Blue Flag is only awarded to beaches that meet strict standards, and, on the Costa Blanca, we are so lucky to have many of these, ensuring that when you buy a villa in the Costa Blanca, you can be certain that your family can enter the sea safely. Beaches must pass four categories to receive this eco-label. Here is what is necessary as a minimum requirement for beaches to be given the Blue Flag:
A top necessity is the quality of the water, and regular tests are taken to ensure that levels are very safe. Each beach must comply with international standards to pass the test.
Beaches receiving Blue Flags will have a proven record of cleanliness and waste management; there will be plenty of rubbish bins, including those for recycling, and well-maintained toilet facilities. Local authorities and beach managers will have a plan in place to ensure that the beach and its surroundings are well maintained and managed.
The Blue Flag programme also educates beach users about the environment and will display information at each beach about the local ecosystem and any environmental issues.
The provision of lifesaving equipment and a suitable number of lifeguards are essential for a Blue Flag Beach. In each area, at least one Blue Flag beach must be accessible to those with reduced mobility and have suitable changing facilities.
We have previously spoken about the clean beaches and clear sea water we can offer to those hoping to buy a property in the Costa Blanca and we don't make the claim lightly. Spain continues to be the country with the highest number of Blue Flag beaches in the world.
In the Comunitat Valenciana, we can boast that we have more Blue Flag beaches than any other region in Spain. The community as a whole has been awarded 174 Blue Flags in 2026, including 152 beaches, 20 marinas, and two tourist boats. Twenty beaches have been awarded to the northern Costa Blanca area known as the Marina Alta.
This year in the Teulada Moraira, Benissa, and Benitachell areas, we are extremely proud to have had five of our local beaches awarded with this prestigious international award. That is five out of a total of twenty awarded in the Marina Alta.
Playa del Portet: This popular and beautiful beach is sheltered by the headland, creating a naturally protected area for swimming and relaxing. It's the perfect spot for families with younger children because the water here is shallow and calm.
Playa de les Platgetes: This beach is formed by two small coves with pebbles, coarse sand, and rocks where you can relax, swim in the crystal clear water, search the rock pools with nets to show children some of the sea creatures that they can find there (but please do return them to their home immediately!) or enjoy a drink, meal, or ice cream at the local restaurant, El Chamizo.
Cala Baladrar: This lovely, tranquil cove located on the Benissa Costa continues to enjoy Blue Flag status and really is a beautiful spot to relax and enjoy the Mediterranean Sea air.
Cala L'Advocat: Also located on the Benissa Costa, this attractive cove has been awarded a Blue Flag in 2026 and is a lovely place to enjoy the clear Mediterranean waters.
Cala del Moraig: In the Benitachell area, overlooked by Cumbre del Sol, this stunning cliff-lined beach is a natural paradise for those who enjoy swimming in deeper water and water sports including sailing, snorkelling, and scuba diving. The little beach bar offers you the possibility to cool off with a refreshing cocktail served with some flavourful tapas.
The sandy beaches of La Fossa (also known as Playa de Levante) and Arenal-Bol are overlooked by the magnificent Calpe Rock. The beaches have lovely promenades, a variety of shops, cafes, restaurants, bars, and ice-cream parlours, as well as shallow waters with golden sand that softly dips into the water, making them ideal for youngsters. There is plenty of parking nearby, and local buses also provide easy transport to the beaches.
La Fossa provides access for those with mobility problems and, during the summer months, offers banana boat rides and other water activities. Arenal-Bol provides sun lounger and parasol rental at a fee, as well as public showers and restrooms. During the summer months, there are plenty of water sports available, as well as pedalos and there is a playground located close to the beach that is available for children throughout the year.
In addition to these two beaches, Cantal Roig, Puerto Blanco, and El Racó have also been awarded Blue Flag status in 2026, giving Calpe a total of five Blue Flag beaches.
Javea has three Blue Flag beaches this year:
Playa la Grava: This little pebbly beach is located by Javea Port and is known locally as Aduanas del Mar. One of the nicest things you will find about this beach is that it is not usually very busy.
Playa del Arenal: Javea's main sandy beach has regained Blue Flag status this year, adding to the town's already impressive coastline.
Playa la Granadella: This is often considered to be one of the best beaches in Spain. It is situated between Javea and Moraira and is a truly beautiful cove sheltered by cliffs and turquoise water.
Denia has managed to attain seven Blue Flags for its beaches this year, an achievement the town can be very proud of. The beaches are Les Bovetes with fine sand and calm water, Les Deveses which is a long beach perfect for sunbathing and swimming, Les Marines, Marineta Cassiana with more soft sand, Els Molins, which is popular for wind and kite surfing, Punta del Raset, a larger beach lined with a promenade, restaurants, and shops, and Punta Negra, which has joined the list of Blue Flag beaches this year.
In addition to all the above, Altea can boast several Blue Flag beaches, Albir has two beaches, both of which have attained the award and in Villajoyosa, several local beaches have received Blue Flags. There are also several local marinas and nautical clubs on the Costa Blanca with Blue Flag status. If you buy a house in Spain, your family will be able to safely enjoy the benefits of its beautiful coastline.
A Blue Flag beach has met strict international standards for water quality, environmental management, safety, and visitor facilities. The award is reviewed every year to ensure these high standards continue to be met.
Spain continues to have more Blue Flag beaches than any other country in the world, making it one of Europe's leading destinations for safe, clean, and environmentally managed beaches.
In 2026, the Marina Alta has been awarded 20 Blue Flag beaches, highlighting the outstanding quality of its coastline.
Moraira, Benissa, Benitachell, Calpe, Javea, Denia, Altea, Albir, and Villajoyosa all have beaches that have achieved Blue Flag status.
Blue Flag beaches provide reassurance that the coastline has excellent water quality, high safety standards, and well-maintained facilities, making them an important consideration if you are hoping to buy a villa in the Costa Blanca.
Yes. Blue Flag beaches are ideal for families thanks to their clean water, lifeguard services during the bathing season, accessible facilities, and excellent environmental management.
Updated in July 2026 by the Hamiltons Real Estate team.
