As of 2023, 629 beaches in Spain have been awarded a Blue Flag. From snorkelling to water skiing, find out how to get maximum enjoyment from Spain’s beautiful beaches.
The biggest lures to Spain for British people and other nationalities are the sunshine and beaches. With 3,000 hours of sunshine a year (twice that of the UK), you can enjoy an outdoor lifestyle including golf and all types of water sport for the best part of a year.
The 2023 Blue Flag has recently been awarded to 629 Spanish beaches. Since 1987 when the flags were first introduced, Spain has consistently had more than any other country. Spain also has 97 marinas and 5 boats with Blue Flags – totalling 731 awarded sites. By some way, Greece falls into second place with 641 awarded sites.
A Blue Flag beach in Valencia.
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How does a beach gain a Blue Flag?
Blue Flags are awarded on a set of criteria that includes water quality, the accessibility of informational content for users, and cleanliness. Plus, there must be good facilities such as restrooms, transport, a drinking water supply and first aid. Furthermore, there must be one Blue Flag beach in every municipality that has access and facilities for disabled people.
It’s not easy to be awarded the famous Blue Flag as the requirements are extremely tough. Moreover, local authorities have to find the finance for their maintenance from one year to the next. There are also many other beaches that are excellent, clean, and inviting but don’t possess the Blue Flag. This may because the town hall has more pressing financial commitments and therefore has not applied for one.
Nevertheless, the Blue Flag is the crème de la crème, the pinnacle of excellence. Fortunately, you can enjoy these beaches throughout the country. The type of beach and its location varies widely from small, intimate coves nestling between steep rocks to wide expanses of golden sand.
Water sports
If you are into water sports, Spain is the place for you! For those whose passion is surfing, here are some of the best possibilities. Mundaka in the Basque Country is the best-known surfing location. It waves reach 12ft!
In Cantabria, Playa de Somo is a good choice for all levels while Asturia, Rodiles offers not only surfing for the advanced surfer but also wonderful views. There are other great beaches near San Sebastian and in the Basque Country so you have plenty of places to explore and enjoy.
Kayaking is very popular in Spain. Head to Asturias and the Rio de Sella which flows through the region and the Picos de Europa National Park. There are some delightful villages on the hillsides and some on the river and you can enjoy a little sightseeing while kayaking on this lovely river.
The Mont-Rebei Gorge is a wonderful kayaking spot.
Also brilliant for kayaking, in Catalonia there is the Mont-Rebei Gorge, famous for the landscape and 14 kilometres of turquoise waters. It is a unique experience with the water flowing below incredibly steep cliffs dotted here and there with waterfalls.
For something completely different, try the Guadalquivir River which flows through the beautiful Andalusian city of Seville. The whole family can enjoy kayaking here and you will pass several famous and historic bridges as you enjoy vistas of the city.
Snorkelling
The Costa Brava in Catalonia is the perfect place to enjoy snorkelling. In particular, around the Islas Medes, where the seven tiny islands have been part of a marine reserve for the past 40 years. You can see a wonderful array of plants and sea creatures.
Mallorca in the Balearics also offers some great locations for snorkelling. Best to go to the southeast of the island to the small bays. Mondrago Natural Park and the Cala Santanyi are the best places to see many kinds of fish and other sea animals.
The Cabo de Gata in Andalusia is another place to enjoy snorkelling. It lies within a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and thanks to the exceptional dry climatic conditions, you can snorkel and dive here throughout the year. There are several beaches to choose from and the underwater sea grass fields are home to much sea life.
Water skiing
Head out for a water ski too!
The Costa Blanca is a hotspot for water skiing. Torrevieja, Benidorm and Calpe all offer fantastic deals. The Costa Brava also offers water skiing, try Calella de Palafrugell or head to the Balearic Islands for top locations.
There are many more water sports on offer including jet and speed boating, scuba diving, windsurfing and the gentle pass time of fishing.
Just relax!
Beaches are also places of relaxation. Take along your umbrella and beach towels and enjoy time to read a book, doze, people watch and disconnect from daily life. The 629 Blue Flag Beaches are perfect for this and are safe for a swim or a paddle. They are clean, well maintained with good facilities.
These days, there are certain beaches designated for dogs as they are not allowed on most beaches. Also, you should be aware that smoking cigarettes on some beaches is prohibited. Since the beach is a public space for everyone to use, loud music and other noisy activities are not permitted. Respect for your neighbour’s space on the beach is expected. That way, we can all enjoy the natural wonder of Spain’s coastline and benefit from what the beaches offer.
