Spain shuts tourist beaches as venomous "Blue Dragons" appear on shores

Spain's sun-kissed beaches are a haven for travellers worldwide. However, a recent invasion of venomous sea creatures has forced authorities to shut down some popular tourist spots in the country.

The beautiful beaches of Guardamar del Segura, located in the southeastern region of Alicante (Costa Blanca), have been closed due to the presence of "blue dragons," also known as Glaucus atlanticus.

These small, shimmering blue sea slugs may look harmless, but their sting can cause intense pain, nausea and allergic reactions.

The mayor of Guardamar del Segura, Jose Luis Saez, urged the public to report any sightings of the venomous blue dragon sea slugs and to avoid touching them, even with gloves. If stung, he advises rinsing the affected area with saltwater and seeking medical attention.

Named for its mythical resemblance, the blue dragon is a small creature, approximately 3 centimetres (1.2 inches) long. Despite its size, it can deliver a potent sting, having fed on venomous animals like the Portuguese man o' war and concentrated their venom. This allows it to paralyse prey much larger than itself.

Blue dragons are fairly uncommon in the Mediterranean. They are typically found in the temperate and tropical waters of the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans, where they are carried along by ocean currents and the