729 Blue Flags will fly on Spain’s coasts this summer
25 May, 2022Spain’s coasts will boast a total of 729 Blue Flags this 2022 High Season, meaning the country stays in first place globally for number of Blue Flags flying, a place which it has held since 1994 and aims to retain for the foreseeable future. A total of 621 beaches, 103 ports and 5 tourist harbours have been granted the prestigious award.
The municipalities benefitted by this status awarded by the Asociación de Educación Ambiental del Consumidor (ADEAC) total 250, and the Blue Flag status provides an added incentive for Sun and Sand tourism in these destinations. A total of 89% of locations that have applied for the Blue Flag have been granted it, with 15 more locations granted the award than in the previous year.
It’s worth bearing in mind that Blue Flags are only given to beaches that comply with strict criteria in terms of excellence, safety, accessibility and environmental friendliness. This year, the Community of Valencia has been awarded the most flags, with a total of 139 (+2). However, Andalusia is the community that has shown the most growth in flags awarded, with 7 new locations.
The Spanish Tourism Secretary considers this large number of Blue Flags set to fly on Spain’s coasts in summer 2022 to symbolise excellent progress in the recovery of these tourism activities after two difficult years as a consequence of the pandemic, while the flags also offer great value when it comes to working on issues of sustainability.