Alicante has marked a major milestone after Playa de San Juan retained its Blue Flag award for the 40th consecutive year.
The achievement places the Costa Blanca beach among just seven beaches worldwide that have held the internationally recognised environmental award continuously since the programme began.
The city has also retained Blue Flag status for Playa del Postiguet, Urbanova and Tabarca in 2026.
Best beaches in the world
Mayor, Luis Barcala, described Alicante’s beaches as some of the best in the world and said protecting them must remain a priority.
He also highlighted the importance of maintaining high standards for both residents and visitors while encouraging respect for the natural environment and beach safety regulations.
Alicante keeps four Blue Flags
This year Alicante has once again secured Blue Flags for:
- Playa de San Juan
- Playa del Postiguet
- Urbanova
- Tabarca
However, Playa de la Albufereta did not take part in this year’s application process.
The decision followed the detection of abnormal water quality readings during one of the routine inspections carried out by the Conselleria de Medio Ambiente last summer.
Alicante leads the region
Alicante Province continues to dominate the Blue Flag rankings within the Valencian Community.
Of the 120 Blue Flags awarded across the region this year, 76 belong to beaches, marinas and facilities in Alicante Province.
The Valencian Community also remains the Spanish region with the highest number of Blue Flag awards overall.
Other Costa Blanca beaches share the milestone
Playa de San Juan is not the only Alicante beach to reach the 40-year landmark.
Two other beaches in the province also feature among the seven beaches worldwide that have maintained uninterrupted Blue Flag status since the programme began:
- Carrer la Mar in El Campello
- La Fossa in Calp
The province also boasts two marinas that have held the distinction for four decades: Club Náutico de Altea and Real Club Náutico Calpe.
Elsewhere in Spain, the beaches that share the same achievement are El Carregador in Alcalà de Xivert. Sant Antoni in Cullera, Playa Nord in Gandía and Bastiagueiro in Oleiros.
A key asset for Alicante
Barcala said the city’s beaches remain one of Alicante’s most valuable natural and tourism assets.
He linked their protection to the Ayuntamiento’s wider “blue and green” strategy. This focuses on sustainability, environmental conservation and improving public spaces.
With Playa de San Juan now celebrating 40 consecutive years of Blue Flag recognition, Alicante continues to strengthen its reputation as one of Spain’s leading beach destinations.
