Natural Mud Baths at Mar Menor, Spain – A Relaxing & Free Wellness Experience

Looking for a unique and budget-friendly wellness experience in Spain? Look no further than the Baños de Lodo (spanish for natural mud baths). This experience can be found at Mar Menor, a unique saltwater lagoon on the Costa Cálida in Murcia, just an hour south of Alicante. This place is an hidden gem that not many people know about, and on top of that, it’s one of the best free things to do in Spain!

What Are the Baños de Lodo?

The Baños de Lodo (mud baths) are open-air natural pools filled with mineral-rich mud from the saltwater lagoon of the Mar Menor. Thanks to the high concentrations of magnesium, calcium, sulfur, and potassium, this mud is believed to have healing properties for the skin and joints. People have been visiting this area for centuries, and today it remains a beloved natural spa destination in Spain. These are the best free mud baths in Spain!

How to Experience the Mar Menor Mud Baths

Taking a mud bath at the Mar Menor is simple – and completely free! I recommend to bring an bucket with scoop (like the one that children use to make sandcastles), if you dont have any you could also use your hands ofcourse.

Scoop the mud from the shallow pools.
Apply it generously over your body.
Let the mud dry under the warm Spanish sun. This typically takes 15–20 minutes.
Rinse off in the water to reveal soft, rejuvenated skin.

💡 Tip: Wear an old swimsuit or bikini, as the dark mud can stain fabrics.

Why Visit the Mud Baths?

Free wellness activity with centuries of tradition
Therapeutic benefits for arthritis, skin conditions, and sore muscles
Fun instagrammable moments with friends and family
Family-friendly and accessible for all ages
Located near Las Salinas y Arenales de San Pedro del Pinatar, a nature reserve with flamingos and salt flats

Best Time to Visit

The mud baths can be visitied year-round thanks to the region’s mild Mediterranean climate, but I recommend to visit during spring or autumn. We visited in October and it was still pleasantly warm! Summer can be enjoyable too, but keep in mind it might get very hot during the middle of the day — early mornings or late afternoons are best. From November to March, the temperatures tend to drop, making it a bit too chilly to fully enjoy the experience.

Local Tips for the Best Experience

Combine your mud bath with a walk or bike ride along the promenade, followed by tapas at one of the beach bars (chiringuitos). Don’t miss the chance to watch the sunset over the calm waters of the Mar Menor — it’s a magical way to end the day. Combine your visit with a walk or bike ride through Las Salinas de San Pedro (expect to see flamingos!)

Tip: Visit the Village of Los Alcazares

Make time to visit the nearby town of Los Alcázares, a charming seaside village just across the Mar Menor. It offers a relaxing promenade, traditional Spanish restaurants, and a laid-back local vibe — perfect for lunch or a sunset stroll. Just be mindful of the siësta—most shops are close in the afternoon until around 6 PM. The village has lots of beautiful murals, so keep your camera ready!

Tip: Relax at Beachclub Kinita

After soaking in the healing mud baths, treat yourself to some well-deserved relaxation at Kinita Beach Club, a stylish and serene spot right on the shores of Mar Menor. Great Ibiza vibes here!