The heir to the Spanish throne, Princess Leonor, arrived in Murcia on September 1 to begin her third and final year of military training. This new stage will take place at the Academia General del Aire y del Espacio in San Javier. Holding the rank of officer cadet (alférez), she will join 74 fourth-year students, thus completing her comprehensive military education cycle.
As emphasized by the Ministry of Defense, there are no special privileges for the princess. Her training will proceed under the same conditions as before at the General Military Academy of the Ground Forces in Zaragoza and the Naval School in Marín. Before taking to the skies in a Pilatus C-21 training aircraft, the heir must complete a month-long theoretical course and spend about 50 hours on a state-of-the-art flight simulator.
The academy’s daily schedule is strict and intensive. Wake-up is at 6:30 a.m. Following morning routines and breakfast, classes run from 8:00 to 15:00, with breaks for sports and lunch. After a short rest, studies resume from 16:00 to 18:00. In the evenings, cadets—including Princess Leonor—can spend time on self-study or strolling through San Javier.
For the princess, this city in Murcia with a population of about 35,000 will become her new home following a long voyage on the training ship Juan Sebastián Elcano. San Javier, located in the northern part of the Mar Menor coast, is known as a popular tourist destination.
The city and its surroundings offer a wide range of leisure options. Most notably, there are beaches that are perfect for swimming and water sports. In bad weather, you can stroll along the Santiago de la Ribera promenade or visit the historic church of San Francisco Javier, which reflects the spirit of the old town.
Those looking to explore the region’s military history, now being studied by the princess herself, can visit the Mar Menor Aeronautical Museum (Museo Aeronáutico del Mar Menor). The city is also home to the unique Museum of Nativity Scenes (Museo de los Belenes). For outdoor relaxation, Parque Almansa is an excellent choice, while nature lovers should head to the nearby natural park of San Pedro del Pinatar salt flats and sand dunes, where you can spot flamingos. In addition, boat tours to the volcanic islands of Grosa and El Farallón are popular.
The region’s gastronomic culture is equally rich. At local markets, you can find fresh produce and immerse yourself in a traditional atmosphere. Signature dishes include caldero del Mar Menor—a hearty rice stew with fish, salted fish (salazones), and the popular snack marineras. Special mention should be made of pastel de cierva—a unique pie combining sweet and savory flavors. It is believed that a chef from a Russian ship anchored in the Mar Menor brought the recipe to San Javier in the 19th century.
Among the establishments recommended by local food enthusiasts are the Los osos golosos restaurant with creative dishes made from local ingredients, Atiphico, which surprises guests with original fusion combinations, and Txio Revuelo, highly rated by visitors. For tourists wishing to stay in town, there are several accommodation options: from the Hotel Sol y Mar Apartamento with direct beach access to Blue Lago Jardín on the promenade, featuring a terrace and jacuzzi.
