Lorraine Williamson
Spain’s coastline attracts millions of swimmers each summer, yet more people are now sharing the sea with an unexpected visitor: sharks. While the idea may unsettle beachgoers, sightings are not uncommon, especially in certain regions. But are they dangerous, and where are they most often found?
The Balearics, particularly Mallorca and Menorca, record the highest number of shark sightings. Most are blue sharks — sleek, powerful creatures that can grow impressively large. Despite their size, they rarely pose a threat to humans. Normally, they stay far offshore, but they may approach the coast in search of food or when disoriented.
Temporary beach closures have occurred in places such as Can Pastilla and Cala Nova in Mallorca, as well as near Ciutadella in Menorca, after sharks were spotted close to swimmers. When this happens, lifeguards and local authorities act swiftly, clearing the water, putting up warning signs, and stepping up patrols.
Valencia’s history of rare incidents
Along the Mediterranean coast of the Comunidad Valenciana, occasional encounters have made headlines. In three separate cases — Malvarrosa beach in Valencia (1993), Elche (2016) and Oliva (2023) — swimmers were lightly bitten by blue sharks. Marine biologists explain that such incidents are extremely rare and usually linked to poor visibility or wetsuits being mistaken for prey.
Northern Spain: gentle giants
Further north, Galicia and the Cantabrian coast are home to a very different visitor: the basking shark. These giants, which can grow up to ten metres long, are entirely harmless to people as they feed only on plankton. Other species, including dogfish and rays, also inhabit deeper waters along the Atlantic coast, rarely coming into contact with swimmers.
When are shark sightings most common?
The warmer months, from May to September, are peak time. Rising sea temperatures draw some shark species closer to shore as they search for food or breeding grounds. By autumn and winter, most retreat to deeper, cooler waters, making encounters far less likely.
What to do if you spot a shark
Should you come across a shark in Spanish waters, the advice is simple: stay calm and exit the sea slowly. Lifeguards are trained to follow strict safety protocols, from raising flags to deploying patrol boats where needed.
More valuable than feared
Marine experts stress that sharks are vital for ocean health, keeping ecosystems balanced by controlling fish populations. Overfishing and pollution now threaten them far more than they threaten us. For scientists, their presence is a sign of a living, healthy sea.
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