The Beautiful Spanish Beaches And The Danger of Jellyfish

The Spanish beaches shoring on the Mediterranean coasts present some of the most incredible vacation and relaxation spots to be found anywhere. There is, however, a danger that lurks beneath the surface of the inviting azure waters - jellyfish.

These sea creatures, as small as they are, can be quite numerous at certain times of the year in these waters, and can pack quite a nasty sting. They possess tentacles that are laced with barbs which can deliver a toxin when they come into contact with human skin. The intensity and potency of the toxin will vary from one jellyfish species to another, but because some people might be allergic to them, the general rule should be to always avoid getting oneself stung.

Before we dive deeper into the jellyfish situation in this region, here's a brief look at the respective coastal regions.

Costa De La Luz

The beaches to be found along this coast are generally sandy, long, and backed by pine woods and sand dunes. The months of July and August will usually find them crowded with Spanish holiday-makers from Sevilla and Huelva. The summer season will be relatively uncrowded, and it makes a great spot for windsurfing.

Costa Del Sol

Arguably the most highly developed coast on the list of Spanish beaches, Costa Del Sol offers up warm, safe waters. The grey, coarse-sanded beaches are backed by ever-growing developments, including their recently modernized promenades, which are a favorite with locals and tourists alike. You won't find a shortage of restaurants, bars, and nightclubs here, where they have the highest number of jet skis per capita than anywhere else in the whole of Europe.

Costa Tropical

Probably the least-known coastal region here, it's not one to be ignored. The rocky coastline characterized by its sandy coves and the mountains running down towards the water offers up an ideal location for those looking to get away from the large crowds and find some great diving opportunities.

Costa De Almeria

The most diversely appointed region here, you will find a little bit of everything, from well-developed resorts to rocky coves. The coast is home to some of the least visited beaches to be found in Southern Spain.

The Jellyfish Question

Now, back to the jellyfish. Due to the continuity of the Spain's coastal region, the beaches face a similar jellyfish threat level in general. Estimates place the jellyfish prevalence rate at between 5 and 10 percent at any one time of the year among the beaches.

The Summer season is the most jellyfish-prone time of year across the region, as the warm waters attract jellyfish in search of food to the beaches. Even though the beaches of Spain will display red warning flags on the beaches when the jellyfish are spotted in the waters, it's always a good idea to take some precautions against jellyfish stings whenever possible. Some effective ways to do this are through the use of one piece swimwear, dive skins, stinger suits, or any such outfits that protect a large area of the skin from the stinging tentacles.

The jellyfish are a minor nuisance in general, but take care not to let them cast a shadow on your vacation in one of the most beautiful, welcoming holiday locations in the world.