Spain is home to the world’s most Blue Flag status beaches, it has been announcing following the global coastline awards for 2026.
The Foundation for Environmental Education’s (FEE) international Blue Flag programme is a recognised symbol of a high-quality beach.
A Blue Flag recognises beaches, marinas and tourism boats that meet environmental and safety standards.
Coastal areas are assessed based on accessibility, education and information, environmental performance, responsible behaviour, safety, services and water quality before the status is awarded.
The initiative began in France in 1985, with international juries and controllers now auditing and awarding each flag.
For 2026, Spain remained in top spot with a record 794 beaches, marinas and tourist boats securing Blue Flags.
With 15 per cent of the world’s Blue Flag beaches, seven beaches, including Alicante’s Sant Joan beach and La Fossa in Calpe, have consistently maintained the award since it expanded internationally in 1987.
President of the FEE’s Spanish branch, Dr José Palacios Aguilar, said: “Spain has never before achieved such excellent results in the Blue Flag programme. And, once again, we emphasise that this success is the fruit of the collaboration of municipal, regional and national entities who demonstrate responsible work to meet the demanding criteria of this programme.”
Coming in second for Blue Flag status was Greece, with 624 awarded shorelines. Some 154 flags were awarded in Crete, as were 17 marinas and 17 tourist boats.
According to Italy’s Blue Flag programme, 525 beaches from Sardinia to Puglia also met the criteria in 2026.
In France, 485 sites were recognised this season, and Portugal saw 438 Blue Flags – of which 396 will go to beaches, 21 to marinas and 21 to ecotourism vessels.
In Ireland, 95 Blue Flags were awarded for the 2026 bathing season – which runs from 1 June to 15 September – to beaches, marinas and tourism boats.
Managed by Keep Britain Tidy across England, 63 sites across the country met the standards for a Blue Flag award.
The south west now has 24 Blue Flag beaches across the region, including Porthminster, Summerleaze and Widemouth Bay in Cornwall.
Recognised by the FEE in Wales were 20 shores, including Rest Bay, Trecco Bay and Porthcawl Marina.
Holiday hotspot Tenby’s North Beach lost its former Blue Flag status following a decline in water quality in 2026.
Owen Derbyshire, Keep Wales Tidy chief executive, said: “All of these places are beautiful, but seeing that flag flying means visitors can be assured that they are clean, safe and well-managed with excellent facilities too.”
Read more: The best beach in the world for 2026 has been named
