Sustainable tourist route among the medieval coastal towers of the Mar Menor

On the coast of South-Eastern Spain, in the Mar Menor area, a tourist route is proposed that begins and ends at two coastal towers that in the 16th century were used to defend the population that settled in the coastal area against Berber attacks from North Africa. This route, designed for cycling or walking, would be about 10 km long, starting at the Negro Tower, going towards the sea, visiting a mountain of volcanic origin and continuing through a natural wetland parallel to the Mar Menor of great natural value and ending at the Rame Tower. Along this tour, there are around twenty points of interest, which include architectural elements, such as windmills, historical elements, such as ancient Roman metallurgical sites, but also natural elements of interest such as unique flora and fauna, geological formations of interest and points with different types of soil. The digital reconstruction of the Negro Tower and the Rame Tower has been carried out, proposing flexible uses for both residents and tourists, making a meeting place for both. The intervention of both towers is a key and fundamental issue to avoid their loss. In the case of the Negro Tower, an integral rehabilitation is proposed, considering the vertical communication between floors, the construction of the vault of the first and first floors and the staircase between them to reach the walkable roof and an external staircase for access to the first floor. Also acting on the surrounding land by establishing rest areas, information areas with information panels on the history of the building and its various uses over the last five centuries and a car park for bicycles that want to make the route. In the case of the Rame Tower, a BIM of the tower has been created so that it can accompany the building in its management and maintenance for the rest of its life, and the rehabilitation of an adjoining house has also been designed to serve as a cafeteria for both residents and tourists following the route. A space for local economic development and local crafts is generated to promote responsible tourism.