Aerial view of La Manga del Mar Menor with coastal buildings and blue water

IX CAANA La Manga del Mar Menor, Spain, December 4–6, 2026: While You’re in Town NA Travel Guide

The IX CAANA — “¿Y si esto fuera vivir?” comes to La Manga del Mar Menor, Spain, December 4–6, 2026, at Hotel Los Delfines. The official Narcóticos Anónimos España event information confirms the three-day Alicante Area gathering and its La Manga venue. Narcóticos Anónimos

La Manga is one of Spain’s most unusual coastal destinations: a narrow strip of land separating the Mediterranean Sea from the Mar Menor lagoon. That geography gives convention visitors water on both sides, long promenades and an easy coastal setting for a recovery weekend.

Walk Along the Mar Menor

The Mar Menor is the quieter side of La Manga.

Its broad lagoon creates a very different landscape from the open Mediterranean, with calmer water and long views across toward the Murcia coastline.

For a convention weekend, this is an easy place to slow down.

Walk along the waterfront.

Sit near the water.

Get some air between meetings.

Then head back when you are ready.

See Both Sides of La Manga

One of the most interesting things about staying in La Manga is how narrow the peninsula becomes in places.

You can move from the Mar Menor side to the Mediterranean side without traveling far, and the two coastlines can feel completely different.

The Mediterranean has a more open-ocean character, while the lagoon side feels more sheltered.

You do not need a destination beyond that.

Walk one side.

Cross over.

See the other.

Explore the Mediterranean Coast

The Mediterranean beaches along La Manga stretch for miles.

December is well outside the traditional beach season, so this is much more about walking, scenery and fresh air than swimming.

That can actually suit a convention weekend better.

The shoreline is quieter.

The summer crowds are gone.

And you can enjoy the coast without feeling like you need to spend the entire day there.

Visit Cabo de Palos

If you have extra time, Cabo de Palos sits near the southern entrance to La Manga.

The small coastal community is known for its harbor, rocky shoreline and lighthouse.

It is a good place to get something to eat and see a more traditional coastal setting outside the resort development of La Manga itself.

This works especially well before or after the convention rather than trying to squeeze it into a short break.

Consider Cartagena

Cartagena is one of the strongest nearby city outings if you extend the trip.

The historic port city has Roman ruins, museums, waterfront areas and a compact center that is easy to explore on foot.

It gives you something completely different from La Manga’s beach-and-lagoon landscape.

If the convention weekend is already full, leave Cartagena for another trip.

There is plenty around La Manga itself.

Try the Local Food

The Murcia coast is a good place to keep meals simple.

Look for seafood, rice dishes and other regional Mediterranean food.

La Manga and Cabo de Palos both have plenty of restaurants where the setting is as much part of the experience as the meal.

Find somewhere comfortable.

Eat well.

Spend time with people from the fellowship.

Then get back to the convention.

Getting to La Manga

For most international travelers, the most practical major gateways will be Alicante or Murcia.

From there, La Manga is reached by road.

A rental car gives you the most flexibility, especially if you plan to explore Cabo de Palos, Cartagena or other parts of the Costa Cálida.

If you are staying mostly at the convention, however, you may not need to spend much of the weekend moving around once you arrive.

Expect Quiet December Weather

December is winter in southeastern Spain.

Daytime conditions can still be comfortable, but mornings and evenings may feel cool, especially near the water.

Bring layers.

Bring a light waterproof jacket.

Wind can make the coast feel colder than the temperature suggests.

The advantage is that La Manga is much quieter than during the summer season.

Let the Convention Be the Center of the Trip

La Manga gives you a unique setting.

Mediterranean on one side.

Mar Menor on the other.

Cabo de Palos nearby.

Cartagena within reach.

But IX CAANA — ¿Y si esto fuera vivir? is the reason for the weekend.

Spend time with the fellowship.

Go to meetings.

Listen.

Share.

Then, when you need a little space, walk toward the water.

You do not need to turn the convention into a full coastal vacation.

Find the Event and Plan Your Visit

See IX CAANA — ¿Y si esto fuera vivir? in the Dans' Custom Gifts NA Event Directory.

Official convention information is available from Narcóticos Anónimos España.

Photo credit: 🐨 @julia.gnclvz / Pexels

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