Spain 2018, more Blue Flag beaches than any other country on Earth
Spain dominates Blue Flag table for quality beaches for 31 years in a row
AFTER A CONSISTENT RUN of more than 30 years, it´s almost not news at this point. But Spain has been officially declared the country with the most Blue Flag beaches in the world for the 31st year in a row.
The coveted titles are awarded to beaches throughout the world provided that they meet or exceed the very highest standards of water quality, health and safety, lifeguard provision, appropriate signage, facilities, and equal access for all.
Regional organisations are appointed by the Danish Foundation for Environmental Education to implement and enforce the criteria necessary, and to ensure consistency of the standards that make the Blue Flag awards so trustworthy and valuable.
This years 2018 results saw Greece coming in second place again with 476 Blue Flag beaches, Turkey up one place to third with 459 beaches, France down one place to fourth boasting 399 beaches, and Italy again holding strong in fifth position with 368 beautiful beaches.
But neither the French nor Italian Riviera´s can hold a candle to the impressive 590 accredited beaches throughout Spain, in addition to 101 marinas certified as worthy of inclusion on the world´s most prestigious list of certified quality destinations.
Blue Flag beaches for 2018, Spain has more beautiful beach front locations
In Spain, the Blue Flag awards are granted by the Environmental Education and Consumers Association (ADEAC), and two years ago) the ports of Marina Cabo Roig and Club Naútico, Dehesa de Campoamor were commended for meeting the criteria necessary to achieve the Blue Flag awards
This year, the Valencian Community received 132 Blue Flags, marking our home region as the locality with the highest number of recognised quality beaches. Galicia follows with 109, Catalonia has 101, and Andalusia received a total of 97 accolades.
The FEE adjucated decisions on 4,554 beachfront destinations throughout 45 countries in 2018, with Spain´s eastern and southern Mediterranean coastlines a seemingly unbroken ribbon of Blue Flags.
The country has dominated the rankings since the inception of the Blue Flag concept in 1987, not once failing to secure a healthy gold podium position despite having a total coastal length somewhat shorter than many of it´s European rivals.
Locally, all Orihuela Costa beaches retained their Blue Flag status, including beaches in Cabo Roig, Playa Flamenca, Mil Palmeras, Campoamor, and La Zenia.
Torrevieja scored 8 Blue Flags, including two coveted awards for the Puerto Deportivo Marina Internacional and Real Club Náutico de Torrevieja ports.
FURTHER READING ...
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