Three beaches and four ports in the Alt Empordà region of Girona have been awarded Blue Flags for 2026, an international certification for environmental quality and services. This announcement comes as the summer season approaches, highlighting top destinations for visitors.
The Blue Flag awards recognise good environmental management, safety, service provision, and water quality. These factors are critical for attracting tourism to the area, according to L'Empordà.
The awarded beaches in Alt Empordà include Platja Gran in Llançà, Platja del Port de la Selva, and Platja de Riells in l'Escala. The ports receiving the distinction are Port de Llançà, Port de la Selva, Port de l'Escala, and Port de Roses.
Understanding the Blue Flag Programme
The Blue Flag is an annual award and certification system managed by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE). It is granted based on maritime demarcations, considering criteria such as water quality, environmental management, safety, inclusivity, accessibility, and the range of services offered.
The 2026 Blue Flag campaign has recognised a total of 621 beaches, 100 ports, and 15 tourist boats across Spain. Catalonia leads all autonomous communities with 118 awards, followed by the Valencian Community with 144 and Andalusia with 131. The initiative aims to promote environmental awareness and sustainability in coastal municipalities, while also improving the quality of tourist services.
This continued recognition helps Alt Empordà maintain its reputation as a prime coastal destination. Local authorities will likely use these awards in their upcoming summer tourism campaigns, emphasising the high standards available to residents and visitors.
