The Blue Flag is a badge awarded annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education at beaches and marinas that meet a range of environmental conditions and facilities. To date, there are 3012 beaches and 638 marinas awarded the Blue Flag worldwide.
This distinction is awarded to beaches in 41 countries in Europe, Canada, Morocco, Tunisia, the Caribbean, New Zealand, Brazil, South Africa… in compliance with the criteria for education and environmental information, water quality, environmental management and safety and general services. If these criteria are unfulfilled, the Blue Flag may be removed.
This year 2011, the country that has achieved more Blue Flag has been Spain, with 613 in total, of which 511 are for their beaches and 92 for its marinas. Internally, the region of Galicia is the leader with 130 and Valencia is the second with 116 flagged beaches, which confirms the quality of water services and environmental stewardship of the country.
Secondly, is Greece, as it has 387 beaches with the Blue Flag and 9 marinas, and the third place goes to France, since 337 beaches and 81 marinas bears the Blue Flag. For more information about the awarded places, visit the website of the Blue Flag program.
The summer holidays are here, so if you do not know where to go, but you are clear about your choice, remember the places whose beaches are synonymous of quality, safety and environmental care. If in addition to the beach and sun, you add nature, gastronomy, leisure and a great historical heritage, the result will be a truly unforgettable holiday.
Tags: beaches, blue flag, brazil, canada, caribbean, europe, france, galicia, greece, home, morocco, new zealand, south africa, spain, summer, tunisia, valencia
