At the end of May each year, the independent non-profit organisation Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) awards its prestigious Blue Flags to beaches and marinas in the northern hemisphere for their water quality, safety standards, environmental education and amenities.
The Blue Flag is a voluntary eco-label awarded to more than 3850 beaches and marinas in 48 countries around the world. With a total of 648 ensigns, Spain has maintained its position at the top of the list in the northern hemisphere.
Here is the list of current blue flag beaches on the eastern Costa del Sol: Algarrobo Costa in Algarrobo; Ferrara in the municipality of Torrox; Burriana and Torrecilla beaches in Nerja; Benajarafe and Torre del Mar in the municipality of Velez-Málaga and last, but not least, Cala del Moral in Rincón de la Victoria
The Blue Flag is awarded on an annual basis, and can only be only held for one season before it will be judged once again by FEE.
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I wonder if we have the Blue Flags in the USA? I’ve never heard of that designation before. Great job to Spain for keeping its spot at the top of the list! Can’t wait to experience those Costa de Sol beaches. Come to think of it, I hope I’ll have time for it! 🙂
LOL – you may not, though I may take you for a paella down on the beach….after we have seen the Balcon de Europa 🙂
Now all of that sounds wonderful, Marianne! Paella?? the Balcon de Europa?? What could be nicer? 🙂
That’s quite an accomplishment and point of pride for each of the beaches. Would that more beaches around the world qualified.
That would be wonderful, yes 🙂
I would like to see Australai take up the blue flag challenge… we still have storm water ocean outfall and other pollution issues 😦
There are some excellent beaches in Australia 🙂
Nice! And the last picture is picture perfect!
🙂
Great pictures and a wonderful list of beaches!
Thanks Meg, much appreciated.
Great idea, great post! Love the last photo!
I had fun with that one, Naomi 🙂
We have a blue flag beach here in (land-locked) Extremadura at Orellana la Vieja!
Really? Do tell more, Sue …..
It’s such a great idea. We had the same system here. I’m not sure if we have it at at the moment. We did used to have ten beaches with the Blue Flag status.
It IS a good idea – at least you know if it’s a good beach before you settle down 🙂