There are many reasons why Spain is a top tourist destination year after year. From sunshine to wine, to good food, music and friendly people, and of course, the country’s excellent beaches. Spain comes top in the rankings with the most blue flag beaches in the world, one in every six Blue Flag beaches in the world are located there.
What is a blue flag beach?
The European Environmental Foundation (EEF) assesses beaches and awards them with blue flag status if they meet specific requirements, including information available about the beach, public toilets, litter bins, excellent water quality, signposted areas for more specialist activities such as surfing or using a pedalo, and lifeguard services. Spain has plenty of beaches to choose from, whether you are on the Costa del Sol, in Majorca or in The Canary Islands.
The Balearic Islands
The Balearics are home to stunning white sandy beaches such as Cala Agulla on the sunny island of Mallorca. This white sandy beach with clear blue waters is located on the eastern side of the island, away from the hustle and bustle of tourist resorts such as Magaluf. A holiday here offers rest, relaxation, good restaurants and family-friendly evenings.
Playa de Muro Beach. On the same side of Mallorca and located near the popular resort of Alcudia. Lined with dunes, wildflowers and boasting crystal clear waters, the beach is family friendly, and has plenty of choice of cafés and restaurants for when you want a bite to eat or a chilled drink.
Cala Llenya on Ibiza. Known as the White Isle thanks to its white sandy beaches, is fragranced with the perfume of the pine trees in the nearby forest, which you can see from the beach itself. The sparkling turquoise water is shallow and excellent for swimming, especially for those holidaying with younger children. An idyllic and picturesque beach, you can enjoy lunch at the restaurants which line the beach or take a picnic and enjoy it in the picnic areas in the shade of the pine trees.
Beaches in Barcelona
Platja de Ribes Roges. Just 50 kilometres south of Barcelona in the charming seaside town of Vilanova i la Geltru is a fantastic choice for a beach holiday with white sand, plenty of space for you and other sun fans to choose your sunny spot for the day, a select number of beach bars and a pretty boulevard to walk along to get there.
Valencian sands and sunshine
Las Arenas beach is one of the most famous and popular beaches in the beautiful city of Valencia, famous for its paella and luscious oranges. Take a walk along the beach’s boulevard and make sure you tuck into freshly prepared paella at one of the popular beach-side restaurants as you admire the view and wash your lunch or dinner down with a glass of local wine. For the more energetic, why not join the locals with an early morning run on the beach?
Tenerife: Sun all year round
Well, almost! Tenerife is famous for being a year-round destination, and beaches such as Playa de Las Vistas near Los Cristianos and the black sandy beach at Playa De La Arena near Los Gigantes and Puerto Santiago do not disappoint.
Dolphin and whale watching trips operate from Las Vistas and the beach at La Arena is the place to go for a chilled-out day with waves lapping the shore. Both beaches are popular spots for sun worshippers, with excellent facilities such as shops and restaurants nearby.
