Andalucia has strengthened its position as one of Spain’s top coastal destinations after securing 143 Blue Flag awards for 2026, five more than last year.
The internationally recognised eco-label, which highlights high standards in water quality, safety and environmental management, has been awarded across 48 municipalities in the region.
Once again, the Costa del Sol dominates the rankings, as Malaga tops the list with 45 Blue Flags, followed closely by Almeria with 38.
Other provinces also performed strongly, with Cadiz counting 32, while Granada and Huelva counted 14 and 12 respectively.
Even inland provinces of Cordoba and Jaen received one blue flag each for stunning fresh water beaches (see the full list below).
What the Blue Flag actually means
For the Blue Flag to be awarded, beaches must meet strict criteria covering:
- Water quality and environmental standards
- Safety services and accessibility
- Facilities and cleanliness
- Environmental education and information
For tourists, it’s often seen as a reliable indicator of a well-managed, safe and high-quality beach.
Spain has once again retained its title as the world leader in Blue Flag beaches, with a total of 794 awards in 2026, up by 44 on last year.
The country now accounts for around 15% of all Blue Flags globally, across more than 5,000 certified sites worldwide.
The programme, now in its 40th year, has become a benchmark for coastal excellence.
Malaga (45 beaches)
- Algarrobo: Algarrobo Costa
- Benalmádena: Carvajal, Fuente de la Salud, Torrebermeja-Santa Ana
- Casares: Ancha
- Fuengirola: Boliches-Gaviotas, Carvajal, Castillo-Ejido
- Málaga city: Caleta, El Dedo, El Palo, La Malagueta, Misericordia, Pedregalejo, San Andrés
- Manilva: Las Gaviotas, Sabinillas
- Marbella: Cabopino, El Cable, El Faro, La Fontanilla, Nagüeles-Casablanca, Los Monteros, San Pedro de Alcántara, Venus-Bajadilla
- Mijas: Calahonda, Riviera, El Bombo, El Chaparral, La Cala
- Nerja: Burriana, Maro, Playazo-Chucho, Torrecilla
- Torremolinos: El Bajondillo, La Carihuela-Montemar, Los Álamos, Playamar
- Torrox: Cenicero-Las Dunas, El Morche, Ferrara
- Vélez-Málaga: Benajarafe, La Caleta, Torre del Mar
Almeria (38 beaches)
- Adra: Censo, El Carboncillo, San Nicolás, Sirena Loca
- Almería city: El Toyo, San Miguel
- Balanegra: Balanegra
- Carboneras: El Ancón, Las Marinicas, Los Barquicos-Cocones
- Cuevas del Almanzora: Playazo-Villaricos, Pozo del Esparto, Quitapellejos, Palomares
- El Ejido: Balerma, Levante, Almerimar
- Mojácar: El Cantal, El Descargador, Lance Nuevo, Marina de la Torre, Piedra Villazar
- Níjar: Agua Amarga, San José
- Pulpí: Calipso, Los Nardos, Mar Rabiosa, Mar Serena
- Roquetas de Mar: Aguadulce, La Bajadilla, Las Salinas, Romanillas, Playa Serena, Roquetas
- Vera: El Playazo, Las Marinas-Bolaga
Cadiz (32 beaches)
- Algeciras: Getares
- Barbate: Zahara de los Atunes
- Cádiz city: La Caleta, La Cortadura-Poniente, La Victoria, Santa María del Mar
- Chiclana: La Barrosa, Sancti Petri
- Chipiona: Camarón-La Laguna, Cruz del Mar-Canteras, La Ballena, Micaela, Regla
- Conil: El Roche, La Fontanilla, Los Bateles
- El Puerto de Santa María: Fuentebravía, La Puntilla, Santa Catalina, Valdelagrana
- Rota: Galeones, La Ballena, La Costilla, Punta Candor, Puntalillo, Rompidillo-Chorrillo
- San Fernando: Camposoto-El Castillo
- San Roque: Alcaidesa-El Faro, Cala Sardina, Puerto Sotogrande, Torreguadiaro
- Vejer: El Palmar
Granada (14 beaches)
- Almuñécar: La Herradura, Marina del Este-Los Berengueles, Puerta del Mar, San Cristóbal, Velilla
- Gualchos-Castell de Ferro: Sotillo-Castell, Cambriles
- Motril: Carchuna, Calahonda, Playa Granada, Playa de Poniente
- Salobreña: La Guardia
- Torrenueva Costa: Del Cañón-La Pelá, Torrenueva
Huelva (12 beaches)
- Ayamonte: Isla Canela, Los Haraganes, Punta del Moral
- Cartaya: Caño de la Culata, San Miguel
- Huelva city: Paraje Natural Marismas del Odiel
- Isla Cristina: La Casita Azul, Playa Central, Islantilla
- Lepe: Islantilla, Santa Pura
- Moguer: Del Parador-Castilla
- Punta Umbría: Punta Umbría, El Albergue
Cordoba
- Almodóvar del Río: La Breña
Jaen
Andújar: El Encinarejo
