- In 1987 the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) created a system of certification of the environmental quality of beaches, ports and boats under the name “Blue Flag”.
- This non-governmental foundation is made up of more than 70 NGOs from 60 countries around the world.
[i]The “Blue Flag” award is awarded to more than 4000 beaches and marinas in 48 European countries, Morocco, New Zealand, Canada, United Arab Emirates, the Caribbean, South Africa, Tunisia, Brazil and Jordan.[/i] - [i]Spain has come top of the list of nations eligible for recognition as part of the Blue Flag system. In other words, this summer you’ll find the Blue Flag flying on one out of every five Spanish beaches, and one of every six Blue Flag beaches throughout the world will be in Spain.[/i]
This year 28 beaches of Costa Brava were labeled with the Blue Flag. They offer for the visitors the best international standards.
It is obvious why this direction has become the center of the attraction of the tourists all over the world – apart from the beaches Costa Brava can offer rich cultural traditions, colors and flavors of local cuisine, a wide choice of leisure activities, from golf to paragliding.
So, we present you the beaches of the province of Girona – Costa Brava, awarded with the “Blue Flag” in 2017. It is difficult to stop only with 10, but here are 10 of the most beautiful beaches and coves of this privileged place.
1. Cala Canyelles
It is one of the most outstanding beaches of Lloret, loved by the locals. It is situated about 3 km north from Lloret in the direction of Tossa de Mar.
In addition to its great situation in front of the sea and outstanding services, it counts with the only sport port of Lloret, which is associated with the Nautical Club of Cala Canyelles .
2. Playa Can Cristus
The Platja Can Cristus has a length of 160 m. and 40 m of width, it is formed by fine golden sand. Yoy can reach it by Camina del Ronda, the path from the Beach Torre Valentina de Calonge, in direction to Platja d ‘Aro. This cove stands out for its large size and easy access.
3. Beach of Empuriabrava
Situated in front of the Marina, this is the widest beach to be found on the whole of the Costa Brava. It also has a long promenade, and great views of the Bay of Roses, which has been endorsed by UNESCO as part of the Most Beautiful Bays in the World Club, since 2011.There is an abundance of services, which includes bike rental, children’s parks and sporting areas. Lifeguard and first aid services are provided by the Red Cross, running from the first July until the 31st of September – from 10 o’clock in the morning until 7 o’clock in the evening.
4. Grifeu beach
This is the busiest beach around, with a good range of facilities and free parking nearby. It’s located just after the town, beside the road C-260. Lifeguard services run from 1st July until 31st August, from 10 o’clock in the morning until 7 o’clock in the evening.
5. Playa de la Mar Menuda and Sa Banyera de Ses Dones
Located just in a few minutes walk from the city center, the beach of Mar Menuda is ideal for families. At the one end there is a rocky formation that surrounds the small cove and is popularly known as ‘sa banyera de ses dones’ (the women’s bathtub), which, due to its shallow depth and tranquility, is ideal place to bath for the children. the legend says that this rock formation was splitted in two by Sant Ramon de Penyafort.
6. Playa Gran de Platja d ‘Aro
This is the town’s main beach, and it goes on for around 2 km in length. Be aware, however, that like the other blue flag beaches in the area, the entrance into the sea gets steep rather quickly. Lifeguard services run from 15th June until 15th September from 10:30am till 18.30 p.m.7. Playa La Fosca
The beach of Sant Esteve de la Fosca is located in the bay of the same name, north of Palamós. It is the most spectacular beach and is loved by the palamosinos and tourists for the beauty of its natural environment.
8. Torre Valentina Beach
The river separates this beach from the main Sant Antoni beach, and the wonderful coastal path, called the Cami de Ronda, begins at the 16th watchtower from which the beach gets its name. The name translates into English as the Valentine Tower. This rather wide beach, has a children’s play area, as well as all the other normal facilities, and some sports, both the land and on water. Lifeguards are in attendance from 1st June until 30th September, from 10 o’clock in the morning until 7 o’clock in the evening
9. Playa Sant Feliu
It is the main beach of the municipality of Sant Feliu de Guíxols, Baix Empordà. It is formed by the golden sand and has a length of 450 m. and 53 m. wide. This beach runs along the beautiful Passeig del Mar, promenade that joins the beach with the port, which reminds of the sailor origin of this town.10. Port de la Selva beach
Sitting in front of the village, lies the main beach of Port de la Selva. It has a combination of some pebbles and fine sand, and there are plenty of amenities close by. You can also choose from various water activities, and it’s a popular place for windsurfing. Lifeguards work from 1st June until 30th September, from 11 o’clock in the morning until 7 o’clock in the evening.
