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Date Published: 22/06/2026

Calblanque beach in the running to be crowned Spain's best

After finishing seventh last year, the Cartagena cove is hoping to climb the rankings and claim the top spot

One of the Region of Murcia's most spectacular stretches of coastline has earned national recognition after being named among the finalists in a competition to find Spain's best beach of 2026.

Calblanque beach, located within the protected regional park near Cartagena, has secured a place in the final ten of the annual ranking organised by travel and lifestyle magazine Condé Nast Traveller.

The competition began earlier this month following an initial shortlist chosen by the publication's travel experts. Readers are now casting the deciding votes, with the winning beach set to be announced on June 28.

For Calblanque, it's another chance to shine on the national stage. The Murcia favourite finished seventh in last year's rankings and will be hoping to climb several places this time around.

Condé Nast Traveller praised the area's unspoilt natural beauty, highlighting its collection of wild beaches and hidden coves, as well as its setting between the Mediterranean Sea and the rugged hills that surround the regional park.

Unlike many of Spain's better-known tourist beaches, Calblanque has managed to retain a more natural feel, making it a popular choice for visitors looking to escape crowded resorts and enjoy a quieter day by the sea.

The Cartagena beach faces tough competition from nine other finalists located across Spain. Among those hoping to take the title are Bolonia in Cádiz, Ses Illetes in Formentera, Las Catedrales in Galicia and Playa de Los Locos in Cantabria, which finished third in last year's competition.

The current holder of the title is Cala Bassa in Ibiza, which was voted Spain's best beach in 2025. Los Genoveses in Almería claimed second place, with Los Locos rounding out the top three.

Whether Calblanque can go one better this year remains to be seen, but its place among the finalists is already another boost for one of Murcia's most treasured natural attractions.

Click for further local information about Cartagena, or for an overview of the beaches of Cartagena.

Image: Turismo Region de Murcia

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Nestled in the heart of the iconic Cartagena port, Yemanjá specialises in modern tapas with a twist

Named after the Brazilian goddess of the sea, Café bar Yemanjá is located in the port of Cabo de Palos, a lively enclave with plenty of atmosphere and packed full of leisure activities, diving schools and shops.

The lifelong dream of Magdalena, who is originally from Argentina, the bar aims to offer a refuge from the hustle and bustle of the marina, a relaxing hideaway where customers can try a range of tasty tapas and a wide variety of vegetarian and vegan delicacies.

During the summer, Café bar Yemanjá is a vibrant hub of activity, with great music, and a chilled, mixed clientele of all nationalities.

If you dont like a certain ingredient you can just ask and the menu can be adapted to suit individual tastes.

Magdalena likes to feel that all her customers, new and old, are guests in her home and her main aim is to ensure that everybody leaves happily.

As Magdalena herself says, “Everyone has a place in Yemanjá.”

Opening hours September to April

Monday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 11am to midnight, kitchen open all day
Tuesday and Wednesday: Closed

Summer opening times (May to September)

Monday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday IN MAY: 10am to 12 midnight
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Every day JUNE TO SEPTEMBER: 11.30am to 12.30am (Kitchen open 11.30am to 4.30pm and 6.30pm to 11pm)