For 30 years, the European Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) has recognised the best beach and port environments with the Blue Flag for their commitment to environmental sustainability. In this article, we list all the Blue Flag beaches along the Costa del Sol.

The Costa del Sol is a mecca for beach lovers! With more than 150km of coastline, it is no surprise that there are plenty of beaches to choose from. However, if you are looking for the cream of the crop, the beaches that have been awarded a Blue Flag are your best bet.

What is the criteria for a beach to be awarded the Blue Flag Certification?

The prestigious Blue Flag certification is given to beaches that meet lofty standards of...

• Provision of Environmental Education and Information - information about the Blue Flag award, water quality, signage, informative information about the local ecosystems, etc.
• Water Quality - The water must pass regular strict water quality inspections.
• Environmental Management - There must be several management in processes to properly manage the area and ensure the safety of visitors.
• Safety and Services - On the beach there must be toilet services, fresh water supply, lifeguards, first aid equipment, etc.

Whether you are looking for a quiet spot to sunbathe or a bustling beach with plenty of amenities, we have got you covered. So, pack your sunscreen and get ready to discover the best beaches on the Costa del Sol!

Explore the Best Blue Flag Beaches on the Costa del Sol

The Costa del Sol is a breathtaking region of Spain located in Andalucia, with Malaga being its largest city. This area is renowned for its stunning beaches, which attract millions of tourists each year. Among the most popular destinations is Marbella, which boasts an impressive 10 Blue Flag beaches. These beaches meet strict environmental, safety, and cleanliness standards, making them a top choice for visitors seeking a safe and enjoyable beach experience. The clear waters and soft, golden sands of these beaches offer the perfect setting for sunbathing and swimming. With such a large number of Blue Flag beaches in one location, the Costa del Sol is an ideal destination for beach lovers from around the world.

The Costa del Sol in Andalucia boasts a number of stunning Blue Flag beaches that are known for their clear waters and excellent safety standards. These beaches are the perfect spots for holidaymakers looking to explore the natural beauty of Spain's coastline. In addition to their pristine appearance, these Blue Flag beaches are also exceptionally clean, ensuring that visitors can enjoy a refreshing swim without worrying about pollution or environmental hazards. Whether you prefer relaxing on the sand or taking a dip in the ocean, these Blue Flag beaches are sure to impress with their natural beauty and top-notch safety measures.

Similarly, the Costa del Sol boasts a wide variety of Blue Flag beaches that cater to all types of beachgoers. From secluded coves to lively stretches of sand, the region has something for everyone. Each of the beaches mentioned, El Bajondillo, La Carihuela, Playa de las Salinas, and Playa de San Pedro de Alcantara, are remarkable in their own ways, offering visitors with unique experiences. These beaches are not just famous for their pristine waters and sandy shores; they also offer a range of facilities and amenities, including lifeguards, showers, and toilets. It is no wonder that these Blue Flag beaches along the Costa del Sol are so popular among locals and tourists alike, as they provide a safe and enjoyable environment for all ages to soak up the sun and enjoy the Mediterranean Sea.

The Benefits of Swimming on Andalucia's Blue Flag Beaches

Andalucia's Blue Flag Beaches along the Costa del Sol offer a perfect destination for families seeking a safe and enjoyable swimming experience. The beaches boast clean and safe waters for swimming due to rigorous water testing standards. The Blue Flag accreditation indicates that the beaches have met strict environmental, safety, and cleanliness criteria. This means that families can enjoy swimming in the soothing Mediterranean water with total peace of mind. With lifeguard services available, parents can relax knowing their children are protected while they enjoy the sunny weather and vibrant atmosphere of the beaches. The natural environment surrounding the Andalucian Blue Flag Beaches is also captivating with breathtaking views and lush vegetation. Families can enjoy several activities like beach volleyball, surfing, or simply basking on the white sand beaches. Thus, Andalucia's Blue Flag Beaches present an ideal opportunity for family vacations, offering a fun-filled experience where safety is a top priority.

The province of Malaga in Spain was awarded a total of 34 Blue Flags for its beaches in 2022, which is not one but 12 more awards than it received in the previous year's edition of the competition.

The beaches Burriana and Torrecilla in the municipality of Nerja, as well as Alfas-Alicate in the municipality of Marbella, are examples of those that were awarded the Blue Flag for the first time this year, making them among the inaugural recipients of the honour.

The city of Malaga, which serves as the provincial capital, is unquestionably the most important player on the list. The city has been awarded a total of seven Blue Flags.

In addition, municipalities such as those of Vélez-Málaga have demonstrated their dedication to the region's coastline by acquiring a considerable number of environmental, quality, and safety certifications.

The beaches with the highest number of awards are Estepona, Marbella, Mijas, and Fuengirola, with Estepona being the municipality with the highest consistency in the quality of its coast over the years. Fuengirola is the beach with the highest number of visitors.

The following is a list of the beaches in the province of Malaga that have been awarded the Blue Flag for 2022.

The Definitive List of Blue Flag Beaches along the Costa del Sol

Updated as of 2022 data.

Algarrobo
• Algarrobo Costa
Ardales
• Ardales
Benalmádena
• Fuente de la salud
• Torre Bermeja-Sta. Ana
Casares
• Ancha
Fuengirola
• Carvajal
• Boliches-Gaviotas
• Castillo
• Fuengirola
Marbella
• Casablanca
• Adelfas-Alicate
• El Cable
• Puerto Banús-Levante
• El Faro
• San Pedro de Alcántara (Guadalmina)
• Venus-Bajadilla
Mijas
• La Cala
• El Bombo
• Calahonda I (Royal Beach–La Luna)
Málaga
• Caleta
• El Dedo
• El Palo
• Malagueta
• Misericordia
• Pedregalejo
• San Andrés
Mijas
• Burriana
• Torrecilla
• Torremolinos
• Los Álamos
Torrox
• El Morche
• Ferrara
Vélez-Málaga
• Benajarafe
• La Caleta de Vélez
• Torre del Mar

About The Conde del Guadalhorce Reservoir

The Conde del Guadalhorce reservoir received the Blue Flag for the second year in a row. It is the only inland beach in Andalusia to receive the certificate.

It is situated in a natural environment where pine forests reach the water. In addition to its proximity to the well-known Caminito del Rey, this reservoir's turquoise waters stand out for their clear clarity.

In the summer, many visitors to the Caminito del Rey spend the remainder of the day in the reservoir's reviving environment. Either enjoying a meal at one of the picnic areas or, when the temperature reaches its peak, taking a refreshing dip in the azure waters.

Near the reservoir, there are numerous restaurants and lodging facilities. Where visitors can enjoy cooling off in the refreshing waters or renting a pedal boat, canoe, or board. This allows you to access areas of this location that are more difficult to reach on foot.

Also, it is worth mentioning that the Blue Flag Beaches along the Costa del Sol attract many tourists every year who want to experience the beauty of the Mediterranean coast. These beaches not only offer safe and clean waters but also a range of facilities like showers, changing rooms, and sun loungers. The beaches are also close to various cafes, restaurants, and bars, where visitors can enjoy delicious local cuisine while relaxing by the sea. In conclusion, the Blue Flag Beaches along the Costa del Sol, the coastline is a perfect destination for tourists seeking a combination of natural beauty and modern facilities, and nothing comes close to taking a dip in the warm Mediterranean waters during sizzling summer months.

To Conclude

In conclusion, the Costa del Sol is home to some of the most breathtaking beaches in Europe. These Blue Flag-certified beaches offer not only pristine waters but also well-managed facilities and a range of activities for visitors of all ages. Whether you are seeking a peaceful day on the sand or a lively beach with plenty of entertainment, the Costa del Sol's Blue Flag beaches have something for everyone. So, pack your bags and get ready to soak up the sun and enjoy the ultimate beach vacation at one of these top-rated destinations.