My name is Shaun and I`ve been running the Expat in Mazarrón YouTube channel since arriving here in Spain in 2015. It’s all about me living in Spain, including the area where I live (Camposol), places of interest, property, going out walking and many more things about Spain. I’ve set up a group called Camposol Explorers which is about exploring the Murcia Region and beyond. If you want to join, please contact me on my Facebook group Expat in Mazarrón.
Our January outing was to “The Guns of Mazarrón”, also known as Bateria de Castillitos, abandoned coastal defense batteries that was built to protect the Navy Base of Cartagena. Built between 1933 – 36, there are three main gun batteries and one smaller gun battery which is well hidden as you drive up to the big guns.
The two big guns were made at Barrow in Furness factory (UK) in 1927- 28, each weighing 88 tonnes and a range of 20 miles once fired. The coastal defense battery was closed in 1994 but is now opened to the public to view.
Less than an hour’s drive from Camposol, we set off and about half way up the mountain road we stopped to admire the view looking out towards Puerto de Mazarrón, before moving on to the carpark at Bateria de Castillitos.
From the carpark we all decided to stick together and walk towards the big guns which can be seen from the carpark.
Before looking at the guns we went underground into the tunnels, with a torch, and had a look around. Then back outside to walk up to the guns. Amazing views from this location looking out to sea. This place can get very busy at weekends so best to visit during the week. Some people like walking along the gun barrel for photographs but not us lot!
We could have carried on to view the forward gun battery but we were feeling hungry so returned to the cars for our picnic and to admire the views whilst we sat down. There is so much to see that it’s best to arrive early to try and view all the gun batteries. We then drove back down the hill to view the smaller gun battery “Bateria de Loma Larga”.
There is a small carpark and you can walk down the track which is overgrown to view four-gun emplacements. These were to protect any invasion by land at La Azohia. We then travelled by car to the old army barracks, which is now “Ecoturismo Cabo Tinoso”. Lovely place to visit for food, drink and even to stay there to explore the area. After enjoying a drink, I showed the members the work that has been done from turning it from a pig farm to how it is now.
Our next outing will be to “Mines of Mazarrón”, an abandoned mining area only 10 minutes from Camposol in February 2022.
Please check out the videos on my YouTube channel “Expat in Mazarrón” and for up to date videos on new places and where else we are exploring in 2022 on “Camposol Explorers” YouTube channel.