With the results of this year's Blue Flag awards hot off the press, Spain and Portugal's coastlines are looking even more inviting to those wishing to dip their toes into clean waters.
• Spain retains top spot in this year's Blue Flag Awards
• Tenerife attracts beachgoers with impressive 15 Blue Flags
• Algarve's 88 Blue Flags appeal to second home owners this summer
The highly sought-after accolades are awarded annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) across almost 50 countries worldwide. Blue Flag beaches are judged on four different categories: water quality, safety and services, environmental management, and environmental education and information.
Attaining Blue Flag status is seen as the gold standard for beaches and is widely recognised as an indication of the high environmental and quality standards of the beaches, marinas and sustainable boating tourism operators. Blue Flags are only awarded to the world's cleanest, most pristine beaches.
With a world record 577 Blue Flag's awarded to Spanish beaches last year (beating their own record of 573 in 2014), it is without a doubt that the Mediterranean country is host to the world's most pristine beaches. 2016 has proved no different with Spain retaining its top spot adding another 9 Blue Flag beaches to its ever-growing roster.
Leading Spanish homebuilder, Taylor Wimpey España are delighted with the results and have witnessed a surge of interest in seafront properties accompanying the Blue Flag announcement.
Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director for Taylor Wimpey España comments,
"We were very excited to hear that Spain has maintained its beach rankings as the best in the world. With the gorgeous Calpe, Alfás del Pi, El Campello and San Juan beaches keeping their Blue Flag status for the past 30 years, it was no surprise to us that the demand for beachfront properties have skyrocketed."
With one in five Spanish beaches flying a Blue Flag this year, the demand for beachfront properties are on the rise. Situated on the beautiful Punta Prima beach near Blue Flag holder Los Naufragos on the Costa Blanca, Panorama Mar is an exciting new seafront development. The residential complex offers stylish two and three bedroom apartments all with two bathrooms, air conditioning, underfloor heating as well as an underground car parking space. The apartments have been designed for comfort and convenience and boast three swimming pools including a luxurious infinity pool and relaxing Jacuzzi as well as a paddling pool and playground for children. Prices start from just €234,000 with all apartments in the first phase south facing with picturesque terraces and breath-taking sea views.
Indeed Spain's perennially-popular Costa Blanca is lined with Blue Flags. Close to Blue Flag beach Ciutat, the brand new La Vila Paradís apartments and townhouses enjoy a stunning location. Altet International Airport (Alicante) is just 30 minutes away and the port and seaside promenade of the traditional fishing town is welcoming with its own special charm. Situated on the beachfront with direct access to Paraíso beach, La Vila Paradis boasts a pool, private parking and beautiful communal gardens. A variety of 2 and 3 bedroom apartments are available, the ground floor of which have private gardens, as well as 3 bedroom townhouses, all with wonderful views. The penthouses include basement parking and storage. Properties are priced from €248,000.
Spain's Canary Islands have also had great success in the Blue Flag awards accepting 66 Blue Flags with Tenerife receiving an impressive 15 Flags, an increase of 4 since 2015.
Jodi Beard, Marketing Director of holiday planning specialists Cheap Holidays Tenerife, which offer discounted flights to and holiday accommodation in the popular southern area of Tenerife comments on the impressive results,
"We are delighted with the recent Blue Flag results. The exquisite Los Cristianos and Las Vistas beaches in the Arona municipality are proud Flag holders this year and we are expecting their new status to attract more beachgoers this summer. With the already popular Troya beaches flying Blue Flags as well as Torviscas, Fañabe, and El Duque, we would expect an increase in the island's popularity this year as a prime beach holiday destination."
Also famous for its exquisite Blue Flag beaches is the esteemed Algarve region in southern Portugal which has been awarded 88 Blue Flags this year, an increase of 3 since 2015. The new Flags were awarded to Armona-Ria in Olhão, Rocha Baixinha in Albufeira and Amoreira Mar in Aljezur.
Representing around 45% of Portugal's tourism earnings, the Algarve is a beloved beach holiday destination that appeals to many second-home buyers and the recent Blue Flag awards are set to attract further investments this summer.
Chris White, Founding Director of Algarve-based boutique agency Ideal Homes Portugal comments,
"These results are a cause for celebration! It's wonderful to see so many beautiful beaches flying Blue Flags in the Algarve and with summer around the corner, we expect an increase in interest in the region from holidaymakers and second-home buyers alike."
With beachfront properties highly desirable, those on or near beaches with Blue Flag status are in even higher demand. Located in the charming Olhão region on the Fuzeta seafront, moments from this year's Blue Flag beach winner Armona-Ria, Del Mar Village is offering a magnificent luxury two-bedroom apartment. Comprised of 63 fully equipped apartments, and available through Ideal Homes Portugal, Del Mar Village is a unique space that provides all that is needed for a modern lifestyle. Facilities include swimming pools for both adults and children, private gardens, large garages for vehicles and equipment as well as balconies with exquisite sea views. Del Mar village also provides a video entry system and security alarm system for added peace of mind. This stunning apartment starts from €680,000.
The popular area of Albufeira is also home to a variety of beautiful second homes. Just 5 minutes' drive away from pristine beaches, including Blue Flag beach award winner Rocha Baixinha, is a spacious four-bedroom villa in a peaceful and relaxing location. Perfect as a second home investment, the villa is comprised of four bedrooms, four bathrooms and outside swimming pool, as well as covered dining and barbecue area, tennis court and double garage from €449,000. With the greatest amount of sunshine in Europe it is clear why Algarve has become such a popular place to relocate.
For more information please contact:
Taylor Wimpey España
T: +44 08000 121 020 | www.taylorwimpeyspain.com.
Those residing outside of the UK should call 0034 971 70 69 72.
Cheap Holidays Tenerife
T: 0800 0124 300 | http://www.cheap-holidays-tenerife.com/
Ideal Homes Portugal
T: 0800 133 7644 | +351 289 513 434 | http://www.idealhomesinternational.co.uk | www.idealhomesportugal.com
