The country with the most award-winning beaches in Europe is under two hours from the UK
THE EUROPEAN country with the highest number of Blue Flag beaches has been revealed.
It’s good news for Brits, as it’s one of the closest countries to the UK and one of our favourite holiday destinations.
Spain has kept its title as the world-leading beach hotspot – continuing its 30-year winning streak.
It has 627 Blue Flag beaches, which is more than any other country in the world.
Blue Flag beaches have been awarded based on factors like accessibility, biodiversity, safety, and water quality.
If a beach does have the coveted status, you’re likely to find pure water, a clean coastline, access for all, and top-class safety features.
The Valencian Community has 153 Blue Flag beaches – more than any other region in Spain.
In second place is Andalusia, with 148 Blue Flags, followed by Galicia with 125 and Catalonia with 120.
Examples of Blue Flag beaches include Playa de Muro in Majorca and Puerto Banus in Marbella.
As well as beaches, Spain also has 97 Blue Flag marinas and five Blue Flag tourist boats.
The shortest flight to Spain from the UK is London to Oviedo, coming in at 1 hour and 55 minutes in the air.
Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director from Taylor Wimpey España, said: “Spain’s reputation as a world leader in terms of the quality of its beaches is a major tourism draw.
“Spanish beaches attract holidaymakers from across the globe, as well as second homeowners seeking to live by the sea.”
Following on behind Spain, Greece has 581 Blue Flag beaches and Turkey has 397 beaches.
Meanwhile, recent research from AVIS, an international car rental provider, has identified the most secluded beaches across Spain.
One of the most stunning hidden beaches is Ezaro Beach, set on the west coast of Spain with crystal clear waters and stretches of sand.
It also remains largely unspoiled because it’s surrounded by cliffs and only accessible on foot.
Holidaymakers will be able to swim, sunbathe and surf on this quiet beach.
As well as Ezaro Beach there are several other secluded beaches on the list including Os Frades Beach on the northwest coast, Cala Forn Beach on the Costa Brava and Ladeira Beach on Spain’s west Coast.
There are several other lesser-known beaches dotted around the country too – including Cala Pedrosa which is an 800m walk from the main border.
Benidorm has been revealed as the most budget-friendly destination thanks to its £2 beers.