The Region of Murcia’s vibrant coastline is gearing up for a major milestone in local gastronomy. On Sunday, September 13, Restaurante La Rusticana in Atamaría will host the inaugural edition of the Costa Calida Beer Fest, dubbed the first craft beer fest on the Costa Calida. Running from 2:00pm to 6:00pm in the popular local pub, this free event will bring together three top regional microbreweries, live music, and mouth-watering food for an unforgettable afternoon celebrating local craft brews.

Top regional breweries, all under one roof

For the first time under one roof, beer enthusiasts and casual festival-goers alike will have the opportunity to sample and buy directly from three standout names in regional brewing: Yakka Cerveza, Bárbara Cervezas Artesanas de Totana, and La Fabrica Gastro Bar & Brew Pub. Visitors can interact directly with the makers behind these passionate operations, including the ingredients, expert craft techniques, and creative philosophies that form part of Murcia’s flourishing beer scene.

Live music and local culinary favourites: The best croquettes in town

But no great beer fest is complete without the food to pair it with. Throughout the afternoon, local favourites Stones of the Coast will set the mood with a vibrant live performance, as the host venue, Restaurante La Rusticana, will serve up a menu of delicious savoury bites, featuring what many locals consider to be the finest croquettes in the region.

Free entry and exclusive table packages: How to book a spot at the inaugural Costa Calida Beer Fest

Entry to the festival grounds is entirely free for everyone who is interested in attending. For attendees who want to secure a guaranteed spot with a friend, the organisers are also offering an exclusive Amigo Table Package for €15 per pair. This limited package covers a reserved table, two IPA beers, and four artisanal croquettes, and can be booked in advance by sending a Bizum to 604 47 19 40.

A new annual highlight for the region

Organised by Eat, Drink & More Costa Calida, the popular lifestyle magazine serving the international community along the Mar Menor and Costa Calida coastline, and supported by Punto Properties Los Alcazares, the festival was born out of a desire to showcase authentic local craft talent and bring the community together with a deep love for entertainment, food, and of course, beer.

“We wanted to create something that celebrates what this region produces: real craft beer, made with passion by local brewers. The Costa Calida deserves its own beer festival and this is just the beginning,” stated the organisers.

Future editions of the event are also already being planned, with the ambition to grow the Costa Calida Beer Fest into a recurring gastronomic highlight on the regional late summer and early autumn calendar.

This year’s edition of the Semana de la Juventud, or Youth Week, came to a thrilling conclusion in Mazarron, leaving local young people with memories of a summer packed with adventure, sports, and vibrant experiences. Organised by the Department of Youth to celebrate International Youth Day, the week-long festival offered a dynamic itinerary for the youths of the municipality that promoted healthy living, teamwork, and outdoor exploration across the gorgeous natural areas of Mazarron.

Aquatic adventures take over local beaches: Mazarron youths spend a thrilling summer together

Running in mid-August, the summertime event brought together residents and visitors for an action-packed lineup of coastal and aquatic pursuits. Taking full advantage of Mazarron’s famed coastline, participants tried their hand at various sporting activities, including beginner scuba diving sessions, stand-up paddleboarding, surfing, and kayaking, while the adrenaline junkies of the group enjoyed high-speed banana boat rides across the bay.

On the shore, beachgoers flocked to free waterfront activities, including massive inflatable water obstacle courses set up near the sand. Water safety also took centre stage with the practical SOS Workshop, where the young residents and visitors gained valuable life-saving skills in coastal water rescue and basic cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

Inland excursions and night sky observation

In addition to Mazarron’s stunning local beaches, excursions took groups inland for a thrilling white-water rafting trip along the Segura River, as well as a popular day trip to the Aqualandia water park. As night fell, attendees gathered under clear skies for a guided astronomical observation session, taking in panoramic views of the cosmos away from city lights.

Community celebrates huge turnout and active living

Local Mazarron representatives praised the overwhelming community turnout, highlighting how the initiative successfully brought local youth together while encouraging active lifestyles in harmony with Mazarron’s breathtaking natural environment.

With limited spots filling rapidly across every scheduled event, this year’s Youth Week proved to be one of the municipality’s most popular summer programmes to date. As the final activities drew to a close, organisers celebrated another successful edition that showcased the very best of youth culture, outdoor adventure, and community spirit on the Costa Calida.

Emergency responders in Murcia were quick on their feet to rescue eight people who became trapped on Isla del Fraile in Aguilas: two young people swam to the popular island, but were unable to return due to the strong and dangerous currents. Six other bathers attempted to save them, but also became trapped, triggering an emergency response.

Beachgoers trapped by strong currents

The incident occurred on the late afternoon of Monday, August 24, at around 6:00pm. The 112 Emergency Coordination Centre of the Region of Murcia received the first of three calls requesting help for a young couple who were stranded after swimming to the island. The couple had become trapped in a rocky area called Punta del Cigarro, and the currents were too strong to return. 

As emergency services made their way to the scene, several other swimmers and beachgoers attempted to help the couple, but soon became trapped themselves.

Rapid emergency response deployed: Aguilas first responders leap into action

In total, the operation required the use of two rescue boats, six lifeguards, and a Rapid Intervention Vehicle from the Aguilas Beach Rescue Service. The Aguilas CECOPAL, or Local Emergency Coordination Centre, also participated in managing the emergency.

In the end, the teams managed to bring both the two young people initially trapped on the island and the six other swimmers who had come to try to help them back to safety, making for a total of eight people rescued. The operation was completed at 6:27pm, less than half an hour after the first alerts were received.

Warning issued against independent rescues

Emergency services remind the public that in situations of rough seas or dangerous currents, rescues should not be attempted independently, as this could increase the number of people in danger. The recommendation is to immediately call 112 so that specialised teams can intervene.