Alicante Blue Flag Beaches

Alicante Blue Flag Beaches

Alicante has the best of the Blue Flag beaches in Spain this year, with the Costa Blanca being awarded 44 of the prestigious awards which recognise the water quality and beach facilities on offer at each location.

Amongst those receiving and retaining the Blue Flag status in Elche are: La Marina, El Altet and El Rebollo; in Guardamar: Centre Playa, La Roqueta and El Moncaio; and in Pilar de la Horadada: Jesuitas, the Port, Las Villas-Higuericas and Playa Conde. The Orihuela Costa received 6 Blue Flags for the beaches and an additional one for Cabo Roig Marina, which was proudly announced by Mayor Monica Lorente on Friday.

Blue Flags For The Beaches Of Orihuela Costa

At a press conference at Playa Flamenca, she declared a flag had been awarded for Playa Flamenca; Cala Capitán; Barranco Rubio; Cabo Roig; Campoamor Beach and Mil Palmeras.

Punta Prima and La Zenia beaches did not receive the eco-award. Punta Prima was due to its poor accessibility and in response, as part of 327,000€ total investment to improve the facilities and infrastructure on the beaches of the Orihuela Costa, plans were unveiled for a new lift and ramps that will be installed at Punta Prima. The 115,000€ project is not only a practical necessity but it should also assist the Punta Prima beach in meeting the criteria for a Blue Flag for the next season.

Accompanied by the Councillor for Infrastructure, plans for 2008 also include the refurbishment and replacement, where necessary, of the steps and embankments on the beach at Punta Prima (48,000€); upgrading of the protective railings in Paseo Maritimo (54,000€); to improve the accessibility to all beaches (21,000€); increase the number of parking spaces for the handicapped on the beaches (10,000€); increase the daily attendance hours of the Red Cross and, place new signs and information panels on the beaches (60,000€) and resurface different pathways to the beaches in the area of Campoamor (19,000€).

21 of Murcia’s beaches also received the Blue Flag, part of 527 given throughout Spain. Despite this number being 49 less than last year, Spain continues to lead the list as the country with the most Blue Fag beaches in the world.

The Blue Flag status is awarded by an independent and non-profit making organisation known as the Foundation for Environmental Education which is responsible for a number of environmental programmes and initiatives worldwide.

The foundation has awarded flags to some 3,300 beaches and marinas, ranging from Canada to South Africa. The criteria for obtaining a Blue Flag requires compliance with strict standards in relation to 29 detailed criteria covering aspects of environmental education and information; water quality; environmental management and safety and services.

A much sought after accolade, the Blue Flag is a strong indication that high environmental standards are being maintained at any beach or marina which flies the flag.

(from the leader By Gemma Quinn (Published: 01/06/2008 Edition No.: 214)