Lorca's Cala de Calnegre earns national award for beach excellence... again!
Environmental and tourist improvements help secure 2025 Ecoplayas flag for one of Spain’s most beautiful unspoilt beaches
Cala de Calnegre, one of the most picturesque and untouched beaches along the Lorca coastline, has once again earned national recognition for its outstanding environmental and tourism credentials. The beach has officially renewed its Ecoplayas flag for 2025, an award given to coastal areas in Spain that show excellence in sustainability, accessibility and visitor experience.Located around 20 kilometres from Lorca, Cala de Calnegre is known for its peaceful setting, clean waters and natural surroundings. The beach is part of a small, unspoilt stretch of coast that remains largely untouched by mass tourism, making it a popular spot for those seeking a quieter, more nature-focused escape.
The announcement of the Ecoplayas flag renewal was made on Tuesday May 13 by María Hernández Benítez, Lorca’s Councillor for the Environment. She highlighted the importance of the recognition not only for the beach itself, but for the wider tourism appeal of the area.
“This award recognises the municipality for its work and for the quality of its beaches from an environmental, tourism, and sustainability perspective,” she said. “It aims to promote the efforts, innovations, and achievements that continue to improve our coast.”
The award reflects a wide range of improvements made at Cala de Calnegre over the past year. These include clearer signage for the boat entry and exit channel, new and larger walkways that improve access to the sea for people with reduced mobility, and careful preservation of the vegetation in the sandy areas of the beach.
According to Hernández, “This year, the renewal of the Ecoplayas flag is the result of the efforts made by the Lorca Regional Government to improve aspects related to beach safety, accessibility, and environmental protection.”
The Ecoplayas flag is awarded by ATEGRUS (the Technical Association for Waste Management, Urban Cleaning and the Environment) and is based on a detailed review of each beach’s environmental performance, facilities and sustainability practices. Criteria include sand and water quality, erosion control, access for people with disabilities, and other ecological considerations.
Hernández also pointed to the council’s work in raising environmental awareness among residents and visitors. Cala de Calnegre has been involved in efforts to support nesting conditions for the endangered loggerhead turtle, in collaboration with the Oceanográfic Foundation and the Directorate General for the Natural Environment.
“We should be proud that what we already knew is being recognised,” she said. “Cala de Calnegre is an exceptional place to enjoy the environment, the sea, and tourism.”
Looking ahead, the Lorca City Council hopes the award will help attract more visitors to this unique part of the Murcia coast. “We trust that this award, along with the Blue Flag, will help visitors from eastern Spain come closer to the miles of Lorca’s splendid, unspoiled coastline,” Hernández added. “It is a unique space that allows for quality tourism in the southern districts of our municipality.”
Cala de Calnegre first received the Ecoplayas recognition in 2013, and it has been renewed every year since. The continued success reflects the town’s long-standing commitment to balancing tourism with environmental preservation.
Image: Ayuntamiento de Lorca
