The 2026 bathing season in Andalucia has started with water quality rated as generally good across the region, according to the latest report from the Junta.
Health authorities carried out 368 microbiological tests at coastal and inland bathing areas during the second half of May, ahead of the official bathing season, which runs from June 1 to September 30.
The inspections assessed both water quality and visible environmental conditions that could affect public safety.
The report found that the vast majority of bathing areas meet the required health standards.
Of the 287 monitored sites, 285 have been declared suitable for bathing, with only two locations currently subject to restrictions due to health concerns.
Toxic bacteria found
One of those is the Presa de La Colada in El Viso, Cordoba, where bathing remains prohibited because of the presence of potentially toxic cyanobacteria.
The ban will remain in place until the Confederacion Hidrografica del Guadiana confirms that contamination levels have fallen below the risk threshold.
The second restriction affects Playa de Levante in La Linea de la Concepcion, Cadiz.
Bathing has been banned in the affected section of the beach following the detection of sewage discharges.
Authorities say all other monitored beaches in Cadiz remain within the required sanitary standards.
Health officials have also reported an incident in Malaga linked to a damaged outfall pipe that affected Playa de Guadalmar and Playa Campo de Golf.
Malaga City Council has already implemented safety measures, and both beaches remain open under enhanced monitoring.
Hundreds of areas monitored
The Junta monitored 278 coastal bathing areas and nine inland sites with a full bathing season.
By province, the highest number of monitored bathing areas was recorded in Malaga, with 87 sites across 14 municipalities.
Almeria had 78 monitored areas in 14 municipalities, Cadiz had 58 in 16 municipalities, Granada had 30 in 10 municipalities, and Huelva had 25 in nine municipalities.
Apart from the restriction at Playa de Levante, all monitored coastal bathing areas were found to comply with the region’s health standards.
Read more Andalucia news at the Spanish Eye.
