The Blue Flag is awarded to the best beaches in Europe and other non-European countries and this year is has updated its list. The Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) has been the organisation behind the blue flag scheme since 1981, making sure that coastal sites meet the requirements to fly the prestigious Blue Flag.
The criteria for the granting of a Blue Flag include environmental education and training, water quality, environmental management, services and safety.
If you’re still wondering where to go for your next holiday, take a look at our selection of award-winning beach resorts in Spain, Portugal and Italy!
1. Calvià: a slice of paradise in Mallorca, Spain
Calvià is one of the most popular places in Mallorca. Calvià is in the Tramuntana mountain range, located in the southwest of the island, an area declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, a destination of great interest for hikers and lovers of unspoilt nature. This municipality has 34 beaches and coves, with 6 of them having Blue Flag quality:
Es Carregador: A fine, white sandy beach with easy access and all the services you need, ever-popular during the summer vacation season.
Palmanova: This beach is also very much appreciated by tourists for the wide choice of sports activities available, as well as the presence of restaurants, bars and baths.
Son Maties: An easily accessible urban beach by public transport. It has characteristic fine white sand and all the basic, useful facilities.
Illetes: Popular for its tranquillity and its modern and elegant establishments, the sand here alternates with rocks, the sea is clear blue, and the green vegetation reaches all the way down to the beachto create the perfect, typically Mediterranean landscape.
Cala Contesa: One of the most beautiful beaches in Palma de Mallorca, famous for its crystal-clear waters that leave visitors speechless as they enjoy the spectacular views on the way down to the beach.
Peguera Torà: A large and tidy beach with restaurants and bars right on the beach. You can do various water sports here, making it the perfect destination for a family vacation.
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2. Lloret de Mar: the jewel of the Costa Brava, Spain
Lloret de Mar, in the Spanish province of Girona in Catalonia, is one of the most famous holiday destinations on the Costa Brava thanks to its lively atmosphere and its gorgeous sandy beaches.
In 2018, 5 beaches in this municipality have been awarded the Blue Flag:
Cala Canyelles: A beach of golden sand surrounded by cliffs and greenery. It is the furthest beach from the city centre, on the way to Tossa de Mar, another beautiful village on the Costa Brava. The only sports club in Lloret de Mar is located here.
Cala Lloret: A large urban beach with modern services, restaurants and bars. It offers a number of different recreational and sporting activities and is probably the most popular beach in the region.
Cala Fenals: Located in a bay sheltered from the wind thanks to a promontory separating it from the city. Surrounded by crystal-clear waters, various sports activities are also available here, like water skiing and kayaking.
Cala Sa Boadella: Traditionally known as a nudist beach, it is ideal for anyone in search of a bit of peace and quiet. A walk of just 200 metres takes you to this natural paradise with its pristine landscape.
Cala Santa Cristina: Tucked between the cliffs of the Botanical Garden of La Pinya de Rosa and the forest that leads to the Hermitage of Santa Cristina is this fine, sandy beach. The sea shine in amazing colours and invites you to explore wonderful sea beds.
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3. Lagos: marvels of the Algarve, Portugal
In the southern Portuguese region of the Algarve, in the city of Lagos, are some of the most beautiful beaches in Portugal. This place combines past and present to offer tourists modern facilities while maintaining the charm of its historical town centre. The location makes it a great starting point for excursions and for exploring the western Algarve area.
The Blue Flag beaches here are:
Praia Batata: Just a few metres from the old town is this beach, popular with both people who want a bit of comfort, because of the services it provides, and by thrill seekers who want to do water sports: in the summer there are regattas, beach volleyball and handball championships. Amazing rock formations lead to little coves where you can enjoy the colours of the sea and some much-needed R&R.
Praia do Camilo: A small beach with a great visual impact. To get there you need to descend a long staircase of over 200 steps, enjoying an impressive view on the way down and taking the opportunity to take some photos.
Praia Dona Ana: Widely considered the most picturesque beach in the Algarve, Dona Ana is a small bay with golden sand, encased by steep cliffs and bathed by clear waters. Only a short distance from the centre of Lagos, it is great for a relaxing day out.
Praia Luz: A calm beach, perfect for people who just want to lie in the sun. Not far from the beach is the Luz complex, where there are bars and restaurants to enjoy the local specialities.
Meia Praia: One of the most famous beaches in the area, as well as the largest, best-equipped and the most easily accessible. There is water sports equipment for rent and also a windsurfing school.
Praia Porto de Mós: This is the second biggest beach in Lagos and it has a golden sandy shore enclosed between two tall cliffs. Go to the top and admire the entire beautiful coastline.
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4. Sorrento: sun and sand in Naples, Italy
In Italy, the big surprise on the Blue Flag list this year is the Campania region which, with up to 18 Blue Flag beaches, now takes third place in the ranking of the Italian regions with the highest number of these awards. Among the new entries is the beach of Sorrento, a charming little town in the province of Naples.
In addition to visiting this beautiful city in 2018, you can enjoy its beach, which has passed the test to become one of the best in Italy. Clean water, good services, infrastructure, bike lanes and pedestrian areas are just some of the criteria that went towards the awarding of this flag.
Discover the wonders of the Sorrento Peninsula in summer 2018, with sea, sun, delicious Italian food, lots of drinks and the great artistic and cultural treasures we’ve come to expect of all Italian regions.
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5. Finale Ligure: the best beaches on the Ligurian Sea, Italy
There are 27 Blue Flag beaches in Liguria, which means it is the region of Italy awarded the most Blue Flags this year.
In the northern Italian area of Savona, there are 13 places that have received this coveted award thanks to the quality of their beaches. The lovely city of Finale Ligure stands out among them, with 6 award-winning beaches:
Spiaggia de Malpasso-Baia dei Saraceni: In the village of Varigotti is this beach which stretches for a few hundred metres from the Bay of the Saracens. Hidden behind the mountains, it is bathed by the sea that captivates visitors with its endless shades of blue.
Finalmarina: A smooth pebble beach, like most in the area, Finalmarina is popular in the summer season for the range of services it offers to meet the needs of all tourists.
Finalpia: At the foot of the Castelletto di Finale is this beach which takes its name from the spa there. The sea is normally calm and changes colour with the light frequently, from turquoise to cobalt blue, making this the perfect family beach.
Spiaggia del Porto: Near the tourist port of Finale Ligure, the sea is shallow on this free beach, so it is recommendable for families with children. At the right time of year, the place also fills up with surfers looking to catch a wave.
Varigotti: A sandy, gravelly beach where there are free areas and good facilities. While it has a clear and clean sea, of course, you can also enjoy the very typically Italian scenery behind it, with the coloured houses of Ligure and the mountains carpeted with olive trees.
Spiaggia del Castelletto di San Donato: This modest-sized beach with sand and pebbles stretches along the coast between the Torre Mausoleo del Generale Enrico Caviglia and the Castelletto di Finalpia. There is the possibility to rent sun loungers and parasols or lie on the free and relaxing beach.
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