Fuengirola and Marbella seas: Families choose the Mediterranean for a final, more personal, farewell

For some families on the Costa del Sol, saying goodbye to a loved one now means heading out to their dearly departed’s most sacred space, at sea, rather than gathering in a traditional cemetery.

Fuengirola and Marbella are two bases for Cenizas Mediterráneo, a company specialising in ceremonies where biodegradable funeral urns are placed in the Mediterranean. Families can also be collected from other nearby ports before travelling to the authorised location.

Demand is growing and is highest between May and September apparently, when good weather makes trips to sea easier to organise. During July and August, families can face waiting times of two or three weeks, while arrangements during the rest of the year can usually be made in about a week.

Cenizas Mediterráneo says it carried out 440 sea ceremonies in 2024, rising to 585 in 2025. Services are now available from several points along Spain’s Mediterranean coastline and Mallorca.

Music, memories and even dolphins

Modern funeral ceremonies are increasingly being personalised to reflect the life of the person being remembered. Families can choose music, photographs, videos, clothing, hobbies and even a favourite meal as part of the farewell. Research by Spanish funeral company Pazy found that 67.5 per cent of those surveyed believe future funerals will become more individual and personal.

“Death hurts just the same and a ceremony doesn’t change that,” said Pazy spokesperson Maria Hermida. “What it can do is make the farewell more meaningful for the family and better reflect the person.”

Small groups are typical, with some ceremonies involving just one relative and others bringing together close family members.

Cenizas Mediterráneo spokesperson Albert Vidal said the music chosen by the deceased is often one of the most emotional moments. On some occasions, dolphins have appeared during the journey, becoming an unexpected part of the family’s final memory.

Strict rules apply when scattering ashes

Sea ceremonies are not something families can simply arrange themselves. Necessary permissions, boat arrangements and other paperwork have to be dealt with, while weather conditions can also force a postponement.

Only biodegradable urns should be used, while natural flower petals may be placed in the water. Ramos, stems, wreaths and personal belongings are not permitted.

Andalucia has procedures governing activities affecting the maritime public domain, with environmental and coastal regulations applying to the use of the shoreline and sea.