Visitors Centre in Cabo de Palos

Shipwrecks and the marine reserve at the Cabo de Palos visitors’ centre

The “Centro de Interpretación” in Cabo de Palos is on the western side of the marina just a few metres from the church, and includes a series of displays concerning nature and wildlife in the Region of Murcia, with special emphasis, of course, on the sea and the underwater world.

The first part of the exhibition focuses on the marine reserve of Cabo de Palos and the Islas Hormigas, and another area is devoted to the numerous shipwrecks on and close to the headland over the centuries. These include the “Sirio”, a transatlantic liner built in Glasgow which sank off the Islas Hormigas in 1906 with a thousand passengers on board. An estimated 240 people lost their lives in the tragedy.

Other items of interest include an explanation of how the geographical features of La Manga and the Mar Menor were formed.

The Centro de Interpretación is open in July and August with guided tours at 3€ per head at 19.00 every day, and for the rest of the year visits can be booked in advance for groups of five people or more.

Address: Centro de Interpretación de Cabo de Palos, Paseo del Puerto 1, 30370 Cabo de Palos (see map)

Tel: 968 145309 / 606 426120