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The Valencian Community renews its national leadership with 159 blue flags and gains six flags in 2024

The Minister of the Environment, Salomé Pradas, highlights that our waters and sands “have obtained two out of ten flags from all of Spain”

This year, the Valencian Community has revalidated its leadership in blue flags with 159 flags for beaches, ports and tourist boats awarded by the Environmental and Consumer Education Association to distinguish the excellence and quality of tourist resources, as well as their respect for the environment. atmosphere.

The Minister of Environment, Water, Infrastructure and Territory, Salomé Pradas, has highlighted that the Community “has obtained two out of ten blue flags in all of Spain”, which demonstrates “the extraordinary quality of our waters, our sandy beaches and our infrastructure. tourism characterized by its sustainability and environmental respect.”

According to the classification prepared by the Environmental and Consumer Education Association (Adeac), 159 blue flags have been achieved in the Valencian territory, with six new distinctions compared to last year. The three new beaches with the award are Pobla Marina (in Pobla de Farnals), Rabdells de Oliva and Torres de la Vila Joiosa beach. The Marina Salinas de Torrevieja and the beaches of Torrenostra (Torreblanca), L'Arbre del Gos (Valencia), Les Deveses (Dénia), Levante and Malpas (Benidorm) and La Ermita (Santa Pola) have also recovered the award.

Of the 159 blue flags, 138 correspond to beaches, 19 to ports and two to tourist boats. 87 correspond to the province of Alicante, 39 to Valencia and 33 to Castellón. Six municipalities and their corresponding beaches continue, without interruption, with a blue flag since the beginning of the program in 1987. Thus, for 38 consecutive years, Alcalá de Xivert (El Carregador beach), Alicante (Sant Joan beach), Calpe (La Fossa beach ), Campello (Carrer la Mar beach), Cullera (Sant Antoni beach) and Gandia (Nord beach) have not stopped having this distinction. Playa-Monte de Navarrés, the only one with continental bathing waters, has also revalidated the award for meeting the criteria of safety, services, accessibility and special attention to the preservation of the environment.

The Association has also recognized up to 25 municipal interpretation centers as blue centers that contribute to valuing local ecosystems, as well as raising awareness among the population about environmental problems. Of these centers, 15 belong to the province of Alicante, 2 to Castellón and 8 to Valencia.

Special mentions

In Spain, special mentions are awarded to the three blue flag municipalities that make the greatest efforts in relation to environmental education, lifeguard services and accessibility and care for people with disabilities.

In 2024, the juries made up of experts in each special mention have highlighted the high quality of the applications presented and have valued the extraordinary effort they make beyond their obligations. Thus, they have chosen Torrevieja and Xilxes in the field of environmental education and Teulada for its lifeguard services. As a novelty, there has also been a Jury Recognition of the special mention in 'Universal Accessibility' that has been awarded to the Pobla de Farnals.

The blue flag program promotes the rational use of resources in nautical facilities and activities and raises awareness among people who use these facilities about the need to protect the marine environment and sustainable navigation. In addition, awards are given to boat skippers who develop good environmental practices and to sustainable tourist boats that carry out excursions along the coast to raise awareness of marine biodiversity.

🌴 What's On Across the Costa Blanca

Benidorm & Surrounding Areas | 13–19 July 2026

The Costa Blanca enters another exciting week of the summer season, with beaches packed, festivals in full swing and a busy calendar of sporting, cultural and family events across Benidorm, Altea, Villajoyosa, Finestrat, La Nucía and L'Alfàs del Pi.

With schools now on holiday across much of Europe, visitor numbers continue to rise as the region enjoys one of its busiest periods of the year.

☀️ Benidorm

Beaches & Summer Activities

Benidorm's award-winning Levante, Poniente and Mal Pas beaches continue operating at full summer capacity with lifeguards, beach services and water sports available daily.

Popular activities include:

Parasailing and jet ski adventures
Boat trips to Benidorm Island
Paddleboarding and kayaking
Beach volleyball
Open-air fitness classes
Family beach games and activities

New Seafront Attraction

Visitors are flocking to Benidorm's giant new "BENIDORM" letters on the Tamarindos Promenade, created from 170kg of recycled fishing nets recovered from the Mediterranean, making them one of the city's newest photo hotspots.

International Mermaids & Mermen Convention

Aqua Natura Benidorm is hosting Europe's largest International Mermaids & Mermen Convention, attracting performers, instructors and enthusiasts from across Europe and beyond.

Visitors can enjoy:

Mermaid performances
Underwater demonstrations
Family activities
Marine conservation workshops
Interactive experiences
Benidorm Cable Ski Celebrates 60 Years

The famous Benidorm Cable Ski marks its 60th anniversary with commemorative events celebrating one of Europe's oldest cable ski facilities.

Celebrations include:

Historical displays
Community events
Tribute to the founders
Anniversary activities continuing throughout the summer
Entertainment & Nightlife
Benidorm's nightlife is in full swing every evening with:
Live tribute shows
Comedy, cabaret and karaoke
Beach clubs
Rooftop bars
Live DJs
Sunset boat parties
Summer club events

🌿 Albir & L'Alfàs del Pi

Nature & Coastal Walks

The award-winning Albir Lighthouse Trail, recognised as Spain's Best Blue Trail, continues attracting walkers with spectacular views over the Serra Gelada Natural Park.

Things To Do:

Guided nature walks
Cycling routes
Outdoor fitness
Beachfront dining
Evening live music
International community events

🍫 Villajoyosa

Colourful Coastal Heritage

La Vila Joiosa remains one of the Costa Blanca's most picturesque destinations.

Popular attractions include:

Chocolate museum visits
Chocolate factory tours
Historic Old Town
Artisan markets
Seafront restaurants
Beach walks
Summer live music

🏟️ La Nucía

Medieval Market Returns

One of the highlights of the week is the 20th Medieval Market, running from 10–12 July, filling La Nucía's Old Town with:

40 artisan craft stalls
Medieval encampments
Knights and street performers
Traditional music
Fire shows
Children's workshops
Medieval food and drink
Celebrating 321 Years

La Nucía is also marking its 321st anniversary with cultural exhibitions, historical archive displays and an innovative Artificial Intelligence project helping preserve the town's historic documents.

Sport & Family Activities

Camilo Cano Sports City continues hosting:

International training camps
Community fitness sessions
Youth sporting events
Family activities
Outdoor exercise classes

🌅 Finestrat

Outdoor Adventures

Summer conditions make Finestrat ideal for outdoor enthusiasts.

Popular activities:

Hiking Puig Campana
Mountain biking
Guided countryside walks
Scenic village visits
La Cala beach
Photography
Shopping & Dining
La Marina Shopping Centre
Beachfront restaurants
Outdoor terraces
Summer shopping offers

🎭 Altea

Arts & Culture

Altea continues its vibrant summer programme featuring:

Artisan markets
Art galleries
Live jazz
Acoustic concerts
Cultural events around Plaza de la Iglesia
Summer Safety

The town's enhanced summer policing operation continues, with extra patrols across beaches, the Old Town, promenade and shopping areas helping keep residents and visitors safe throughout the busy holiday season.

Coastal Experiences

Catamaran cruises
Sunset sailing
Waterfront dining
Photography workshops

📅 Coming Up

Summer fiestas continue across the Costa Blanca
Outdoor concerts throughout Marina Baixa
More family entertainment during the school holidays
Extended opening hours at attractions
Beach events and evening markets
Live music every night across the region

🌴 Quick Summary

🏖️ Beaches and water sports at full summer capacity
🧜 International Mermaids & Mermen Convention at Aqua Natura
🎿 Benidorm Cable Ski celebrates 60 years
📸 Giant recycled Benidorm letters proving hugely popular
🏰 La Nucía Medieval Market returns with three days of entertainment
🌿 Albir Lighthouse Trail continues attracting visitors
👮 Enhanced summer police patrols continue in Altea
🎶 Live music, nightlife and outdoor dining across the Costa Blanca
☀️ Peak summer holiday season continues

🌤️ Weather Outlook

Expect another week of hot, settled Mediterranean weather.

🌡️ Daytime: 31°C–35°C

🌙 Evenings: 24°C–27°C

Perfect conditions for beaches, sightseeing, outdoor dining and evening entertainment. Visitors are advised to stay hydrated, use high-factor sunscreen and avoid prolonged exposure during the hottest part of the afternoon.