Spain’s numerous shoreline of virtually 8,000 kilometres isn’t in need of lovely seashores, however this yr it is the excessive eco-standards and security that units them aside.
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This week, the Blue Flag Worldwide Jury has awarded Spain a document 677 flags for its seashores, alongside 111 for marinas and 6 for tourism boats.
At a staggering 794 in whole, 44 greater than in 2025, the Mediterranean nation edges above Greece which obtained a complete of 657 and Türkiye which obtained 625.
Spain’s 677 Blue Flag beaches account for 15% of all Blue Flag seashores worldwide.
As many as 713 seaside entries have been submitted by Spain, all hailing from the nation’s numerous municipalities, cities and autonomous areas. Spain’s newest document milestone follows a robust 2025, when it secured 750 Blue Flags.
The Valencian group led the Spanish seaside rankings with 151 Blue Flags awarded throughout 48 municipalities, adopted by Andalusia with 143, Galicia with 118, Catalonia with 101, and the Canary Islands with 52.
Catalonia, Andalusia and Valencia have been awarded essentially the most Blue Flags for the marinas. Whereas the six tourism boats have been awarded throughout Andalusia and Valencia.
“Spain has by no means achieved such excellent ends in the Blue Flag programme,” stated Rosario Sánchez, the Spanish Secretary of State for Tourism.
“As soon as once more, we emphasise that this success is the results of collaboration between municipal, regional and nationwide entities, marinas, companies, universities, foundations, associations and residents, all of whom exhibit accountable work in assembly the programme’s demanding standards in environmental training, administration and data, compliance with present laws, glorious water high quality, accessibility and security.”
In a put up by way of X, the Spanish State Secretariat for Tourism celebrated the nation remaining a pacesetter within the area and congratulated all recognised municipalities.
Seashores to go to
Seize your swimsuit, sun shades and sunscreen – Spain’s Blue Flag seashores are calling. Listed below are some seashores so as to add to your bucket record:
La Malvarrosa, Valencia: As soon as a swampy space within the mid-Nineteenth century, Playa de la Malvarrosa has remodeled into considered one of Valencia’s hottest city seashores. Right now, its golden sands appeal to surfers, divers, volleyball gamers and meals lovers, drawn to its many volleyball courts, a promenade and rows of beachfront eating places.
El Encinarejo, Andalusia: In southern Spain, El Encinarejo turned Jaén province’s first Blue Flag seaside with out a beach in 2024. This inland seaside is a quieter different to the nation’s coastal stretches set on the backdrop of the El Encinarejo reservoir. On provide are calm waters, excellent for swimming, and rugged rural surroundings.
Playa de la Virgen de la Nueva, Madrid: Assume beige sands, turquoise clear waters, mountainous landscapes and loads of pure shade. Positioned on the San Juan Reservoir, the seaside presents actions for each sea and land lovers, together with kayaking, wakeboarding, in addition to mountain biking and mountain climbing.
What are Blue Flags?
The Blue Flags programme is an internationally recognised eco-label awarded to seashores, marinas and tourism boats that meet excessive environmental and security requirements in water high quality and environmental administration to make sure good apply inside tourism.
Annually, a global jury of consultants, together with representatives from the United Nations Atmosphere Programme, UNESCO, Schooling for Sustainable Improvement, European Community for Accessible Tourism, and European Atmosphere Company, consider locations earlier than awarding the certification.
It was first created in 1985 by the French arm of the Basis for Environmental Schooling. The programme later expanded past France to Spain, Denmark and Portugal as an environmental instructional initiative. In Spain, the muse’s companion NGO is the Affiliation of Environmental and Shopper Schooling.
With 40 consecutive editions now accomplished (1987-2026), the programme is current in 51 international locations throughout 5 continents and in additional than 5,000 places.
