No need to feel blue – Spain flagged up as having world’s cleanest beaches
- Spain’s beaches awarded record-breaking 577 Blue Flags (FEE)
- Galicia leads the way, with 131 Blue Flags and holiday rentals from €730 per week (Kyero)
- Frontline Mallorca townhouses with infinity pool from €560k (Taylor Wimpey España)
Every year countries across the world eagerly await the awarding of Blue Flags to their beaches. 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.
This year, Spain has once more been awarded more Blue Flags than any other country in the world – 577 in total, up from 573 in 2014. Spain values its reputation as having the world’s best beaches and has topped the league table from the Foundation for Environmental Education (the body that awards the Blue Flags) since it was first launched in 1987.
Spain has well over a hundred more Blue Flags than its next nearest rival (Turkey, which has 436 Blue Flag beaches). Galicia was the region with the highest number, earning an impressive 131 Blue Flags.
Martin Dell, Director of leading property portal Kyero.com, which offers property sales, holiday rentals and long-term rentals across Spain, comments,
“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. 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.”
Those looking to explore the coastline of Galicia can do so from the comfort of a country retreat from just €730 per week. Just five minutes from the nearest beach, the three bedroom, two bathroom house in Bueu comes with pleasant terrace, barbecue area and charming enclosed porch and offers the ideal base for travellers keen to discover just how Galicia managed to earn so many Blue Flags in its own right.
Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of prestigious Spanish homebuilder Taylor Wimpey España, is keen to point out that it is not just mainland Spain which features 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.”
Those searching for a second home that is perfect for exploring Mallorca’s beaches to the full will love Taylor Wimpey España’s exclusive development of seven townhouses at Cala Magrana Mar. The three bedroom properties enjoy a frontline position, complete with carefully designed terraces and gardens that are perfect for making the most of the temperate climate. The site also benefits from lush communal grounds and a stunning infinity pool. Prices start at €560,000.
Countries looking to challenge Spain’s top spot as home to the best beaches in the world clearly have a long way to go, but the Beach Clean-Up Manual recently released by Blue Flag International with the support of Corona International is a good starting point. For now though, Spain can relax and enjoy having retained its Blue Flag crown for another year.
For more information please contact:
Kyero: www.kyero.com
Taylor Wimpey España: +44 08000 121 020 or www.taylorwimpeyspain.com. Those residing outside of the UK should call 0034 971 70 69 72.