Spain home to more blue flag beaches than any other country

Spain remains home to more Blue Flag beaches than any other country in the world, as the country holds onto its top ranking.

The Blue Flag is an internationally recognised eco-label that identifies a beach as clean, safe and committed to sustainability, based on strict criteria addressing water quality, environmental education and information, environmental management, and safety and other services.

Spain has always been renowned for its beaches, particularly in the popular Costas. Indeed, Spain has well over a hundred more Blue Flags than its next nearest rival (Turkey, which has 436 Blue Flag beaches). This year, Spain has been awarded 577 Blue Flags in total, up from 573 in 2014  and has topped the league table from the Foundation for Environmental Education since it was first launched in 1987.

Galicia was the region with the highest number, earning an impressive 131 Blue Flags.

"Galicia is a popular area with tourists looking to see Spain at its best. The beaches there are simply stunning, with the meandering Atlantic coastline creating some wonderful settings," says Martin Dell, Director of property portal Kyero.com. "Many have an almost Caribbean air to them, with long stretches of white sand backed by thickly forested slopes. Others offer rocky outcroppings that look like they have stood there since the dawn of time. The variety is exquisite."

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of homebuilder Taylor Wimpey España, though, is keen to point out that it is not just mainland Spain which boasts wonderful beaches: "The Balearic Islands benefit from some beautiful beaches, particularly Mallorca, which is known the world over for its sheltered coves and gentle, aquamarine waters. Diving, snorkelling and all manner of water-based fun can be had around the island, thanks to tranquil tides and the Mediterranean climate."