Beaches
The Spanish coastline, stretching from Costa Blanca
to Costa Almeria can boast over 100 prestigious EEC
Blue Flag awards in the current season. For the latest
status on specific beaches of interest, visit the official
website address, www.blueflag.org. The award of a European Blue Flag is based on compliance
with 27 criteria covering the aspects:
- Water Quality
- Environmental Education and Information
- Environmental Management
- Safety and Services.
The Costa Blanca
The Costa Blanca (known as the “white coast”
due to its numerous sandy coves) offers some of the
best beaches in Spain, including:
Altea: A vast network of rocky
coves and sandy beaches, the coastline around Altea
offers an excellent range of sports activities with
a diving centre, sailing school and boat charters.
Benidorm: Levante and Poniente
Beaches in Benidorm are world famous and stretch for
over 6 kilometres, with fine, golden sand, gentle slopes
into the sea and wide boulevards. “Levante”
means “sun-rise” and “Poniente”
“sunset” and the position of both Benidorm
beaches ensure constant access to sun throughout the
day.
Calpe: An attractive coastline
of fine sandy beaches and rocky coves and clear waters.
Les Bassetes to the north of Calpe is a natural shelter
providing the perfect setting for learning to sail,
and Calpe Rock’s status as a nature reserve makes
for interesting dividing with some unusual underwater
plants flourishing in the area.
Javea: A varied coastline
with crystal clear waters make this a perfect location
for diving.
The Costa Calida
Costa Calida beaches cover 250 kilometres of coast
between Almeria and the Costa Blanca. Areas of special
interest include:
Aguilas: The sandy coast surrounding
Aguilas comprises over 35 coves. There is a long tradition
of sailing in this area and the nearby nature reserve,
rich with marine life and coral, is an ideal location
for underwater exploration.
Mar Menor: Is an inland salt
lagoon covering 26 kilometres and protected from the
Mediterranean by a network of islands. Famous for its
sand dunes and striking sunsets, with a stunning backdrop
of palm groves and volcanic mountains, this is considered
by many to be the most beautiful location on the Costas.
The Costa Almeria
Costa Almeria boasts a fine, dramatic volcanic coastline
with long stretches of beach, mostly shingle. The Natural
Park of Cabo de Gata, north of Almeria city, boasts
some fine sandy beaches and salt flats, home to pink
flamingos. Most regions of Almeria allot sections of
beach for naturist use but one of the greatest strengths
of this area is the fact that it has been relatively
unspoiled by tourism and, with its numerous coves and
Natural Park areas, everyone can find a little stretch
of paradise for themselves alone, surrounded by nothing
but clear, blue, waters, natural flora and fauna with
the superb backdrop of the snow-capped Sierra Nevada
mountains providing a perfect contrast.
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