Spain has once again confirmed its position as the world leader in the prestigious global Blue Flag beach awards, claiming the top spot for the thirtieth consecutive year receiving a total of 684 flags.
Costa del Sol beaches were awarded 24 blue flags in 2017
The sought after flags are awarded by the Association for Environmental Education and the Consumer (ADEAC) based on sustainability standards, water quality, safety, accessibility, cleanliness and provision of lifeguards. Spain finished ahead of competing global tourist destinations Greece, France, Turkey, Italy and Portugal receiving 579 awards for beaches, a further 100 for marinas and even five for tourist boats.
The Costa del Sol will be flying 24 blue flags on beaches this summer, two more than the previous year, plus a further seventeen for marinas along the Málaga coastline along with two awarded for sustainable boat tourism. Of those Marbella boasts the highest within the municipality with Artola, Guadalmina, El Cable, El Faro and Casablanca beaches plus the municipal marina all receiving awards.
Estepona Marina also received the coveted blue flag along with La Rada, El Cristo and El Patron beaches, other towns along the Costa del Sol to gain flags include Benalmádena, Fuengirola and Mijas.