Travel: Spain Dominates the Global 2026 Blue Flag Awards

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The Foundation for Environmental Education hosted its annual international Blue Flag awards ceremony in Rome, establishing the definitive safety and environmental benchmarks for global summer tourism. Spain comfortably retained its title as the world’s ultimate coastal destination.
The country reached a historic peak by securing 44 brand-new Blue Flags, bringing its grand total to 794 certified eco-friendly sites (including 677 beaches). The regions of Valencia, Andalusia, and Galicia performed exceptionally well. To qualify for a Blue Flag, beaches must meet rigorous global standards, which include exceptional water cleanliness, strict waste management, strong accessibility, green mobility options, and highly trained lifeguard safety services.