Spain and Tenerife's blue flag beaches entice tourists
Despite considerable commercial development along its coastline, it appears that Spain has managed to keep its waters amazingly pristine – 511 of its beaches have been awarded the prestigious Blue Flag eco label this year, proving the nation is still a prized tourist destination for natural attractions.
For the second year running, the country attained the largest number of the prestigious environmental certifications out of any country in Europe, with 104 of Valencia’s beaches, 66 in Andalucia and 63 of the Balearic Islands’ idyllic coves being awarded.
Local authorities can nominate their own beaches for the Blue Flag certification, but it must adhere to strict environmental standards, which have led to a number of previously awarded beaches being struck off the list in recent years, including some in Britain and Israel. Spain’s continuing vigilance when it comes to the environmental quality of its waterways will ensure it remains the ‘beach capital’ of the Continent this summer, a fact which is sure to please estate agents and property owners looking for a happy high season.
“It is hard to find a better beach haven than Spain and we are lucky that many of our residential developments reside where Blue Flags fly high”, said Ignacio Osle, sales director at locally-based housebuilder Taylor WImpey de Espana. “Beaches across Spain have been vastly improving year on year and along with the relatively short flight times from anywhere in Europe combined with declining holiday costs, visitors will no doubt continue to flock to Spain to sample its glorious beaches.”
