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Jellyfish are common on beaches along the Mediterranean coastline. While they are not deadly, they can still cause injuries and don’t retreat from human activity, unlike other animals. 

In some cases, authorities close beaches or issue warnings once the presence of jellyfish is detected. 

This interactive map shows where the animals have been sighted.

If stung, there are several steps you can take to alleviate the symptoms. 

Sea water and vinegar, not urine

The first thing to note is that the urban myth that urine helps with a jellyfish sting is exactly that – a myth. 

It does not stop the pain, and can heighten the stinging sensation.

When a person is stung, they should be immediately removed from the water. The pain of a sting may cause them to struggle to swim or start to panic, both of which can increase the risk of drowning. 

Once out of the water, assess the sting. 

Generally, seeing a doctor or medical professional is not required. However, in the case of a sting on the face, multiple attacks, or an allergic reaction (jellyfish stings can cause anaphylactic shock), seek immediate medical aid. 

If none of these are the case, begin attempting to minimise the pain: 

• Remove any remnants of jellyfish tentacles from the skin using a thin object such as a piece of cardboard or a knife. Do not touch it with your bare hands as it can still hurt you. Rubbing wet sand near the area can also help you remove tentacles without breaking them and causing further stings.

• Rinse the wound with seawater but not with fresh water.

• Applying a heat source to the stung area may help, as jellyfish venom is heat-sensitive and dissolves in heat.

• You can also use vinegar, both to clean the wound and to remove the tentacles. It is usually available at beach first-aid stations as it is a cheap and effective way to deal with stings.

Finally, inform the lifeguards that someone was stung so they can take the necessary safety precautions for other swimmers.

If needed, head to a pharmacy to pick up some pain relief medication, although stings from jellyfish in the Mediterranean are unlikely to cause pain for more than a couple of hours. 

To avoid being stung in the first place, check if the beach you are planning to visit is known to have jellyfish in the water, either in advance or by asking lifeguards when arriving. 

Remain in the ‘safe’ zones marked out by lifeguards and do not venture beyond these points. 

Use protective sprays before entering the water, which reduce the risk and pain of jellyfish stings (usually found online or in pharmacies).