For the past two years, several members of Por Un Mar Vivo have been visiting almost all the beaches of the Mar Menor during the summer to observe firsthand the real condition of the lagoon. They discovered that conditions can vary enormously from one beach to another, and even within the same beach, very different situations can occur. From this, the idea arose to conduct a study using an online questionnaire asking vacationers: “How is your beach?”

The response exceeded our expectations: 100 followers of Por Un Mar Vivo participated between July 1 and September 15, covering a total of 38 beaches of the Mar Menor. The questionnaire collected data on the presence of fish and protected species (such as seahorses or pen shells, in which case the Hippocampus Association, which keeps a record, was notified). Questions also addressed the type of algae, the amount of mud, water visibility, the condition of the sand, and the presence of litter. In short, many simple parameters that anyone could assess with just a pair of snorkeling goggles. Although the questionnaire was open to children, only adults ultimately responded.

It is worth noting that some questionnaires were not considered valid, either due to missing data or because the evaluated beach did not actually belong to the Mar Menor.

The final score was developed based on different criteria, with litter and mud being the most heavily penalized factors.

The map created (Figure 1) from the responses clearly reflects a pattern: the western area of the Mar Menor generally has the worst beaches, with scarce fauna, low visibility, and an abundance of litter and foul-smelling black mud. In contrast, La Manga is dominated by more pleasant beaches, offering greater chances of observing seahorses and enjoying a calm and healthy swim. However, due to the coastline’s geography, currents, and factors such as proximity to Albujón, it is possible to find a beach that differs from the others in its area. Therefore, one cannot speak of a completely “good” area.

Figure 1. Map of the state of the Mar Menor beaches. Red indicates the worst beaches, yellow the highly variable beaches, and green the beaches in good condition. Source: Own elaboration on Google Maps.

Most of the beaches assessed scored between 40 and 60 points out of 100. The overall average for the Mar Menor was 49 points, which would correspond to a “failing” grade very close to passing. This echoes the words of Professor Ángel Pérez-Ruzafa, who described the Mar Menor as an ecosystem in “unstable equilibrium.” That is, some beaches show slight signs of recovery, with more Cymodocea nodosa meadows, fish, and even seahorses and pen shells, but in most cases, there is little change or even deterioration compared to previous years, especially due to neglect, litter, floating algae, and mud.

The best beaches according to our followers:

• Puerto Bello Beach (La Manga, next to Hotel Cavanna): 84/100
• Veneziola Beach (end of La Manga): 83/100
• Punta Calera Beach (Los Alcázares): 80/100
• Km 11 Beach in La Manga, near Matas Gordas: 79/100
• Mar de Cristal: 78/100

Almost all of the top-rated beaches are concentrated in La Manga.

With 0 points out of 100, Bahía Bella Beach (also known as Carmolí Beach) was identified as the worst beach in the Mar Menor. Located in the so-called “zone 0” of the Mar Menor, it is characterized by a strong smell of rotten eggs due to decomposing algae and the accumulation of mud that, in some areas, exceeds half a meter in depth. Some respondents estimated that in the water it even exceeds one meter (or more, according to some). The water was dangerous due to the high concentration of hydrogen sulfide, and there was barely any sign of life.

Other low-scoring beaches included:

• Carrión Beach (Los Alcázares): 2/100
• Cala del Pino (La Manga): 17/100
• Colón Beach (Santiago de la Ribera): 20/100
• Los Urrutias Beach: 25/100
• Villananitos Beach (San Pedro del Pinatar): 28/100

All of them scored around 20 points. The Carmolí wetland was not included, as there is no remaining beach and swimming is directly impossible and dangerous. The most common comments in these areas were about dirtiness, accumulation of litter, and the daily arrival of kilos of floating algae, a clear sign of an eutrophied ecosystem.

Our followers left hundreds of observations that we are still analyzing, so the full results will be published later.

In the meantime, we encourage all bathers to move their towel if they are not satisfied with their usual area: sometimes, just 20 meters away, the Mar Menor can show a completely different face, from a degraded area to a small paradise.

We want to thank everyone for participating and confirm that next summer we will repeat this study.