In 2026, the Region of Murcia reached an incredible milestone for its beaches. In its best year ever for Blue Flag awards, the region will receive a total of 41 Blue Flags in 33 beaches and eight marinas across six of its municipalities. With these honours, the Region of Murcia has now matched the Balearic Islands as the single-province region with the highest number of Blue Flag beaches in the whole of Spain.

What is the prestigious Blue Flag beach and marina award?

The Blue Flag award, which is awarded annually, is a prestigious international honour awarded by the Foundation for Environmental Education. It certifies that a beach, marina, or boat operator meets strict standards for high water quality, environmental safety and management, sustainability, and education. In other words, to receive a Blue Flag award is to certify that the area meets all the strict criteria for the distinction and maintains the highest quality.

The Region of Murcia leads the charge: World-class beaches and marinas

Unsurprisingly, the charming coastal municipality of Aguilas leads the charge in the region. The municipality boasts ten award-winning beaches and two award-winning marinas, and maintains its spot as the third most decorated town in Spain, just behind Vigo and Sanxenxo. Aguilas was also recently named the best European destination for taking a boat ride, and its beaches have been recognised in travel and nature magazine National Geographic for their beauty and high quality.

The Costa Calida city of Cartagena follows close behind, with nine beach awards and two marina awards. One of these beaches is shared with San Javier, the Banco del Tabal-Calnegre beach.

In the regional ranking, Mazarron comes in third. The coastal municipality boasts six beach awards and two marina awards. San Javier and San Pedro del Pinatar received three Blue Flag awards each for their beaches, though the latter received two more for its marinas. Last but not least, Lorca received an award for its Calnegre beach.

All coastal regional parks in Murcia are world-class

Amazingly, with this new round of awards, every coastal regional park in the Region of Murcia now boasts at least one Blue Flag beach. 

The Balearic Islands benefit from having 15 award-winning municipalities, compared to the Region of Murcia’s six.

The recognition by this prestigious organisation is a nod to the Region of Murcia’s commitment to sustainability, maintaining the beauty of its natural areas, the quality of its waters, and a variety of other factors that make its beaches top-of-the-line. 

Here is the total list of award-winning beaches in the Region of Murcia:

Aguilas

• El Hornillo
• La Carolina
• La Higuerica
• Levante
• La Colonia
• Poniente
• Casica Verde
• Matalentisco
• Calarreona
• Las Delicias

Cartagena

• La Azohia-El Cuartel
• Cala Cortina
• Levante (Cabo de Palos)
• San Gines
• Isla Plana
• La Chapineta
• El Portus
• Calblanque
• Cala del Barco

Mazarron

• Rihuete
• Bahia-La Reya
• Nares
• Playa Grande-Castellar
• El Alamillo
• El Mojon

San Pedro del Pinatar

• El Mojon
• Las Salinas
• La Torre Derribada

San Javier

• La Ensenada del Esparto
• El Pedrucho
• El Arenal
• Banco del Tabal-Calnegre (Cartagena & San Javier)

Lorca

• Calnegre

Quick action by a passing runner prevented tragedy in this coastal spot near Velez-Malaga. A man collapsed suddenly while walking on the promenade in Caleta de Velez on Friday, May 8. Witnesses described symptoms consistent with a cardiac arrest. Tension rose among bystanders until an off-duty nurse spotted the emergency.

He immediately started cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) manoeuvres. His immediate response kept the man alive until emergency services arrived. Paramedics and local police officers joined efforts minutes later. Together they stabilised the patient, who managed to regain vital signs.

Community spirit makes difference

This incident ended as a major fright rather than another tragic loss. Coordinated response from services combined with the nurse’s bravery and cool-headedness proved decisive. Many locals now praise the anonymous hero. Everyday citizens trained in basic first aid often separate life from death in such moments.

AEDs ready on Velez-Malaga promenades

Public access defibrillators (AEDs) sit at several points near the promenades in Torre del Mar and Caleta de Velez. One device stands at the Paseo Marítimo in Torre del Mar close to the lighthouse area. Lifeguard stations along the beaches carry additional units during the season. Municipal facilities and port zones also hold them as part of broader cardioprotection efforts in Velez-Melaga.

Anyone can use these machines in an emergency, not just medical professionals. Voice prompts guide users step by step. No specific medical training is required. Open the case, follow spoken instructions, and attach pads as directed. The device analyses heart rhythm automatically and advises a shock only when needed. It will not release an electric shock if it detects a heartbeat.

Knowledge saves lives every day

Learning CPR and locating nearby AEDs equips people to act confidently. Apps and maps from local authorities help identify exact positions. Regular training sessions take place across the area so that when it is the moment to save a life, passersby need not panic, and can act decisively. Time is of the essence. Residents and and people simple on their hols can benefit from this preparation, especially in busy promenade zones where people exercise and stroll.

Incidents like this remind everyone of simple actions that matter. Quick CPR combined with fast AED access boosts survival chances dramatically. Communities stronger in first aid create safer environments for all. We raise our hats to the brave and decisive actions of the off-duty nurse who acted today, and wish the victim of the incident the fastest recovery.

List of public AED defibrillators in the Velez-Malaga

The Al Andalus, Spain’s newest sleeper train, set off on its first cross-country voyage recently, offering a new travel option to those who want a more luxurious journey through the south of Spain.

A luxury sleeper train through southern Spain

The seven-day journey connects Seville to Madrid, with stops along the way allowing passengers to experience the hidden wonders of Andalucía’s countryside. The service is operated as an exclusive rail cruise, designed to combine slow travel with high-end hospitality.

On board the Al Andalus, passengers will enjoy maximum comfort as they travel in glamorous style. Luxury amenities like a salon, games-bar and two world-class restaurants make this more of a hotel-on-wheels than a typical train. Restored carriages are designed to reflect classic European luxury travel and cabins are fully serviced, with private bathrooms, air conditioning and traditional detailing.

Stops, cultural highlights and UNESCO sites

The itinerary typically includes stops in Andalucian cities and villages known for their historical and architectural significance. Destinations may feature UNESCO World Heritage Sites, whitewashed villages, Moorish palaces, and traditional wine regions. Excursions often include guided tours, cultural visits and local experiences that showcase the diversity of southern Spain beyond the main tourist hubs.

An appealing attraction but not a convenient alternative

Scenic sleeper trains are attractive to a certain type of tourist, case in point the lasting popularity of the Orient Express. The Al Andalus follows this tradition, positioning itself as a heritage-style luxury travel experience focused on atmosphere, service and curated excursions rather than speed. While the Al Andalus is a great addition to Spain’s tourist offering, it is not a convenient alternative for everyone wishing to travel to the country’s capital.

For one thing the train operates on a significantly reduced schedule, only nine trains depart throughout the 2026 season. For another, prices are much more expensive than the typical high-speed AVE. Fares for a double cabin start at €6,600 per person, while a single cabin will set travellers back €11,200.

The limited availability contributes to its premium pricing, placing it firmly within the luxury tourism market. While it offers an immersive and comfortable way to see Spain, it remains a niche option for travellers seeking slow, scenic and high-end rail journeys.