Alt Empordà and Baix Empordà are the Catalan comarques with the most Blue Flag ports in 2026, according to Ports de la Generalitat, the Catalan government body that manages regional ports. For local residents, boat owners and summer visitors, the award signals that these marinas have met environmental, safety and service standards assessed under the Blue Flag programme.

Across Catalonia, 24 marinas received the distinction this year, one more than last season. Girona province has the highest total with nine Blue Flag ports, including four in Alt Empordà, four in Baix Empordà and one in La Selva. Barcelona province has eight and Tarragona has seven.

Girona province has the highest total in Catalonia

The figures published by Ports de la Generalitat place the Empordà area at the top of the Catalan ranking for Blue Flag ports in 2026.

  • Alt Empordà: 4 Blue Flag ports
  • Baix Empordà: 4 Blue Flag ports
  • La Selva: 1 Blue Flag port
  • Girona province total: 9 Blue Flag ports
  • Barcelona province: 8 Blue Flag ports
  • Tarragona province: 7 Blue Flag ports
  • Catalonia total: 24 Blue Flag ports

That means Girona remains the province with the largest number of recognised marinas in Catalonia this year. The 2026 total for Catalonia is up by one port compared with the previous season.

"101 beaches and 24 ports have been awarded the Blue Flag in Catalonia in 2026," Ports de la Generalitat said in its official announcement.

What the Blue Flag award means for port users

Blue Flag is an international environmental quality label awarded to beaches and marinas that meet set standards. For port users in the Empordà, it is mainly relevant as a sign of monitored water quality, environmental management, safety measures and visitor services.

For residents comparing local facilities during the summer season, the award can affect where they berth, sail or book nautical services. For visitors, it is also a quick indicator when choosing a marina area for day trips or longer stays on the Costa Brava.

Why the result matters locally

The concentration of recognised ports in Alt Empordà and Baix Empordà strengthens the Empordà's position in Catalonia's coastal tourism and boating economy. It also gives local councils, marina operators and nearby businesses a public benchmark going into the peak summer period.

Readers who want to check how CATALAN handles official claims and verification can see our Source Transparency and Editorial Policy pages.

What residents and visitors can do next

Anyone planning to use a marina in the Empordà this summer can check the official 2026 Blue Flag list published by Ports de la Generalitat. Boat owners and visitors should also confirm directly with their chosen port for berth availability, access rules and local services before travelling.

The official channel for the annual award list is Ports de la Generalitat, which publishes the recognised beaches and ports for Catalonia each season.

Primary sources: Generalitat de Catalunya, Ports de la Generalitat, Ports de la Generalitat de Catalunya, Generalitat de Catalunya. Reported by L'Empordà.