The incredible European country with the most Blue Flag beaches

After several UK beaches were blighted by sewage, it’s become more important than ever to find a clean beach. Luckily, the Blue Flag award system can help holidaymakers choose the best piece of shoreline.

A world-renowned award, the Blue Flag is given to beaches that meet a stringent set of environmental, educational and safety criteria.

But which country has the most Blue Flags in the world?

Spain, the UK’s leading holiday destination, topped the rankings with an incredible number of Blue Flag beaches and marinas.

A whopping 629 Spanish beaches are Blue Flag rated while the country also has 97 Blue Flag marinas.

Spain’s Blue Flag beaches can be found all over the country with some of the prettiest in the Balearic islands. Sou Bou, one of three Blue Flag beaches, on Menorca is next to a protected wetland.

On the Costa Brava, one of Europe’s best destinations for retired British expats, Tamariu has underwater caves and golden sand.

Although it’s less popular with British tourists, Spain’s northern Galician coast has some gorgeous Blue Flag beaches without the crowds of southern spots.

Greece has the second most Blue Flag beaches on the continent while Turkey was in third place. Each country has over 500 certified beaches.

Italy and France rounded off the top five while England landed outside the top 10 with 77 Blue Flag beaches.

The Netherlands had the most Blue Flag marinas with 134 awarded sites. Mexico placed highest outside Europe.

Countries with the most Blue Flag beaches in Europe

1. Spain
2. Greece
3. Turkey
4. Italy
5. France
6. Portugal
7. Denmark
8. Ireland
9. England
10. Cyprus