Spain’s reputation as an international holiday destination has reached a new peak in 2026 with 794 Blue Flags in total. The Costa Blanca region stands at the center of this success. It officially tops Spain’s Blue Flag rankings with 95 distinctions across beaches and marinas. In other words, among Spain’s coastal destinations, Costa Blanca is the single most-awarded province-level area.
What is a Blue Flag & What are Blue Flag Beaches in Spain?
The Blue Flag program is one of the world’s most respected environmental certification systems. It is managed globally by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) and implemented in Spain through ADEAC. Beaches or marinas receive this recognition only if they meet strict standards in water quality, safety, accessibility, environmental management, and sustainability.
This is why many travelers look for these features in both beaches and Blue Flag marinas in Spain, even for short holidays. As eco-certified beaches in Spain reflect long-term environmental care, organized public infrastructure, and reliable municipal investment, they also contribute to a better lifestyle throughout the year for residents.
How Costa Blanca Leads the Blue Flag Rankings with 95 Awards
Spain breaks the Blue Flag record in 2026! The official 2026 Blue Flag results were published on 5 May 2026 by FEE and ADEAC. The country added 33 new beach awards compared to the previous year, further strengthening its position as the global leader in coastal environmental recognition. Today, the country has 794 awards nationwide, including 677 beaches, 111 marinas and 6 tourism boats.
Rosario Sánchez, the Spanish Secretary of State for Tourism, highlighted the scale of the achievement by stating that Spain has never achieved such outstanding results in the Blue Flag program.
Costa Blanca’s 95 distinctions place Alicante province ahead of every province in Andalucía individually. Although Andalucía collectively holds 143 awards across eight provinces, Alicante alone achieved one of the strongest concentrations of certified beaches in the country. This explains why many travellers now consider this area among the best Spanish beach destinations for both tourism and year-round living.
Another important detail is that Costa Blanca’s Blue Flag awards are spread across multiple municipalities including:
- Alicante (urban beaches and promenades)
- Benidorm (large tourist beaches and marinas)
- Calpe (scenic coastline and family beaches)
- Dénia (natural coves and long beaches)
- Jávea (protected coastal areas and clear waters)
- Torrevieja (spacious beaches and dunes)
- Santa Pola (family-friendly coastal layout)
This distribution strengthens regional tourism and supports Spain’s tourism growth in coastal areas.
The Best Blue Flag Beaches in Costa Blanca for Holidays
In Costa Blanca, some beaches attract active tourism and entertainment, while others appeal to families or residents looking for quieter surroundings. The following Blue Flag beaches in Spain's Costa Blanca region stand out in 2026 due to their environmental quality, services, accessibility, and visitor experience.
1. Playa de San Juan - Alicante
Playa de San Juan remains one of the most famous and clean beaches in Alicante, Spain. Its long sandy coastline, organized facilities, and wide promenade continue attracting both residents and tourists throughout the year. As it is placed among the best beaches in Costa Blanca, you can choose Playa de San Juan for your summer holiday. It offers both urban convenience and excellent beach conditions.
The surrounding area is also good for year-round living with cafés, restaurants, cycling routes, and residential developments remaining active outside the summer season. So, if you are planning to relocate to Spain and searching for an Alicante property near the beach, this area is a great choice. You get a long sandy beach, a wide promenade, and everything you need close by.
2. Levante Beach - Benidorm
Today, Levante Beach, also known as Playa de Levante, is regularly included among the most visited beaches in Spain due to its vibrant atmosphere, entertainment options, and central location. Despite high visitor numbers, it consistently maintains strong environmental standards and organized public services. It is also seen as one of the highest-quality beaches in Spain.
3. Playa de la Fossa - Calpe
Located near Peñón de Ifach, Playa de la Fossa is seen as one of the best family beaches in Alicante, Spain. It is especially appreciated for its calm, shallow waters, scenic mountain views, and wide sandy shoreline that comfortably accommodates families even during busy seasons. It is well-equipped with accessible promenades, well-maintained public facilities, and a variety of nearby restaurants and cafes, and it is easy to spend a full day by the sea here.
In addition, the surrounding residential areas offer a quieter and more relaxed coastal atmosphere for those seeking comfort. So if you are looking for blue flag properties in Alicante, you can consider areas near Playa de la Fossa for year-round living.
4. Playa de Arenal - Jávea
Arenal is one of Jávea’s most popular coastal areas thanks to its soft sand and relaxed atmosphere. It is one of the most popular Blue Flag awarded beaches in Spain and it offers both environmental quality and a comfortable residential setting at the same time.
5. Playa de la Mata - Torrevieja
Playa de la Mata mostly stands out for its wide coastline, natural dunes, and spacious atmosphere. Compared to busier beaches, it offers a calmer environment while still maintaining excellent infrastructure. It is one of the cleanest beaches in Spain, supported by regular maintenance and its ability to avoid excessive crowding even during peak seasons.
Why Blue Flag Recognition in Spain Matters Beyond Tourism
Blue Flag recognition influences much more than holiday tourism. Municipalities with certified beaches usually maintain stronger standards in cleaning services, public safety, water monitoring, accessibility, and environmental management. As a result, many eco-certified Mediterranean beaches in Spain are also affecting the property market and investment opportunities in these coastal towns.
Today, many buyers who are considering living near beaches in Spain are increasingly looking for areas where infrastructure and local services remain active throughout the year, rather than seasonal destinations. In Costa Blanca, this appeal is especially strong thanks to the region’s well-developed amenities and excellent connectivity. The area mostly stands out for its accessibility, with airports, highways, healthcare facilities, and shopping centers.
This supports steady, long-term residential demand and makes the region attractive for both holiday homes and year-round living. There are several well-known coastal areas worth exploring as well. For further information about where to buy beach houses in Spain, you can read our related blog article.
In conclusion, whether you want to spend your summers here or relocate permanently, the region’s environmental quality adds lasting value to your decision. Visit our real estate listing page in Costa Blanca now and contact us to benefit from personalized support backed by local market expertise!
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