Málaga leads Andalucía for Blue Flag beaches in 2026
Málaga province leads Andalucía for Blue Flag beaches in 2026, within Spain’s position as the country with the highest number of Blue Flag beaches in the world. The result reinforces one of the region’s greatest lifestyle advantages: a coastline that is not only beautiful, but carefully maintained, accessible and enjoyed throughout the year.
Spain has the highest number of Blue Flag beaches in the world
Playa Casablanca, one of Marbella’s most popular beaches, located directly in front of Puente Romano on the Golden Mile
The 2026 results mark another strong year for Spain, which remains the country with the highest number of Blue Flag beaches in the world. In total, Spain received 677 Blue Flag beach awards this year, alongside 111 marinas and six sustainable tourism boats, bringing the national total to 794 distinctions.
Andalucía also performed strongly, with 143 recognised beaches in 2026, making it the second highest-ranked region in Spain after the Valencian Community. Within Andalucía, Málaga leads the way.
In Málaga province, 45 beaches hold Blue Flag status in 2026, maintaining the same number as last year and confirming the Costa del Sol’s reputation for clean water, well-managed beaches and strong coastal services.
Marbella is the municipality with the highest number of Blue Flag beaches in Málaga province, with eight recognised beaches in 2026. The municipality has 10 Blue Flag distinctions in total when its two marinas, Puerto Banús and Virgen del Carmen, are included. Nagüeles and Casablanca are counted as one grouped beach area for the purposes of the award.
What is a Blue Flag beach?
Playa Burriana, one of Nerja’s Blue Flag beaches, located less than an hour east of Málaga city centre
The Blue Flag is one of the world’s most recognised awards for beaches, marinas and sustainable tourism boats. It is managed internationally by the Foundation for Environmental Education and awarded to destinations that meet strict requirements across several categories.
To qualify, beaches must comply with criteria covering water quality, environmental education, environmental management, safety, services and accessibility. This means that a Blue Flag beach is not judged only on how attractive it looks, but also on how it is maintained, monitored and managed.
It indicates that bathing water quality is regularly assessed, safety measures are in place, beach information is displayed, facilities are maintained and environmental standards are being followed.
Blue Flag status is normally reviewed each year, meaning beaches must continue to meet the required standards to retain the award. For 2026, however, the programme is following a temporary 2026–2027 cycle, so beaches awarded in 2026 remain recognised for the 2027 season, provided they continue to comply with the criteria and ongoing monitoring.
For coastal destinations such as Málaga and Marbella, a high number of Blue Flag awards also reflects long-term investment in the public realm. Clean beaches, well-kept promenades, accessible services and reliable coastal management are all part of what makes these destinations so appealing.
Málaga’s 45 Blue Flag beaches in 2026
La Malagueta beach in Málaga city
Málaga province has been awarded 45 Blue Flag beaches in 2026, confirming its position as the leading province in Andalucía for this distinction. The awards are spread across the Costa del Sol, from the eastern coastline around Nerja and Torrox to the western municipalities of Marbella, Estepona, Casares and Manilva.
Málaga city itself has seven Blue Flag beaches in 2026, a collection of urban beaches closely tied to the city’s lifestyle, with seafront promenades, traditional chiringuitos, seafood restaurants and easy access from residential neighbourhoods and the historic centre.
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FAQs about Blue Flag beaches in Málaga
What does a Blue Flag beach mean?
A Blue Flag beach meets recognised standards for water quality, environmental management, safety, accessibility, information and services. The award is designed to recognise well-managed beaches that meet strict international criteria.
How do you check if a beach has a Blue Flag?
The easiest way to check is through the official Blue Flag website, which has an interactive map of awarded beaches, marinas and tourism boats by country. You can search by location and confirm whether a specific beach currently holds the award.
Does Marbella have Blue Flag beaches?
Yes. Marbella has several Blue Flag beaches in 2026, including beaches close to the Golden Mile, Puerto Banús, central Marbella, San Pedro de Alcántara and Marbella East.
How many Blue Flag beaches does Spain have?
Spain has 677 Blue Flag beaches as of 2026, as well as 111 Blue Flag marinas and six sustainable tourism boats, bringing the national total to 794 Blue Flag awards. This is 44 more awards than in 2025.
Where are Málaga’s Blue Flag beaches?
Málaga’s Blue Flag beaches are spread across 12 municipalities along the Costa del Sol, from Nerja, Torrox and Vélez-Málaga in the east to Marbella, Casares and Manilva in the west. The highest number are in Marbella.
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