Catalonia continues to have one of the highest numbers of blue flags among Europe's shores

Barcelona (ACN).- 89 beaches and 24 marinas in Catalonia are among those sharing the highest quality standards in Europe, since they have received a blue flag. This award is given for the quality of the water, the cleanness of the environment, easy access for people with mobility problems, the security services and up to 32 indicators. Last year, 90 beaches received a blue flag, which set an absolute record, increasing from 87 awards in 2012. Now, in 2014, Catalonia has received 89 blue flags for its beaches. Those on the Costa Brava kept their 28 blue flags, those on the Costa Daurada and the Ebro Delta also kept their 38 awards, but the coast of Barcelona went from 24 to 23 quality distinctions. Regarding marinas, Catalonia kept its 24 awards from the previous year. In total, 81.3 kilometres of the Catalan beaches have been awarded this distinction, issued by the Association of Environmental and Consumer Education (ADEAC) and the Foundation for Environmental Education. These awards analyse beaches and marinas in 48 different states and 51 territories. Spain has increased its number of awards and continues to lead the ranking.

Spain has received a total of 573 blue flags for its beaches and 108 for its marinas, its highest total, with 23 more beaches and 11 more marinas on the list. In this way, Spanish beaches continue to top the international ranking, ahead of Greece (407), Turkey (397), France (379) and Portugal (298).