Blue Flag beaches in Spain set a new global record in 2025, with a total of 642 awarded beaches recognized for their excellence in water quality, environmental education, accessibility, and safety. This historic figure is part of a broader national tally of 749 Blue Flags across Spain, which also includes 101 marinas and 6 sustainable tourist boats. Spain maintains its status as the global leader in Blue Flag certifications—a title it has held since 1994.
Valencian Community Leads the Nation Again
At the regional level, the Valencian Community once again tops the national chart, earning 164 Blue Flags—up from 159 in 2024. This includes 143 beaches, 19 marinas, and two tourist boats. Representing 22.3% of all awarded beaches in Spain, the region continues to lead in coastal sustainability and beach management. See the complete list of Valencia Blue Flag beaches.
By province, Alicante ranks first with 89 awarded beaches, followed by Valencia with 40, and Castellón with 35. Five beaches in the region received Blue Flag status for the first time in 2025:
- El Bol (Altea, Alicante)
- Punta Negra (Dénia, Alicante)
- Ortigues-Campo (Guardamar del Segura, Alicante)
- Fuente de los Baños (Montanejos, Castellón)
- Guardamar de la Safor (Valencia)
The Valencian Community’s consistent leadership highlights its investment in clean, safe, and accessible coastal areas, reinforcing its reputation as a premier beach destination for both locals and international visitors.
Spain’s Global Dominance in the Blue Flag Program
The Blue Flag program, run in Spain by the Association for Environmental and Consumer Education (ADEAC), is part of a global initiative present in 52 countries. With more than 5,000 certified locations worldwide, Spain alone accounts for 15% of all Blue Flag beaches on the planet.
Alongside Portugal’s 444 Blue Flags, the Iberian Peninsula will raise a total of 1,193 Blue Flags this year—roughly 23% of the global total. Spain’s 642 Blue Flag beaches span across 247 municipalities, with 16 new awardees and 23 beaches reclaiming their Blue Flag status in 2025. The most recognized municipalities this year include:
- Sanxenxo (Pontevedra): 17 beaches, 2 marinas
- Vigo (Pontevedra): 12 beaches, 1 marina
- Orihuela (Alicante): 10 beaches, 1 marina
- Cartagena (Murcia): 8 beaches, 2 marinas
- Marbella (Málaga): 8 beaches, 2 marinas
- Sitges (Barcelona): 9 beaches, 1 marina
This continued recognition supports Spain’s position as a global leader in sustainable tourism and coastal management.
What Makes a Beach “Blue Flag” Certified?
To receive a Blue Flag, beaches must meet strict criteria across four key areas: water quality, environmental education, environmental management, and safety and accessibility. The program monitors bathing water through seasonal testing, and only those beaches with “excellent” ratings are eligible for certification.
In 2025, of the 697 beaches submitted for consideration in Spain, 642 met the high standards required. The most common reasons for non-qualification were subpar water quality, excessive development, or unauthorized infrastructure.
Here are a few highlights from the 2025 evaluation:
- 93% of beaches sampled in Spain received “excellent” water quality ratings
- 64% of awarded beaches are located in urban areas
- 82% of Blue Flag beaches are adapted for people with disabilities
- 70% offer amphibious chairs for assisted bathing
- 41% of these have trained staff for disabled guest assistance
In addition to beaches, the Blue Flag program honors marinas and tourist boats that show environmental excellence. This year, 101 marinas were certified, and 6 tourist boats received the award for their sustainable operations and educational efforts regarding marine biodiversity.
Environmental Education and Rescue Efforts
The Blue Flag initiative also places a strong emphasis on environmental education. Municipalities receiving special recognition for their efforts include:
- Badalona (Barcelona) – Environmental education
- Gavà (Barcelona) – Environmental education
- Torreblanca (Castellón) – Environmental education
- Fuengirola (Málaga) – Lifeguard services
- Palma (Balearic Islands) – Lifeguard services
- Sant Llorenç des Cardassar (Balearic Islands) – Lifeguard services
- Arnuero (Cantabria) – Accessibility
- Chipiona (Cádiz) – Accessibility
- Málaga (Málaga) – Accessibility
In 2024, over 178,000 rescue interventions were performed at Blue Flag candidate beaches. These included 12,282 minor rescues, 1,259 major rescues, and over 164,000 first aid responses, underscoring the high safety standards required to earn and maintain the Blue Flag distinction.
With the 2025 Blue Flag season underway, Spain’s continued dominance not only boosts its global image as a beach destination but also promotes environmental responsibility and community engagement. Whether you’re planning a beach vacation or looking for sustainable coastal travel options, Spain’s Blue Flag beaches offer a safe, clean, and eco-conscious experience.
