Summer is saved as more Cartagena beach bars prepare to open
Six of the 33 chiringuito sites, including popular Poniente and Los Nietos beaches, remain vacant
Although the Region of Murcia is in store for a bit of a dreary week, it won’t be long before the sun makes its appearance and Cartagena’s beaches are once again packed with holidaymakers and locals. Part and parcel of a day at the beach is a refreshing drink to cool down but with the high season rapidly approaching, a good number of Cartagena’s chiringuitos still aren’t ready to open.
In fact, six of the 33 beach bar sites put out to tender by the Coastal Council remain vacant, leaving some of the most popular beaches without a spot to grab a cold drink or snack. The vacant sites include San Ginés beach in La Azohía, Los Alemanes beach, Poniente beach, Los Nietos beach and Punta Brava beach in the Mar Menor, as well as El Portús beach on the west coast of the municipality.
However, there is hope on the horizon. According to the Coastal Council, led by Vox spokesperson Gonzalo López Pretel, at least three of the vacant sites are expected to open soon, once the necessary arrangements are made. And, in the meantime, 27 other beach bars have been awarded contracts and are busy preparing for the season ahead.
One chiringuito that's already open for business is 'La Guarida' in Isla Plana, which has undergone renovations and improvements after being awarded its contract. The bar is a welcome addition to Cartagena, since until recently it was in doubt that any of the establishments would be ready before the summer.
It’s been a mad scramble to get the facilities up and running. Following a delay in getting the contracts approved, which happened late on Friday April 11, the coastal council immediately went to work and the first four leases were signed the very next day. But setting up the bars is a complex and time-consuming process, so none were ready in time for Easter.
The new contracts for the beach bars are granted for one season, with the option to extend for up to four years. This means that the City Council can reserve the right not to renew the concession for beach bars that cause problems, such as occupying more space than allocated.
In addition to the beach bars, the Cartagena City Council has also put out to tender the supply of four lifeguard towers to be installed on different beaches during the season. The contract, financed with European funds, amounts to €53,999.99, including taxes, and is due to be completed within 45 days.
The lifeguard towers will be removable American-style wooden guard posts, complete with a platform, guardhouse and railing. They will provide a safe and visible spot for lifeguards to watch over the beaches and respond to any emergencies.
Image: Archive
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