The quality of the waters of the beaches in Málaga is "excellent," according to a study by UMA.

The water quality at the beaches of Málaga is "excellent," according to the results of a study conducted by the Coastal Sciences Chair of the Costa del Sol at the University of Málaga (UMA), commissioned by the Beach Area of the City Council.

This study aimed to determine the current state of the sanitary quality of the bathing waters and the sediments of the beaches in the city of Málaga.

For this purpose, samples were collected in the days leading up to the opening of the beach season, in order to ensure good water quality at the start of the season, and every 15 days to monitor the sanitary quality of the bathing waters throughout the summer, the City Council stated in a press release.

Taking into account the aforementioned considerations, the results obtained in the report show that the quality of the bathing waters and the sediments of all the analyzed beaches "is excellent."

They detailed that on July 10, the entire coast of Málaga city was sampled, establishing several sampling points on the larger beaches. Samples of seawater, specifically from the bathing area, and sand samples from the intermediate area of each beach were collected. After all the samples were collected, they were taken to the UMA facilities for microbiological analysis.

From each beach, two samples were collected, one of water - from the most used bathing zone by swimmers - and one of sediments - where beach users place their towels. Each sample was analyzed within a period of less than 24 hours from its deposit at the Faculty of Sciences facilities at the University of Málaga (UMA).

Thus, they were studied through the analysis of quality bioindicators as established in Royal Decree 1341/2007, of October 11, on the management of bathing water quality (BOE number 257, of October 26, 2007) and in Directive 2006/7/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council, of February 15, 2006, on the management of bathing water quality.

Specifically, sampling was carried out on the beaches of Guadalmar, Sacaba, Misericordia, San Andrés, Malagueta, Morlaco, Baños del Carmen, Pedregalejo, El Palo, El Dedo, la Fábrica, Peñón del Cuervo, and La Araña.

On the other hand, the Málaga City Council has reminded that it is important to highlight that these results add to the recent renewal of prominent certifications in quality such as the 'Q' for Touristic Quality, Universal Accessibility and 'S' for Sustainability on seven beaches in the city, awarded by the Institute for Spanish Touristic Quality and Sustainability (Ictes). Specifically, these are the beaches of San Andrés, la Caleta, El Palo, El Dedo, la Misericordia, la Malagueta, and Pedregalejo.

These recognitions highlight the commitment of the Málaga City Council and the ongoing municipal strategy for beaches of the highest quality, sustainable, respectful of the environment, and inclusive and accessible for all. Evidence of this are these distinctions that are renewed each year and are also added to the reacquisition of the seven blue flags, at these beaches, awarded by the Association of Environmental Education and the Consumer (Adeac).

Moreover, in this year 2025, a 'Special Mention for Accessibility and attention to people with disabilities' has also been received. And the Ecoplayas distinction also flies on these three beaches: Misericordia, Malagueta, and Pedregalejo.