Scuba Diver Ocean Planet Issue 06/2016 | Page 19

PRACTICALITIES 03 An inquisitive dusky grouper 04 The wonderful ancient Roman armoury town of Toledo WHEN May to September is best, although diving can be done all year round but water temperatures drop to 16°C from November to December and many dive operators close. August is very busy due to Spanish holidays. HOW There are many international flights into Madrid, around four hours’ drive to Cabo De Palos. STAY/DIVE Prices vary from €50 to €160 per night and weekend deals are usually available. STAY CABO DE PALOS • Apartments – Apartamentos María Guerrero (www.​ apartamentosmariaguerrero.es) • Rooms – La Casa de Julia (www.lacasadejuliacabodepalos.​ wordpress.com) • Hostel – Hostal Micaela (www.mikaelacabodepalos.com) 03 beneath a Roman vessel. See tantalising traces of wood on this very important archaeological site watched over by barracuda, dentex and seabream and the large Mediterranean clam (Pinna nobilis). The 120-metre-long Carbonero is a technical dive; a merchant ship lying at 44 metres at the stern. She lies on a sandy bottom and houses scorpionfish, pollock, amberjacks and if you are very lucky magnificent ocean sunfish (mola) cruise around. If wrecks are not your thing, try Bajo Del Descargador, a large rocky area isolated on a sandy bottom with small rays and tiny nudibranchs. MONDAY If you are not flying, try a last shallow dive in one of the beautiful bays around La Manga. Return to Madrid via the ancient city of Toledo, a wonderful ancient Roman armoury town, steeped in history and beautifully restored. Wander the narrow streets, visit the many attractions, then enjoy a delicious, leisurely Spanish lunch before another hour ’s drive back to Madrid. î CLOSE TO CABO DE PALOS (15–20 minutes walking) • Rooms – La Estancia del Rincón (La Manga) (www.laestanciadelrincon.es) • Apartments – Apartamentos Tesy (La Manga) (www.apartamentostesy.com) • Hotel Entremares (La Manga) (www.entremares.es) • Hotel Mangalán (La Manga) (www.hotelmangalan.com) • Hotel Sierra Mar (La Unión) (www.hotelsierramar.com) DIVE Divers Cabo de Palos (www.diverscabodepalos.com) TOPSIDE Go Karting (www.lamangagokart.com) Sightseeing at Cartagena, fantastic wining and dining at many local restaurants, Sunday market at Cabo De Palos, golf, and great nightlife, bars and discos are all available. ENTRY Passports must be valid for three months beyond the length of stay. No visa is required for any country up to 90 days.