Spain has, once again, been recognised as the destination with the most Blue Flag accredited beaches internationally.  

Blue Flag, an international certification awarded by the Foundation for Environmental Education, recognises beaches, marinas and boats that are following the FEE’s sustainability guidelines. Meeting and upholding a set of rigorous standards pertaining to the environment, education, safety, and inclusivity are prerequisites to attaining the Blue Flag status. For over 35 years, Blue Flag has been the benchmark for sustainable beach and marine tourism, and the organisation is a key contributor towards the UN’S 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Being certified as a Blue Flag beach highlights an area or team’s commitment to meeting sustainability credentials and showcases their dedication to working towards sustainable environment management.

Today, many beachgoers are more aware than ever of the environmental impact that human action is having on coastal and marine environments. Beaches with a Blue Flag accreditation are a clear indicator to visitors and locals that measures are being taken to limit the environmental impact of tourism in that area. As a result, the Blue Flag label is trusted by millions of travellers across the globe. 

Since the accreditation began in 1987, Spain has received recognition for 729 of its beaches, with 10 beaches having acquired their Blue Flag for the first time and 22 beaches having regained their title in 2023.  

Five of the top Spanish Blue Flag accredited beaches are: 

1. Playa El Far de Sant Cristófol, near Barcelona  
2. La Breña, Córdoba 
3. Torre Derribada, Murcia 
4. Jover, Tenerife  
5. Cancho del Fresno, Cáceres, Extremadura 

1. Galicia’s Atlantic Forest

The Fragas do Eume Natural Park is among the best-preserved ancient Atlantic forests in Europe. Fewer than 500 people live within its 9,000 hectares of untouched forest, making Galicia’s shaded greenery the perfect escape for those looking to experience nature without the crowds.

The lush park is home to 200 species of fern, 20 species of lichens, and 103 bird species, all of which are best viewed from any of the eight signposted hiking trails winding across the landscape. Alternative experiences can also be enjoyed by kayaking along the River Frei Bermuz to its confluence with the Eume, or from visiting the monastery of Caaveiro, the ancient place of worship hiding over 1000 years of history within the dense shrubbery.

2. La Rioja's Dinosaur Trail

La Rioja is famous for excellent wine, with over 500 wineries offering internationally renowned wine tasting. Lesser known is the 1,400 dinosaur ichnites (fossil footprints) spread across the region. In the south of La Rioja lie some of the best-preserved ichnite sites in Europe, dating back millions of years to the Cretaceous period.

The “Dinosaur Route”, a clearly signposted trailing following the upper Cidacos Valley from the village of Enciso, takes hikers to three of the most important paleontological sites in Western Europe. The short trail is just 7km yet covers hundreds of fantastically preserved footprints and passes several visitor centres with information and life-size reproductions of the extinct raptors, making the Cidacos Valley perfect for adults and children alike.

3. Aragon’s Nature Monastery 

A true hidden gem, the Monastery of Piedra lies within the unassuming province of Nuévalos, Aragon, and is a beautiful 12th century monastery founded by Cistercian monks. Unlike most religious cultural heritage sites in Europe, its unique allure is not man-made. Instead, it’s charm comes from the waterfalls, caves, and plunge pools which surround it, creating an almost mystical space where art and nature co-exist.

The Piedra River circles the monastery within the natural park, with the sound of water springs heard echoing across the grounds. The most famous waterfall is known as the Horse Tail, which hides a large natural cave with stalactites formations behind its cascading water.

4. Navarra’s Adventure Gorge

Lumbier Gorge, declared part of a Natural Reserve in 1987, is in the foothills of eastern Navarre’s Pyrenees. The stunning, ragged landscape, carved out by the Irati and Salazar rivers over millennia, is just 40km form Pamplona. Despite appearances, the gorge is easily accessible by foot or bike and various activities are possible below and above the 150-metre canyon.

Several hiking routes are possible across the gorge, including the short Irati Rail Trail which ends with Puente del Diablo (Devil’s Bridge), a ruined bridge destroyed in the Spanish War of Independence. Along the way, hikers will see a range of birds, including golden eagles, griffon vultures and alpine swifts. Visitors can also raft or swim in the clear Pyrenees waters of the gorge below to cool off after the trek!

5. Asturias' Silent Beach

Asturias is famous for beautiful rolling hills, the Picos de Europa mountain range, and of course world renowned cheese. Lesser known is the 145km of Atlantic coastline known as the Costa Verde (Green Coast) with hundreds of pristine golden beaches and hidden coves. One such beach, appropriately named Playa del Silencio (Silent Beach) is a 500 metre long stretch of beach without a building in sight.

The  clear waters are without a crowd in site, and form part of the Western Coastline Protected Landscape. The coast is perfect for snorkellers and scuba divers to marvel at unspoilt marine wildlife. Despite it's tranquillity, the beach is easily accessible at just a 15km drive from the popular Cudillero village. The coastal fishing village of Cudillero is consistently rated among the most beautiful villages in Spain,  making it the perfect accompaniment to an escape to the Playa del Silencio. 

The project aims to revitalise rural areas and amplify opportunities for sustainable development, as well as promote economic and social growth to surrounding areas, giving travellers the opportunity to discover the local traditions, culture and environmental diversity.

A number of experiences have been made available at both Paradors including a workshop on how to cultivate pistachios and olives and uncover their health benefits, a visit to an eco-friendly farm, home of the Castilian black hen which is currently in danger of extinction, and a wine tour that highlights the link between the product and nature and includes a tasting of artisan wines and regional tapas.

The nature-based project has already supported the introduction of activities at the Parador Cangas de Onís, Bielsa, Villafranca del Bierzo, Gredos and Mazagón, each offering a unique range of activities.

For more information visit Nature for the Senses | Paradores

Spain is proud to have 53 sites that are designated UNESCO Biosphere Reserves. These sitesare recognised as being important terrestrial, marine and coastal ecosystems.

The environmental standards of the reserves are continuously monitored in order to protectthese natural areas for future generations to enjoy. The sites are maintained to conserve the biodiversity and cultural diversity of the areas, encourage economic development that is socio-culturally and environmentally sustainable, and support development through research, monitoring, education, and training.

For 2023, various Biosphere Reserves across Spain are celebrating significant anniversaries. The Sierras de Cazorla in Jaen and Marismas del Odiel in Huelva are both celebrating 40 years of UNESCO Biosphere Reserve recognition. The islands of the islands of Lanzarote and Menorca celebrate their 30-years.

Home to nearly 220 species of birds and 1000 species of plants, 60 of which are endemic to this northernmost island of the Balearic archipelago, the UNESCO Natural Biosphere Reserve of Menorca has remarkable diversity of flora and fauna. Since October 1993, it has been recognised by UNESCO for the exceptional conservation of both its heritage and landscape. Visitors to Menorca can immerse themselves in its unspoiled rural countryside by exploring varied landscapes on foot, horseback or by bicycle. The Camí de Cavalls, a historic path navigating the entire coastline, has been improved in recent years with new footpaths and stone hedges to make Menorca’s impressive scenery more accessible to visitors.

Lanzarote’s UNESCO reserve, also declared in 1993, is equally beautiful. Due to a series of volcanic eruptions taking place throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, the volcanic soil on the island has birthed luxurious vegetation. The heritage site covers 127,000 hectares of sub-tropical land surrounding Timanfaya National Park and a marine ecosystem comprising of gorgeous isles and countless bird species, many of which are endemic. Networks of volcanic tunnels spread throughout the reserve which are carefully maintained to allow visitors to explore and experience without harming the surrounding rock.

The event will hold a number of sessions to discuss new innovative sustainability models, technological advancements, and the concept of Blue Economy, which encourages preservation and regeneration of the marine environment. Presentations will be led by representatives from local companies, NGOs, researchers, and industry experts from WWF, WTTC, Cornell University and Global Sustainable Tourism Council, among others.

As part of the event, participants will be invited to take part in additional activities, such as beach cleaning and exploring the meadows of Posidonia Oceania. On a guided boat excursion visitors will see the unique seagrass that is believed to be the reason behind the Mediterranean Sea’s turquoise colour! 

Formentera has been long committed to the conservation of the local sea floor which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999. In 2017, the local authorities launched the pioneering Save Posidonia Project, which allowed both companies and individuals to sponsor a small stretch of the seagrass from as little as one euro, ensuring that all funds go directly to the conservation programme.

Thanks to generous donations, over 250,000 square metres of the Posidonia Oceanica meadows have already been sponsored and preserved. The protection and restoration of this marine plant is crucial to the local ecosystem as it serves as one of the most important sources of oxygen which helps to filter the water’s sediments.

The local government will continue to work on a cartography project which aims to map the seagrass and help boats find appropriate places to moor that asure that chains and anchors stree clear of the Posidonia meadows