Valencia scoops leading Blue Flag status

The region tops country poll for quality beaches

THE Valencia region – including the Costa Blanca – again tops the Spanish charts for flying the most ‘Blue Flags’ awarded for its quality beaches and marinas.

The prized annual awards have been judged and the provinces of Valencia, Alicante and Castellón boast 153 of the 713 that can be hoisted from June across Spain.

The Blue Flag status is seen as a magnet for tourists and the iconic banner is awarded for water quality and facilities.

And 2021 sees Spain – with 25 more beaches and two additional marinas added to the list – maintains its international dominance ahead of France, Italy, Greece, Turkey and Portugal.

The country currently has 249 towns taking part in the scheme, 14 more than last year – 15 beaches won a Blue Flag for the first time.

Valencia has 137 Blue Flag beaches and 16 marinas granted the status. Andalusia has 137, including 115 for beaches and 20 for ports; Galicia has 122, 111 for beaches and 11 for marinas.