Retail Therapy at La Manga Club: Where to Shop When You Need a Break from the Sunshine

La Manga Club might be the ultimate haven for luxury, relaxation, and sports, but sometimes, even amidst the golf courses and glorious Spanish sun, you get the urge—or are dragged—to the shops for some retail therapy. Whether you need a retail fix, a new swimsuit, or just a distraction, the surrounding area has plenty of options to offer. Here's a guide to some of the best shopping spots in the region that I’ve personally explored, and that might offer a bit more insight than your average shopping directory.

Espacio Mediterráneo: Everything Under One Roof

The most convenient shopping centre near La Manga Club is Espacio Mediterráneo, located on the outskirts of Cartagena. It's perfect for almost everything you could possibly need during your stay—from sports equipment to groceries. Espacio Mediterráneo is a large retail park that brings together well-known international brands under one roof, so there’s no need to make multiple stops around town.

For those in need of sports gear, Decathlon offers a wide selection of equipment and apparel. Whether you're looking for tennis rackets or hiking boots, it's the one-stop shop for athletes. If it's groceries you need, Carrefour has you covered with a range of products, from Spanish staples to international favourites. For a spot of DIY, Leroy Merlin can sort you out with tools and materials—whether it's for a little holiday project or you're in need of a replacement sun lounger.

Fashion lovers can find familiar high-street brands such as Zara, H&M, Primark, and Massimo Dutti. There's something for everyone, whether you want casual daywear or something a bit more polished for dinner. And if your enthusiasm for shopping starts to wane (as mine often does), you can escape into MediaMarkt—a haven for tech gadgets that might just rekindle your interest in spending.

Dos Mares: San Javier’s Shopping Hub

Next on the list is Dos Mares, located in San Javier. Dos Mares is a little smaller and quieter compared to Espacio Mediterráneo, but it’s still worth a visit. Anchored by another Carrefour, it has a decent selection of shops including Mango, JD Sports, and fashion brands like Pull & Bear and Jack & Jones. It's a good place to pick up some holiday essentials or to simply while away a couple of hours.

For those looking for even more, there's a smaller retail park just five minutes north of Dos Mares called Parque Comercial Pinatar Park. Here you'll find a JYSK for home goods, Leroy Merlin for any DIY needs, and Kiwoko for pet supplies. If you happen to be staying with pets, it’s a great place to find everything they might need.

And let's not forget the Overseas Supermarket. Located a short drive south of Dos Mares, this is where you can stock up on some comforting favourites from home—like Yorkshire Tea, ginger beer, Oxo cubes, and even Greggs sausage rolls. Yes, you heard that right—Greggs sausage rolls in Spain. It’s one of those small but mighty comforts that makes a holiday even more satisfying.

La Zenia Boulevard: Shopping and Leisure Combined

La Zenia Boulevard is one of those places you might have seen on Channel 4’s "A Place in the Sun." It’s a popular spot for holidaymakers looking to invest in property, but it’s also a fantastic shopping destination for anyone in the area. A 30-minute drive from La Manga Club, La Zenia Boulevard is situated just off the AP7 motorway, making it easy to reach.

As far as shopping centres go, La Zenia is a paradise. With a variety of high-street and mid-range fashion outlets, it's ideal for anyone wanting to refresh their wardrobe while on holiday. There’s Zara, Bershka, Stradivarius, and plenty more—perfect for trendy holiday outfits. It’s not all clothing, though—there’s a MediaMarkt here too, just in case you need a new gadget or two. And when you need a break from shopping, there are several cafes and restaurants where you can sit back, relax, and watch the world go by.

The large, open-air layout of La Zenia Boulevard is appealing, especially on warm sunny days. You can leisurely walk around, popping in and out of shops as you like. There’s also a children’s play area, which makes this shopping centre particularly family-friendly.

Murcia City: A Two-Part Retail Adventure

The last place to explore, and possibly the most rewarding, is Murcia. The city is around an hour’s drive from La Manga Club and has two distinct shopping experiences.

First up is Murcia’s city centre. Here, you’ll find El Corte Inglés—the iconic Spanish department store that stocks just about everything, from clothing to electronics to gourmet food. It’s a classic spot for a bit of shopping in the city, and you can easily spend an entire afternoon exploring its many floors. Besides El Corte Inglés, there are numerous independent boutiques dotted throughout the centre. The Calle Trapería, which leads towards Murcia Cathedral, is a great pedestrian street full of smaller shops and cafes. It’s a lovely area to wander, with plenty of places to stop for tapas and watch the city life unfold around you.

For a different type of shopping altogether, head north to Centro Comercial Nueva Condomina, a huge retail complex on the outskirts of Murcia. This is a true shopping behemoth, with all the big names in retail that you would expect to find—including IKEA, perfect for anyone who’s furnishing a holiday home. Nueva Condomina offers more than just shopping, too. It has a cinema complex, an array of restaurants, and plenty of parking—making it an excellent choice for a day trip with a bit of everything.

Beyond Shopping: Finding the Right Balance

Retail therapy around La Manga Club is, admittedly, not the primary reason most people come to this sun-soaked corner of Spain. But as much as golf and relaxation define the experience, it’s good to know that quality shopping is only a short drive away. Whether you’re looking to replenish your wardrobe, kit out your holiday home, or simply enjoy some browsing in the sunshine, the variety of options means there’s something for everyone—even those who would rather avoid shoe shops.

From the convenience of Espacio Mediterráneo, with its everything-under-one-roof approach, to the quirky mix at Dos Mares and the spacious leisure of La Zenia Boulevard, you can find a shopping experience to match your mood. And for a bit more adventure, Murcia offers a delightful blend of culture and commerce—perfect for a day out that ticks all the boxes.

So, if you find yourself needing a break from the golf course or fancy a different kind of excursion, these shopping centres provide the ideal way to mix things up during your stay at La Manga Club.