Spain still top for clean beaches

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.”

Tenerife, Canaries and mainland Spain appealing to Russians

Spain, Tenerife and the Canary Isles, have  not lost their appeal with affluent Russian buyers, finds a new study. Along with Bulgaria, Turkey, The US and Israel, SpainRussian's finding property in Tenerife, the Canary Islands and Spain to their liking. is one of the most popular overseas destinations amongst affluent Russian house-hunters, according to a study by real estate agents  and mortgage brokers Lowel.

Russians buying in Spain spend between 50,000 and 150,000 Euros on flats, and 300,000 plus Euros on Villas. At the very top end, Russians in Spain have some of the biggest budgets of all, often in the multi-million Euro bracket.

Nevertheless, Russian demand is feeling the pinch of the economic crisis this year. Russians are expected to spend 9.3 billion Euros – 10% less than last year  on property abroad.