With summer vacations fast approaching, it’s easy to look forward to lounging on one of the best beaches in the world. Imagine it: the soothing sound of ocean waves lapping gently at the shore, the sunlight kissing your skin as you sink your toes in soft sand and sip on a refreshing cocktail. This summer, let your wanderlust lead you to some of the world’s most pristine beaches, recognized with a prestigious Blue Flag.
What is the Blue Flag?
The Blue Flag program, run by the Copenhagen-based Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), is one of the world’s most recognized voluntary awards for beaches, marinas, and tourism boats, awarded based on a series of stringent environmental, educational, water safety-related, safety-related, and access-related benchmarks that must be met and maintained by the operators. For travelers, seeing the accolade means going to a place where you can expect stunning beauty as well as a commitment to sustainability and top-notch amenities.
How is a Blue Flag awarded?
The municipality of the particular country usually applies for a Blue Flag and sends it to the National Operator. The National Jury evaluates applications for compliance and gives an approval or rejection on the national level. Approved applications and dispensation cases are forwarded from the National Jury to the International Jury. The International Jury carries out an evaluation and decides which beaches and marinas receive the Blue Flag for the season. The International Jury consists of eminent members from the FEE Board, UNESCO, the European Network for Accessible Tourism (ENAT), the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), the European Union for Coastal Conservation (EUCC), and the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP).
All Blue Flags are awarded for one sailing/swimming season (typically from June to mid-September) and are withdrawn at the end of it. By renewing awards each season, the program ensures that beaches are constantly living up to the criteria. To date, 5038 beaches, marinas, and boats across 51 countries have been certified. Here in descending order are the top 10 countries with the most Blue Flag beaches to help you plan your next trip.
1. Spain
Number of Blue Flag beaches: 628
With over 600 pristine shores, Spain won a Guinness World Record in 2022 for the most Blue Flag beaches and has held the record for two consecutive years. One of the cleanest and most beautiful beaches in Spain is Burriana Beach in the southern resort town of Nerja. This dark-golden sand beach has rental sun-loungers, well-maintained toilets, a scuba diving area, and even a library. It is surrounded by a promenade full of souvenir stands, shops, and a variety of restaurants.
