Else Beekman
Spain has once again confirmed its global leadership in beach quality. At least that is according to the total of 642 beaches awarded the prestigious Blue Flag for summer 2025. This represents four more than in 2024, reinforcing the country’s nearly 40-year dominance in the international programme.
The Association for Environmental and Consumer Education (ADEAC) published its annual list on Wednesday. This revealed that Spain received a total of 749 Blue Flags this year. Of this total, 642 are for beaches, 101 for marinas (one more than last year), and six for tourist boats (one fewer than in 2024).
Spain tops world list with record-breaking Blue Flags for beaches, marinas, and boats
Among this year’s new recipients is the inland Fuente de los Baños in Montanejos (Castellón), while 23 beaches regained the award after losing it in previous years. Notable returns include La Carihuela-Montemar in Torremolinos (last awarded in 1998) and Cala del Barco in Cartagena (last awarded in 2012).
Regional breakdown
The Valencian Community tops the list once again with 143 Blue Flags, five more than last year and spread across 48 municipalities. It is followed by:
- Andalucia: 138 (+8, the largest gain)
- Galicia: 108 (-6)
- Catalonia: 101 (+6)
- Canary Islands: 47 (-9, the largest loss)
At municipal level, Sanxenxo leads with 19 Blue Flag beaches, followed by Vigo (13), Orihuela (11), and Cartagena, Marbella, and Sitges with 10 each. These six municipalities account for 10% of Spain’s total.
Spain with its long coast line, holds 15% of all Blue Flag beaches worldwide and ranks third globally in Blue Flag marinas. ADEAC president José Palacios highlighted the quality of Spanish entries, noting that 91% of applications are successful.
Focus on sustainability
During a press event held at Spain’s State Secretariat for Tourism, Minister Rosario Sánchez stressed ongoing investments aimed at improving water quality, infrastructure, and accessibility across Blue Flag beaches.
Palacios reinforced the connection between sustainability and education, stating that protecting natural environments is essential for public health and the future of tourism.
The 101 Blue Flag marinas include first-time winner Liceo Marítimo de Bouzas (Vigo) and returning Club Náutico Villa de San Pedro del Pinatar (Murcia). However, three ports dropped from the list: Roquetas de Mar, Caleta de Vélez, and Port de Sóller.
Special mentions and safety stats
ADEAC gave special recognition in environmental education to Badalona, Gavá (both in Barcelona), and Torreblanca (Castellón). For lifeguard services, Fuengirola (Málaga), Palma, and Sant Llorenç des Cardassar (both Balearic Islands) were honoured. In accessibility, Arnuero (Cantabria), Chipiona (Cádiz) and Málaga stood out.
Spain’s lifeguards on Blue Flag beaches have saved 1,259 lives, with 56 people resuscitated using mandatory defibrillators. Out of nearly 165,000 first aid cases, only 1.9% required hospital transfer.
Environmental guidance and pet restrictions
ADEAC continues to advise against beach showers, noting that each use consumes 30–35 litres of water, a scarce resource. Showers are also seen as potential infection points.
Regarding pets, Blue Flag criteria require municipalities to ban animals from awarded beach zones during bathing season, except guide dogs. Palacios cited health and environmental risks, stressing that pets disrupt local ecosystems and are better suited to mountain areas.
Consulted sources: Newtral, 20Minutos
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