best for photographs.
Are the mud baths healthy?
The mud is rich in minerals such as magnesium, calcium, potassium and sodium, and many visitors experience a relaxed feeling and soft skin. However, scientific evidence for healing effects on specific conditions is limited and results vary from person to person. Treat a visit primarily as a relaxing outdoor wellness experience and consult your doctor if you have any doubts or health concerns.
Can you see flamingos at Lo Pagán?
Yes. Many bird species live around the salt lakes of San Pedro del Pinatar throughout the year, including pink flamingos. They regularly feed in the shallow lagoons close to the mud baths. Bring binoculars and keep a respectful distance: this is a protected nature reserve.
Where exactly are the mud baths?
The mud baths are in Lo Pagán, a coastal district of San Pedro del Pinatar in the Murcia region, on the northern shore of the Mar Menor. They are reached via the Lo Pagán promenade and lie on a narrow strip of land between the lagoon and the Mediterranean, within the Las Salinas y Arenales nature park.