Balsicas Mar Menor

Balsicas Mar Menor History

Stone Age relics have been found in the area, confirming that the Mar Menor has been settled for more than 8,000 years. The Mastiens, an Iberian tribe, were first to recognise the value of the salt flats caused by the enclosure of the sea and Phoenicians and Romans after them developed salting techniques for food. The Romans colonised the area they knew as Belich, using the lagoon as a harbour and creating spas.

The Moors, aware of the healing properties of salt water, established summer residences and centres for recuperation such as Los Alcázares. They also further developed fishing techniques here and irrigated the hinterland to lay the foundation for the all-important agricultural trade in the area. The reconquering Christians developed these industries and in the last century or so tourism has been encouraged so that it is now the region’s biggest earner.

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