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Marina Baixa strengthens its coastal reputation with 17 Blue Flags for 2026

 

Marina Baxia / 6 April 2026

 

The Marina Baixa continues to cement its status as one of the Mediterranean’s leading sustainable tourism destinations after securing 13 Blue Flag beaches and 4 marinas for 2026.

 

The awards, granted by the Association for Environmental and Consumer Education, recognise excellence in water quality, safety, environmental management, and visitor services.

 

 

Where the Blue Flags are flying

Across four key municipalities, the region’s coastline has once again been widely recognised:

• Benidorm
• Levante and Poniente beaches
• Benidorm Yacht Club marina
• Altea
• Cap Blanch, El Bol, La Roda, and L’Espigó
• Altea Yacht Club and Marina Greenwich

 

Altea stands out this year by achieving four Blue Flag beaches for the first time, after L’Espigó regained its status.

 

Villajoyosa

• Bon Nou, Centro, Torres, La Caleta, Paradís, and Varadero
• Villajoyosa Nautical Club

 

 

L'Alfàs del Pi

• Racó de l’Albir beach (renewed again for 2026)
• Beyond beaches: environmental leadership

 

L’Alfàs del Pi also reinforces its environmental credentials with six recognised “Blue Centres”, including the Faro de l’Albir Interpretation Centre and the Villa Romana de l’Albir open-air museum, highlighting the area’s focus on education, sustainability, and heritage.

 

Alicante leads the region

At a wider level, the Alicante province continues to dominate Blue Flag rankings in the Valencian Community:

• 17 of the region’s 20 Blue Flag marinas are located in Alicante
• The Valencian Community reaches 152 Blue Flag beaches across 48 municipalities

 

This confirms the Costa Blanca’s position as a benchmark for clean, safe, and environmentally managed beaches in Spain.

 

What the Blue Flag means

The Blue Flag is one of the world’s most recognised eco-labels for coastal destinations, awarded based on strict criteria including:

• Water quality and cleanliness
• Lifeguard and safety services
• Accessibility and facilities
• Environmental education and sustainability practices
• A growing sustainable tourism model

 

With tourism demand continuing to grow, especially in high-profile destinations like Benidorm and Altea, maintaining these standards is increasingly important.

 

Local authorities say the continued recognition reflects long-term investment in coastal management, ensuring the region balances tourism growth with environmental protection.