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The luxurious piers that long ago characterized bathing in the Mar Menor are returning in considerable numbers. These public spas, given the name Balneario, were common along this coast more than a hundred years ago. The most complete remnant of that time is the Balneario in Los Alcázares at the La Encarnacion hotel. Unfortunately, storms in the past damaged the old structures so badly that they eventually almost completely disappeared. Temporary solutions were placed here and there to facilitate bathing, but permanent facilities were largely absent.
That has now changed. In March 2021, five of these elongated platforms have returned to the 'beach scene'. On the shores of Las Urrutias, Punta Brava and Estrella de Mar, the modern structures can now be reused. In the near future, five more Balnearios will appear in Los Nietos (2), Islas Menores, Playa Paraiso and Cavanna Beach in La Manga, while a platform at Playa Carrion in Los Alcázares is also in the pipeline.
The decision to reintroduce the Balnearios on a large scale serves two important purposes. First of all, it is made a lot easier for bathers to get around some obstacles. In several places, a somewhat rocky surface with pebbles can make it difficult to brave the shallow waters, while in other locations, lush algae growth along the banks makes access to the bathing water difficult. The latter is especially the case in Los Nietos. Therefore, two piers will appear there. Another consideration for the return of the Balnearios is to protect the environment. Precisely because the sand on the Mar Menor slopes very gradually, access to the water from the coast is quickly associated with disrupting life in the inland sea.
The return of the Balnearios has been made possible thanks to an investment by the regional administration of 1.2 million euros. The new facilities are very different from the old ones. The two meter wide path leading to two platforms is wheelchair friendly. In addition, the platforms at about 60 and 100 meters from the shore have shaded areas and railings and steps for easy entry into the water. What is missing today are the changing rooms, which were considered desirable at the time to safeguard the modesty of the bathers. Such chaste considerations no longer play a role today, as a singer once spoke the prophetic words: 'The times they are a changin'.
