MAZARRON COSTA BLANCA

Lead, silver, iron and zinc were mined in Mazarron from earliest historical times by Carthaginians, Romans and Arabs. The mines have been worked out for years, but some of the handsome buildings erected from mining profits remain. Defensive towers, built against Berber pirate attacks, survive, though the castle of Los Velez is in ruins. The Torres de los Caballos, next to the convent of La Purisima, and the Torre Vieja de la Cumbre are worth a look, as is the beautiful mudejar paneling in the church of San Andres.

Today the town and its port thrive on tomatoes, fishing and tourists. The harbor doubles as a sailing and diving centre, while along the coast runs a string of deserted coves and beaches.