REGION OF MURCIA, CARTAGENA LOCAL NEWS

Murcia photo of the month January 2026Here’s the top image of the month taken by the Los Alcázares Digital Camera Club (LADCC) Firstly, a big thank to all the Murcia Today readers who took the time and trouble to vote last month on our ‘Photo of the Year’ competition.. 23/01/2026

Construction to begin on the new five-star hotel and football pitches in Condado de Alhama this FebruaryThe project, led by Alhama Nature in partnership with Wyndham Hotels, is expected to start this February and the hotel is due to open in summer 2027 Construction is set to start in February 2026 on the new five-star hotel in the Condado.. 23/01/2026

Murcia headed for record tourism numbers in 2026, regional PresidentExceltur projects an 8.8% increase in tourism sales for Murcia, as the regional president reveals record visitor figures Murcia is heading into 2026 with its strongest tourism numbers ever, and regional president Fernando López Miras says.. 23/01/2026

ANSE and WWF release 70 eels into the Mar MenorThe eels were tagged before release and will now be monitored as part of a long-term conservation project The idea of eels being released into the Mar Menor might not sound especially appealing, but it is an important step in protecting the species.. 23/01/2026

Cartagena railway accident: Six people slightly injured after passenger train collides with craneThe accident caused a brief closure of the line while saftey checks were carried out, but authorities assure there is no further danger now A passenger train operated by FEVE, Spain’s narrow-gauge railway network, collided with a crane this.. 22/01/2026

Tourist rentals in Spain drop for the first time in years in the country's most popular holiday hotspotsA new Exceltur report shows how tourist rentals fell nationwide as a result of the new regulations The number of tourist rental properties in Spain’s 25 most visited destinations fell by 4.1% in 2025. This is the first nationwide drop.. 22/01/2026

Train drivers call a general strike from February 9 to 11 following train accidents in Adamuz and GelidaThe Union of Railway Drivers has warned of declining safety standards and announced legal action against those responsible for infrastructure and operations problems Train drivers across Spain have called a three-day general strike from February 9.. 22/01/2026

Murcia coast to host 17 top regattas this yearNearly 30,000 overnight stays and €6.5 million boost on the way Picture the Mar Menor billowing with sails all year round. The Region of Murcia is gearing up for its busiest nautical season yet, hosting 17 major regattas in 2026. These include four.. 22/01/2026

Annapurna Nepali & Indian Restaurant, Los Belones, grand opening January 30Authentic Nepali and Indian flavours arrive in Los Belones with something on the menu for everyone A new dining spot has arrived in Los Belones and Annapurna Nepali & Indian Restaurant is getting ready to celebrate its official opening in.. 21/01/2026

Murcia farmers to protest with tractors on January 29Water shortages, environmental rules and rising costs drive a new wave of protests Farmers in the Region of Murcia have confirmed they will once again mobilise with tractor protests and symbolic actions on Thursday January 29, as frustration across the.. 21/01/2026

Locals star in the new San Javier tourist campaign for FITURTen well-known residents feature in videos and posters to show what makes San Javier a great place to live and visit all year round San Javier has launched its new tourism campaign called ‘San Javier, san bien,’ to show how good it.. 21/01/2026

Murcia hospitals under fire over negligence claims and long waitsPatient Advocate reports 430 cases in 2025 while reputation rankings slip Murcia's public hospitals are facing growing scrutiny over patient complaints, lengthy waiting lists and declining national reputation. New reports paint a challenging picture.. 20/01/2026

Santiago de la Ribera to get 125 new tourist apartmentsThe project covers several streets and comes with a pool and underground parking Santiago de la Ribera is about to get 125 new tourist apartments, complete with a pool and underground parking. They’ll be built along Calle Isla la Polinesia.. 20/01/2026

Russian hackers among possible suspects in Beniel Town Hall cyberattackThe Beniel Town Hall in Murcia systems were shut down as a precaution following a suspected cybersecurity breach It's not every day that a small town in the Region of Murcia finds itself linked to possible Russian hackers. But that is.. 20/01/2026

Celebrate Cartagena Carnival 2026 this Valentine's Day with Raquel Tours night tripRaquel Tours invites you on a special guided evening trip to one of Murcia’s most spectacular parades   February in Cartagena means one thing above all else. Carnival. And in 2026, one of the most spectacular events in the Region of.. 19/01/2026

La Manga del Mar Menor gets its own local police stationThe new 24-hour station will bring San Javier’s police closer to residents on the northern half of La Manga La Manga del Mar Menor now has its very own local police station. The new facility was officially opened by Fernando López Miras.. 19/01/2026

Region of Murcia loses almost half of bank branches in ten years as access gap widensMore than 390 bank offices have disappeared across the Region since 2015, leaving some towns with no branches at all and growing concern for older residents Something as everyday as withdrawing cash or paying a bill is becoming increasingly difficult.. 19/01/2026

La Puebla Potato Festival wins national prize!The festival in the Cartagena countryside generally takes place in June or July The annual Potato Festival in La Puebla, a small town in the countryside between Cartagena and the Mar Menor, has been awarded a prestige prize for being the Best Potato Promotional.. 19/01/2026

Gas station robbery gang smashed across Murcia region and surrounding areasGuardia Civil arrests four after 50+ break-ins targeting petrol stations and homes The Murcia region and nearby areas can breathe a little easier after the Guardia Civil smashed a violent robbery gang behind over 50 break-ins at gas stations and homes.. 16/01/2026

Murcia maps out major nature restoration plans under EU rulesThe Mar Menor, riverbanks and grasslands are among the areas set for environmental recovery Plans are now underway to decide which natural areas in the Region of Murcia will be restored under a major European Union environmental programme, with scientists.. 16/01/2026