Chairman’s Blog - Season 4, Edition 4 (September 2025)

• Welcome to the month of September here at La Manga and to the 40^th edition of the blog!

• A really lovely month in which to visit, with the weather still fantastic, but things just a little bit less hectic, now the kids are back at school.

• But don’t fear, summer is far from over and there is still a full programme of entertainment and activities on Monday evenings and Wednesday afternoons, throughout the month and we shall also be continuing with our varied menus and our sushi Friday’s too.

• So it’s time to kick back, chill out and indulge yourself in that well earned relaxing holiday and let us make your stay another memorable one.

• I am personally looking forward to September, as my family and I shall be visiting, having had to change our normal summer dates, due to a serious accident involving a close family member.

• It will also be really great to experience La Quinta at a different time of year.

• So please see our September activities poster below, detailing no less than nine individual happenings during the month.

Updates on August 2025 

• Well it was another really busy month here at La Quinta in August with guests experiencing record hot heatwave temperatures ranging from 30°C to nearly 45°C in parts of Spain.

• Our first Monday event of August, a Black & White party held on the 4^th, was an outstanding success. We broke the all time record for the most guests ever, with an amazing 143 people attending, including 30 external guests. The following week on the 11th we had a very pleasing 90 guests for our Spanish themed Olé-Olé party, then yet another superb attendance of 132 people (again including 30 external guests), for our Aloha party on the 18^th and finally another 90 for our Full Moon/White Party on the 25^th. That’s a total of in excess of 450 attendees at Monday night events for the month. A fantastic effort, I am sure you’ll agree and clear evidence of the growing popularity of these varied events!!

• I would like to thank everyone for helping to support the club by using La Solana this year, please keep it up…

• As our kids disco, (hosted by the very talented Verity), was also very popular, in addition to the one she hosted at the end of July and on the 8^th, she agreed to hold two more on 15^th & 22^nd August. Thank you Verity for helping to add an extra dynamic to La Quinta and for making our younger guests holidays so much fun and so memorable.

• Lastly, here are some photos of the #SummerOfFun2025 that everyone enjoyed at our events during the month.

• On the 8^th August at just before 10pm, many people witnessed what they thought was an an epic meteor display, part of the annual August Perseid meteor showers.

• What they actually saw was the break up of space debris from the Chinese Jielong-3 rocket, entering the Earth’s atmosphere.

• This massive fireball travelling at 217,000 kph, was seen streaking across the skies for 182kms, south west from Valencia province, before exploding some 86kms above Los Arejos (Àguilas), in the region of Murcia.

• On the 14^th & 15^th, we had the first consignment of our new laundry equipment delivered and installed. This was funded by the monies (€286K), we applied for and have recently received from the EU Subventions, saving La Quinta a considerable amount of money, that would needed to have been spent from our capital fund. Suffice to say our laundry staff are delighted!

• Well lets crack on with Season 4 blog #4 then, the mellow September edition, with updates and information for the month of September 2025, about the people, activities and events happening in and around La Quinta, La Manga Club, and the Cartagena/Murcia regions. This, as always, is sent directly to your email inbox, but it is also accessible on our website too, see…Chairman's Blog (laquintaclub.com) Enjoy!

Record August Heatwave in Spain

• Spain experienced 'the most intense' heatwave on record this August, according to the State Meteorological Agency (AEMET).

• This resulted in wildfires in the north and west of the country and sadly some 1,100 deaths, which have been attributed to the heatwave.

• The agency said that readings for the August 3rd-18th heatwave exceeded the previous record, set in July 2022, and showed an average temperature 4.6 degrees Celsius higher than that expected. 

• 44°C was experienced in Seville & Córdoba, just shy of the all time record temperature of 46°C, which was set in the town of El Granado, back in June exceeding the previous highest temperature of 45.2°C, set in Seville back in 1965.

• This is part of a pattern of warmer summers with four of the five most intense heatwaves occurring since 2019. 

• AEMET has recorded 77 heatwaves in Spain, (six of them 4C or more above the average), since records began in 1975.

La Quinta’s New Advertising Poster at Gate 1 - La Manga Club

• I hope you have noticed our new poster on the advertising hoarding adjacent to the main entrance (gate 1) of La Manga Club.

• If not, here it is in all its glory! 

The Regions of Murcia

• This is a map showing the nine different autonomous regions that make up the of the entire Region of Murcia.

• Murcia is the 10^th most populated part of Spain, with a population of some 1.6 million, a number that increases substantially during the holiday seasons.

• It covers an area of 11,314 km² (4368 sq miles) and is the 9^th largest in Spain.

• For further information about the Region of Murcia see: Region_of_Murcia.

Please be Aware of the Blue Dragon (Glaucus Atlanticus)!

• Please be aware, particularly if you are going to the beach with children.

• There have been some sightings on the beaches around Torrevieja, of the Blue Dragon sea slug, which they may find their way to the Mar Menor area.

• These beautiful but rare marine creatures float upside-down on the surface of the water using a gas bubble in their stomachs to stay afloat.

• They are only about an inch long with six appendages, each with finger-like projections that they use for swimming and storing stinging cells. 

• These creatures are blue and silver and float with the blue side of their bodies facing upwards, blending in with the blue of the water and the silver/grey dorsal side facing downwards, blending in with the sunlight reflecting on the ocean's surface when viewed from below the surface.

• They actually feed on other pelagic creatures, such as the Portuguese man o' war and other venomous siphonophores, storing nematocysts within their own tissues as a defence against predators.

• Humans handling the slug may receive a very painful and potentially dangerous sting so its best to observe them but not to touch. If you are stung, rinse the area with salt water, avoid rubbing it, and seek medical attention if required. 

Events and Activities for September 2025

Running of the Bulls - Calasparra - 2^nd- 8^th September 2025

• The town of Calasparra is located about 90-minutes from La Quinta and these events are the highlight of this Murcian town’s cultural calendar.

• In addition to the running of the bulls, the week includes Novilladas (young bullfights), rice festivals, concerts, and parades.

• It is a blend of tradition, gastronomy, and excitement in this scenic and historical Spanish town.

• For more information see: Running of the Bulls 2025: What You Need to Know - Howik

 Festival of Moors and Christians in Murcia 9^th - 16^th September 2025

• An event of national tourist interest, this festival Commemorates two major events: the founding of the city of Murcia in 825 by Abderraman II and the handing over of the keys by the Muslims to the Infante of Castile, (later King Alfonso X the Wise), in 1243.

• Taking place at the Medieval Camp, located in the San Esteban garden, it’s located where visitors can enjoy a festive atmosphere and sample local produce.

• The grand parade itself is held on Saturday 13^th, when the Moorish and Christian sides parade through the city's neighbourhoods.

• The Embassy Play (a performance originating from the popular theatre of the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries), of the Murcia Foundation is held on Sunday 14^th at the Plaza del Cardenal Belluga.

• Finally the handing over of the keys is held on Monday 15^th, depicting the triumphant entry of Prince Alfonso of Castile into Murcia, where he later received the keys to the city.

• For more information see: Moors and Christians of Murcia

Watch the IX Camino de la Cruz Punta Este Trophy - 13^th September 2025

• The 9^th edition of this sailing regatta will be held on Saturday September 13^th and will have two different races from the yacht clubs in both Cartagena and Torrevieja.

• An event growing in success every year, there will be some 60 participating boats departing from the Cartagena Regatta Club and the Real Club Náutico de Torrevieja.

• It is hoped to attract around 400 sailors from across the area, with trophy presentations at the Trips Summer Club complex in Cabo de Palos.

Scenic Wine Tour & 4 Course Lunch (With Wine Pairing) - Jumilla - 16^th September 2025

• Mediterranean Cartagena Tours will be running a scenic Jumilla wine tour to Bodegas Viña Elena on Tuesday 16^th September.

• It’s a full 7-hour adventure from 9am-4pm, with multiple different local pick up points and costs €70 per person.

• The tour includes an English speaking guide, transport, a winery tour & a 4 course lunch with wine pairing included.

• For bookings & further information email: info@mediterraneancartagenatours.com, call or WhatsApp on (+34) 650 01 73 27 or visit: https://www.facebook.com/events/1241632914308871

La Manga del Mar Menor’s Fiesta’s - 17^th- 21^st September 2025

• The annual La Manga Fiestas for 2025 are being held in and around Plaza Bohemia between 17^th- 21^st September.

• With marquees, live music, entertainment, food, sports, games and more, it’s not to be missed.

• One of the highlights of the fiestas at 10am onwards on the 21^st is a special motorcycle rally.

• For more information and programme of events see: La Manga Festival Program 2025

Serious Cricket 100 at La Manga Club 18^th- 21^st September 2025

• For cricket fans, here’s an event you may be interested in.

• Serious Cricket and 8 Sports Management will be hosting their eighth annual cricket festival at La Manga Club, from Thursday 18^th to Saturday 21^st September.

• The tournament gives teams the opportunity to complete in a fantastic end of season event.

• On Thursday afternoon games will start for early arrivals, with the evening playing host to a welcome event.

• On Friday games will start around 10am and finish late afternoon, with two pitches running simultaneously.

• On Saturday games will commence around 10am, with the conclusion of the tournament in mid-afternoon.

• The final evening awards dinner will begin around 8pm.

• For more information see: SERIOUS CRICKET 100

XXXVI Carthaginians and Roman Festivals - Cartagena 19th-28th September 2025

• It’s here again, the Carthaginians and Roman Festivals, declared an event of International Tourist Interest.

• Held in nearby Cartagena from 19^th- 28^th September, it commemorates the historical events that took place during the Second Punic War.

• Among the activities are the Foundation of Qart Hadast, the Destruction of Saguntum, the Roman Senate, the Oracle of the Goddess Tanit, the Centuriated Elections, the Landing and Hiring of Mercenaries and Homage to the Fallen or the Extinguishing of the Sacred Fire.

• For more information visit: News - Carthaginians and Romans Festivals

Free guided tour (in English) of La Manga del Mar Menor - 20^th September 2025

• This is a 5km walking tour, starting at 09:30 from the entrance to the Puerto Tomás Maestre and traces the origin and history of La Manga.

• You will visit the bridge of El Estacio (the channel that connects the Mar Menor and the Mediterranean), the lighthouse, water storage facilities used in the past by lighthouse-keepers and their families and the home of Tomás Maestre (who is credited with ‘inventing’ tourism in La Manga in the mid-20th century).

• Lasting approximately 2-hours it will allow time at the end to visit to the weekly market and for a leisurely lunch in La Manga!

• It is completely free but pre-booking is required.

• For further information telephone +34 968 571704, email turismo@sanjavier.es or click here to book.

XXII Antiques Fair and Classic Car Show - Torre Pacheco 26^th - 28^th September 2025 

• Organised by the Ruta del Sol Club and held from Friday to Sunday at the IFEPA centre in nearby Torre Pacheco, this is Spain’s largest antiques and classic car show, the Palacio de Ferias y Exposiciones de la Región de Murcia

• Featuring both a wide variety of nostalgic items & antiques and a display of fabulous classic cars, it will be a great weekend for all.

• The IFEPA, can be found at Avenida Gerardo Molina, 117, 30700 Torre Pacheco, Murcia.

• Daily entry is only €5 per person if booked in advance or €8 per person at the box office. Children 0-12 are free.

• Tickets are available here: Online Tickets

Mazarron 2 Rocks Festival - 26^th - 28^th September 2025

• Here’s an excellent opportunity to listen to and see some great tribute bands such as Oasis, Take That, Pink, Blondie, Bowie & The Rolling Stones over the weekend of 26th-28th September in nearby Puerto de Mazarron.

• Also appearing on the Friday night is the special guest artist - Artful Dodger!

• See the poster below for those performing.

• For tickets and more information see: MAZARRON ROCKS 2

Enjoy a boat trip to Cablanque

• Although Djinn charters offer four different excursions from Cabo de Palos, this one takes you to the unspoilt region of Calblanque.

• Its a 2-hour trip including a free drink and a 45- minute stop at Calblanque, for swimming, snorkelling and paddle-boarding in its beautiful clear waters.

• To book call +34 607 233 492 or email: info@djinncharter.com

• See Djinn Charter alquiler de barco y excursiones maritimas for more information and prices etc.

Fancy Some Off-Road Biking?

• Hardcore Spain Adventures, based in Orihuela (1-hour from La Manga), offer a variety of customised tours to accommodate every riders needs from green lane to enduro.

• Catering for beginners to seasoned riders, their routes include scenic rides to challenging technical trails.

• Full kit is provided but you will need to hold a full motorcycle licence to partake.

• They can also arrange exclusive tours for small groups, with a personal guide.

• Contact them at hardcorespainadventure@gmail.com or call +44 7800 888180

• For more information see: Trail Riding Spain | Enduro Tours in Spain

A Photographic Look Back in Time Part 2 - La Manga & Cabo de Palos

• Further to last months historical photographs of La Manga del Mar Menor and Cabo de Palos, here are another 11 from the 50’s, 60’s & 70’s.

• Enjoy.

• And finally here’s two more, in colour from 1975 & 1976.

Upcoming Event - European Senior Masters Golf Championship at La Manga Club - 6th-9th November 2025

• Whilst I appreciate that it is only September, this is just a heads up if you were considering visiting to watch this exciting and entertaining golfing event later in the year.

• A global event, which is featured on Sky Sports TV and will be jointly sponsored by Champions (UK PLC) & Equals Money for 2025, is going from strength to strength with prize money set to increase again from the €375,000 pot in 2024.

• Attended by a host of well known golfers, celebrities and other sporting personalities, it promises to be a truly fantastic event.

• As La Quinta is also a sponsor, we shall be provided with free tickets for members/guests to watch this competition.

• Contact: reservations@laquintaclub.com for availability, to book and don’t forget to collect your free tickets.

Members Photographs 2025 

• Thank you all once again for the great photos you have sent to us throughout last year. These are available to view on our ever growing members gallery, see the here: Members' photos (laquintaclub.com)

• But please do continue sending them in to us in 2025 from your visits to La Quinta….we really want to see more of your wonderful experiences, so keep ‘em coming!

• Just email them to Angel - and he will gladly add them all to our members gallery for you.

• We’ve already got a lot of great photos in the gallery, but we are looking forward to increasing them and to seeing your 2024/25 shared memories.

Also Please Don't Forget to: 

• Check out our website where we have lots of other useful information particularly in the info+ section (visit +Info (laquintaclub.com).

• See our event planner (Events' calendar (laquintaclub.com) for activities taking place at the club.

• Use the members forum where you can swap, exchange, rent or sell weeks and share information, ideas, suggestions or just ask questions. If you haven't signed up yet, please visit:La Quinta at La Manga Club - Official Forum - Index (laquintaclub.com)to register.

• Visit, like and leave feedback or comments on our social media sites such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter (X) and LinkedIn and read our articles in Murcia Today ,
  La Manga Life and the General Community magazines.

• So that’s a wrap from me for this edition, as we move into the superb month of September.

• The summer has been a blast here at the club and very busy with guests enjoying the record breaking hot weather and all the activities and events that we have had on offer.

• For the first time (for the little ones), we have hosted four kids disco’s (run by the fantastic Verity), in July and August and these have all been really successful.

• We shall be offering them again next summer and during half term this October!

• We do continue with most of our events throughout September too, so you won’t miss out on anything.

• Finally, it continues to be a challenging time for the committee, as can be seen by the activities, behaviour and sadly personal comments, received from certain individuals, who are part of a group of dissatisfied members.

• We consider some of this to be wholly unacceptable, particularly, as we are members ourselves and are all volunteers.

• Although we struggle to understand why, it seems clear that some of this is purely personal.

• Finally, we do hope you understand that everything the committee, the management and the staff do is for the benefit of the members and hope that you will continue to support us in these endeavours.

My best regards…...Mark.