Over 100 Catalan beaches and ports awarded with prestigious environmental education distinction 

95 beaches and 23 ports have been given the Blue Flag distinction awarded by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE). 

The Blue Flag is one of the world's most recognized eco-labels for beaches, ports, and boating tourism operators.  

Beaches, ports, and boats in 47 different countries around the world received the Blue Flag.  

The Costa Brava in the northern Catalan region of Girona had the most beaches that won a Blue Flag, with 27 receiving the prestigious award. 

Elsewhere, 22 are in the Penedès area, 20 in Barcelona, 18 in Tarragona, while the southernmost Terres de l'Ebre area has eight. 

For the ports, there are nine in Girona, seven in Barcelona and another seven in Tarragona and Terres de l'Ebre. 

To obtain the award a series of environmental, educational, safety, and accessibility criteria must be met and maintained. 

The quality of the water must also obtain the 'Excellent' classification established in Directive 2006/7/EC by the European Parliament in 2006, that regulates the management of the quality of bathing water.