Calnegre moves to limit tourist pressure with €330,000 protection plan
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The new measures aim to reduce overcrowding and protect one of Murcia’s most fragile coastal areas
The unspoilt coves of the Murcian coast have long been a quiet favourite among locals, but in recent summers, places like Calnegre in Lorca have started to feel the strain.
Overcrowded beaches, cars blocking rural tracks, litter, and makeshift paths cutting through protected land have become an increasingly common sight during peak season. Now, the regional authorities are stepping in with a new plan aimed at protecting one of Lorca’s most fragile coastal environments.
The regional government has put out to tender a €330,000 contract to manage public access and improve environmental protection in the Calnegre Site of Community Importance, part of Europe’s Natura 2000 network. The plan will run from July 2026 to October 2029, covering several peak summer periods.
At its core, the initiative is about control and prevention. The successful contractor will oversee access to the most sensitive areas, regulate parking near key beaches and monitor visitor activity to reduce damage to the landscape.
The authorities say the goal is to curb behaviours that have increased in recent years, including illegal camping, off-trail walking and littering. While these may seem minor individually, their cumulative impact is putting pressure on habitats and wildlife, including species classified as vulnerable.
The plan also aims to improve the overall visitor experience. By limiting overcrowding and reducing traffic congestion in sensitive areas, officials hope to strike a balance between tourism and conservation.
A key part of the strategy will be on-the-ground staff, mainly rural guards, who will combine enforcement with education. As well as monitoring activity, they’ll provide information to visitors, encourage responsible behaviour, and help people understand the environmental value of the area.
The protected zone includes well-known spots such as Cala de Calnegre, along with nearby beaches like Baño de las Mujeres and El Siscal, all of which are considered ecologically significant.
Staff will be expected to respond to incidents such as fires or emergencies, an important role given the large numbers of visitors during the summer months.
Most of the budget will go on staffing, with additional resources allocated to vehicles, communication systems and field equipment.
Officials say the plan forms part of a broader effort to protect vulnerable coastal areas in the face of climate change, which is already increasing pressure on ecosystems. The aim is not to restrict access entirely, but to manage it more carefully, ensuring these landscapes can be enjoyed without being damaged in the process.
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