29 May, 2014

By VIVA Team

Great climate, clientele and cleanliness – Spain’s beaches are among the best in the world

The prestigious Blue Flag accolade – which denotes that a beach has been recognised for its cleanliness and safety – has been awarded to a record 681 Spanish beaches, which is far more than any other country – not just in Europe, but the entire world…

So far in 2014, Spain has added 34 blue flags to its haul, putting the country way out in the lead when measured on the quality of its beaches and marinas. The figures were recently revealed by Spain’s Association of Environmental Education and Consumer Affairs, which is part of the European Foundation for Environmental Education.

Its president, José Ramón Sánchez Moro, remarked that Spain now boasts 573 beaches proudly able to display the Blue Flag, and a further 108 marinas. Combined, Spain’s haul of 681 Blue Flags is way ahead of Greece, which can only muster 407; Turkey, which has 397; France, with 379, and Portugal, which has just 298 Blue Flags.

In Andalucia alone there are 81 beaches that hold the Blue Flag, including a number along the Costa del Sol. By region, however, it is the sparsely populated northwestern area of Galicia that leads the way, with 123 Blue Flags. Valencia can boast an impressive 120, while the Balearics have 61 combined.

Spain’s Secretary of State for Tourism, Isabel Borrego, has jumped on these heartwarming figures, announcing that Spain’s exceptional climate, 8,000 km of coastline, incredibly diverse and international resorts, and its top quality beaches make it a leading tourism destination.

Of course, anybody who regularly reads VIVA will know that Spain – especially the Costa del Sol – is blessed with some incredible beaches.

So whatever you are looking for from your beach holiday or beachside property – be it seclusion, surfing, partying, people-watching, family fun, isolation, or incredible views – the Costa del Sol can offer it to you, quite literally, in spades.