Blue Flag Beaches Costa Del Sol 2026

Blue Flag Beaches Costa Del Sol 2026. Which beaches on the Costa Del Sol are flying the coveted Blue Flag for 2026?

Blue Flag Beaches Costa Del Sol 2026

Once again the blue flags are flying on many of our local beaches this summer. In total there are 48 beaches on the Costa Del Sol with a blue flag award.

Blue Flag Beaches In Marbella:

Cabopino (Artola): Known for its protected sand dunes and shallow waters.
El Cable: A popular spot near the city center.
El Faro: A small, centrally located beach near the lighthouse.
La Fontanilla: One of Marbella’s most frequented urban beaches.
Los Monteros (Adelfas): A more secluded spot, recently added to the list in 2025.
Nagüeles – Casablanca: For the 2026 season, these have been recognized as a single “grouped” beach.
San Pedro Alcántara (Guadalmina): Offers a wide promenade and excellent family facilities.
Venus-Bajadilla: Located near the Old Town and fishing port.

Additionally, Blue Flags were awarded to the Virgen del Carmen marina and Puerto Banús.

Other Costa Del Sol Blue Flag Beaches:

Mijas: Calahonda (Royal Beach-La Luna), El Bombo, La Cala, El Chaparral, and Riviera Del Sol.
Fuengirola: Boliches-Gaviotas, Carvajal, Castillo, and Fuengirola.
Benalmádena: Fuente de la Salud.
Torremolinos: Los Álamos, El Bajondillo, and Playamar; La Carihuela-Montemar also returned to the list recently.
Estepona: El Cristo and La Rada.
Nerja: Burriana, Maro, Torrecilla, and Playazo-Chucho.
Málaga City: Caleta, El Palo, Malagueta, Misericordia, Pedregalejo, San Andrés, and El Dedo.
Vélez-Málaga: Benajarafe, Torre del Mar, and La Caleta.
Torrox: El Morche, Ferrara, and Cenicero-Las Dunas.
Casares: Ancha.
Manilva: Sabinillas.

Why Are Blue Flags Awarded?

Blue Flags are awarded in Spain by the Asociación de Educación Ambiental y del Consumidor (ADEAC). The main considerations for a blue flag award are:

1. Water Quality: The bathing water must be officially classified as “excellent” based on samples taken during the previous bathing season. Compliance: The beach must comply with the Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive.

2. Environmental Management & Cleanliness: The beach and surrounding area must be kept clean, with regular waste collection. Waste Disposal: Selective collection bins for containers, paper, glass, and general litter must be readily available. Public restrooms must be provided. The beach must adhere to all environmental legislation, particularly the Spanish Coastal Law.

3. Safety and Services, Lifeguards and First Aid: Qualified lifeguards must be on duty, and a first aid post with adequate materials must be present. Beaches must have safe and easy access. Urban beaches specifically require access ramps and toilets adapted for people with disabilities. An effective communication system, such as a public address system or radio transmitter, should be in place to share safety messages. Specific zones for activities like surfing or using pedalos must be clearly signposted.

4. Environmental Information and Education Informational Panels: Permanent displays must provide information about the beach’s ecosystem, biodiversity, water quality, and a required code of conduct. The local municipality is required to organize at least five environmental education activities for the public each year.

Published: 06.05.2026

Written by Dave James