Would you like to visit a country with some of the best beaches in the world? Then grab your swimsuit and come to Spain! You can choose from 586 beaches and 100 marina resorts distinguished with the prestigious Blue Flag award, thanks to their quality and safety. Crystal-clear waters, coves, cliffs, broad stretches of sand, and all bathed in radiant sunshine… Spain has exactly what you want. Spain has what you need.
Spain has come top of the list of nations eligible for recognition as part of the Blue Flag system. In other words, this summer you’ll find the Blue Flag flying on one out of every five Spanish beaches, and one of every six Blue Flag beaches throughout the world will be in Spain. This award is bestowed by the European Environmental Foundation (EEF). What does this distinction guarantee? Beaches where you can find information on all the nature spaces throughout the area, specialised life-saving services, first-rate water quality, signposted areas for surfing, kite surfing, water craft, pedalos, etc., easy access… You’re sure to feel like taking a dip.
All along the coast of Spain… and inland too
You’ll find a Blue Flag in most of the coastal areas in Spain. If you opt for the north, get ready to see spectacular landscapes and dramatic cliffs. Galicia, in north-west Spain, offers picturesque towns like Sanxenxo, and settings like the Islas Atlánticas National Park with its Rodas beach, chosen by the UK newspaper The Guardian as the best beach in the world. Can you picture yourself lazing there now? We also recommend Asturias with villages like Llanes, and the Basque Country with unforgettable destinations like Getxo.
Do you prefer the Mediterranean? Mild temperatures, warm waters, magnificent palm groves… Try Catalonia, with the beaches in the city of Barcelona itself, or the beaches of L’Ametlla de Mar (Tarragona). You could also opt for the Region of Valencia, with several Blue Flag beaches to be found in areas such as Cullera (Valencia) and Orihuela (Alicante). And what about Murcia? There’s nothing like a refreshing dip at the award-winning beaches of Cartagena.
Now let’s go to Andalusia, in the south of Spain. Imagine vast stretches of sand where spectacular sunsets are practically guaranteed. It is also home to several outstanding beaches distinguished with the Blue Flag including Roquetas (Almería), Marbella (Malaga) and Rota (Cadiz).
If what you want is to explore any of Spain’s islands, there are beaches of guaranteed quality, both in the Balearic Islands (you’ll love their coves and their turquoise water) and in the Canaries, with towns like San Bartolomé de Tirajana and its beaches, or Maspalomas and its amazing dunes. And the autonomous cities of Ceuta and Melilla? They’ve got Blue Flags too!
Fans of inland tourism won’t miss out either. Spain is home to the Costa Dulce de Orellana beach (in Orellana la Vieja, Extremadura), the first freshwater beach to be awarded a Blue Flag. Also, this year A Calzada, in Ponte Caldelas (Pontevedra), reappears on the list, the first river beach to earn the award, and there are three beaches in three municipalities around the same reservoir, Ullíbarri-Gamboa (Álava).
A sea of activities
In addition to relaxing and sunbathing, you can rest assured that you need never be bored on Spain’s beaches. Many of them are favourites with surfing enthusiasts. But there’s a whole lot more! Sailing on board your own boat, water-ski, parasailing, kitesurfing, scuba diving… This year, for the first time, 5 Blue Flags were awarded to sustainable tourist boats offering activities like whale-watching, scuba diving, recreational fishing, and bird-watching.
Nearly 8,000 kilometres of coastline are waiting for you to lie in the sun, dip your feet in crystal-clear water, watch the intense red of dawn… for you to enjoy the sensations offered by the best beaches in Spain.
