Summary
- Orihuela loses the Blue Flag for Cala Mosca while regaining it for Cala Estaca.
- Torrevieja maintains its six Blue Flags for local beaches.
- Guardamar del Segura receives its first Blue Flag for its beaches, including Ortigues and Camp.
- Pilar de la Horadada earns six Blue Flags but misses out on three beaches.
- Alicante Province tops Spain in the number of Blue Flag beaches and recreational ports.
Orihuela Beach Award Changes: A Mixed Bag for Blue Flags
As the sun rises over the picturesque beaches of Orihuela, a wave of changes has been rolled out in the quality recognitions for the coastal region. The Asociación de Educación Ambiental y del Consumidor (Adeac) has announced its annual list of Blue Flag awards, which symbolize the excellence of bathing areas. This year, Orihuela sees a loss and a gain in its Blue Flag status, reflecting both the challenges and triumphs of maintaining beach quality.
Details of the Awards
- Cala Mosca: Notably,Cala Mosca has lost its Blue Flag this year. While the specific reasons for this loss remain unclear, the local authorities, led by councilor Manuel Mestre from Vox, are seeking a detailed report from Adeac to understand the criteria that led to this decision.
- Cala Estaca: In a positive turn of events, Cala Estaca has regained its Blue Flag, having lost it last year due to concerns over environmental pollution.This success means that out of eleven beaches in Orihuela,ten now proudly fly the Blue Flag.
Torrevieja’s Consistent Quality
Moving down the coast, Torrevieja continues to shine with six Blue Flags awarded this year, maintaining the same number as the previous year. The sandy stretches of Cala de las Piteras, El Cura, La Mata (south), Los Locos, and Los Náufragos have all been recognized for adhering to strict quality standards, even though the north side of La Mata, unfortunately, did not meet the necessary criteria.
Guardamar del Segura: A First for Blue Flags
Guardamar del segura has achieved a meaningful milestone by receiving its first Blue Flag for the combined beaches of Ortigues and Camp. This marks a notable first for these locations, which stretch almost 3 kilometers. Their natural setting, complete with a protective pine forest, has contributed to this recognition, reinforcing the region’s commitment to maintaining pristine coastal environments.
Pilar de la Horadada’s Mixed Results
In Pilar de la Horadada, six beaches have earned the coveted Blue Flag, including popular spots like Playa Del Conde and Mil Palmeras. However, the area has faced setbacks as three beaches—Vistamar, Playa del Río, and Playa Las Villas—were not recognized this year. Furthermore, El Mojón is noted for sharing space in the Murcia region but is still included in recognition contexts.
Understanding the Blue Flag criteria
The Blue Flag awards are based on various criteria,emphasizing:
- Excellent water quality
- Compliance with cleanliness and waste management regulations
- Availability of public restrooms
- Safe and accessible beach entrances
- First aid availability
the Vera Baja region now boasts an extraordinary total of 27 Blue Flag beaches and four marinas,making it the leading region in Alicante province for these prestigious awards.
Conclusion
The Blue Flag award system continues to play a crucial role in enhancing the quality of Spain’s beaches and marinas. While Orihuela faces challenges, its resilience and commitment to advancement are evident. With Alicante leading the way nationally, beachgoers can continue to enjoy world-class coastal experiences across the region.
For Further Details
To learn more about the Blue Flag criteria and to see the full list of awarded beaches for 2025, visit the original article.
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