Spain Tops the World for Blue Flag Beaches in 2026 — and the Valencian Community Leads the Country

In 2026, Spain topped the global ranking for the number of beaches awarded the Blue Flag — 677 in total. That is 35 more than last year, and the country's best result since the programme was launched in 1987. The figures were released by the Association for Environmental Education and Consumer Protection (Adeac). Spain's overall Blue Flag tally now stands at 794.

The programme operates in 51 countries. 15% of all recognised beaches worldwide are located in Spain. The Valencian Community leads among the regions with 151 beaches. Andalusia comes second with 143 beaches, Galicia third with 118, and Catalonia fourth with 101. The Canary Islands received 52 flags, the Balearic Islands and Murcia 33 each, Asturias 16, Cantabria 11, and Extremadura 8. In the marina category, Catalonia leads with 24 awards, followed by Andalusia (22) and the Valencian Community (20).

Seven beaches and two marinas have held the Blue Flag continuously since 1987 — and all of them are in Spain. They are El Carregador beach in Alcalà de Xivert, Sant Joan in Alicante, La Fossa in Calpe, Sant Antoni in Cullera, Carrer la Mar in El Campello, Nord in Gandia, and Bastiagueiro in Oleiros, along with Club Náutico de Altea and the Real Club Náutico Calpe.

To earn a Blue Flag, a beach must meet criteria for cleanliness, water quality, safety, and accessibility for people with disabilities. There must also be lifeguards, medical equipment, sufficient bins, and a ban on dog walking during the bathing season. The presence of showers is not mandatory — in fact, Adeac recommends doing without them, on grounds of hygiene and water conservation. Drinking fountains, on the other hand, are required.

A map showing all Blue Flag beaches is available here.