No need to feel blue – Spain has world’s cleanest beaches

Every year countries across the world eagerly await the awarding of Blue Flags to their beaches. The Blue Flag is an internationally recognised eco-label that identifies a beach as clean, safe and committed to sustainability, based on strict criteria addressing water quality, environmental education and information, environmental management, and safety and other services.

This year, Spain has once more been awarded more Blue Flags than any other country in the world – 577 in total, up from 573 in 2014. Spain values its reputation as having the world’s best beaches and has topped the league table from the Foundation for Environmental Education (the body that awards the Blue Flags) since it was first launched in 1987.

Spain has well over a hundred more Blue Flags than its next nearest rival (Turkey, which has 436 Blue Flag beaches). Galicia was the region with the highest number, earning an impressive 131 Blue Flags.

Martin Dell, director of property portal Kyero.com, said, “Galicia is a popular area with tourists looking to see Spain at its best. The beaches there are simply stunning, with the meandering Atlantic coastline creating some wonderful settings. Many have an almost Caribbean air to them, with long stretches of white sand backed by thickly forested slopes. Others offer rocky outcroppings that look like they have stood there since the dawn of time. The variety is exquisite.”

Marc Pritchard, sales and marketing director of Spanish homebuilder Taylor Wimpey España, is keen to point out that it is not just mainland Spain which features wonderful beaches.

“The Balearic Islands benefit from some beautiful beaches, particularly Mallorca, which is known the world over for its sheltered coves and gentle, aquamarine waters. Diving, snorkelling and all manner of water-based fun can be had around the island, thanks to tranquil tides and the Mediterranean climate.”

Countries looking to challenge Spain’s top spot as home to the best beaches in the world clearly have a long way to go, but the Beach Clean-Up Manual recently released by Blue Flag International with the support of Corona International is a good starting point. For now though, Spain can relax and enjoy having retained its Blue Flag crown for another year.

AB Property Marketing / Expatica