Surely, you know this year, Spain has achieved 586 blue flags, on its beaches, for the year 2016.
But, I would like to talk to you about the new nine Spanish blue flags, that Spain has gotten, this year, 2016.
On May 5, in Madrid, it was presented the list of Blue Flags, for Spain, in 2016. The President of the Association of Environmental and Consumer Education (ADEAC), Jose Ramon Sanchez --accompanied by the Secretary of State of Tourism, Isabel Borrego--, stressed that, for the first time, they have been awarded, in interior waters –concretely, the reservoir of Ullibarri-Gamboa (in Álava, North of Spain)--, three beaches: "South Garaio” (Barrundia), “North Garaio" (Elburgo) and "Landa" (Arrazua-Ubarrundia).
Reservoir Ullíbarri-Gamboa (Álava, Vitoria, Basque Country)
Reservoir "Ullíbarri-Gamboa"
Beaches of Garaio
Barrundia is a village, at the north of Alava, formed by 15 small villages. Some of them are located on the southern of the reservoir of Ullíbarri-Gamboa.
Concretelly, here it is known as “South Garaio”, which is not only equipped for bathing, but also to make bike routes or trails. A curiosity, Garaio is an abandoned village, on a small peninsula.
You may go, with a dog, to that beach.
"South Garaio" beach
"South Garaio"
In the southwest corner of the reservoir, we find the municipality of Elburgo and, there, we find the “North Garaio” Beach. It is not far from the A-1, so it is easy to reach this place by car. Through the Elburgo passed the Roman road, that went from Bordeaux to Astorga, and later was used by pilgrims, as a variant of the Camino de Santiago. Along the beach route also passes 13 km., bordering the reservoir.
"North Garaio" beach
"North Garaio"
The “Landa” beach is situated at the north of the Ullíbarri-Gamboa reservoir. The water quality is accredited and has environmental education programs, besides all the amenities to enjoy swim.
Beach of Landa
Beach of Landa
Beach of Landa
People taking a bath at the Beach of Landa
"Vitoria Nautic Club", on the Landa Beach
These three beaches, at the Ullibarri-Gamboa reservoir, received 247,011 visitors, in 2015.
On these beaches, you can also find toilets, showers, a large beach area and an ample parking space.
In the north of Spain, another new Blue flag is for the beach of “Ea” (Vizcaya, Basque Country).
The beach of Ea, Vizcaya
The blue flags accredit compliance with some standards, such as water quality or proper environmental management; but also the accessibility, to these spaces, for the disabled people and the existence of health services and rescue.
To assess its compliance, the association (ADEAC) contrasts data from the Directorate General of Coasts (Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Environment); information on the quality of swim water, by the Ministry of Health; reports of the autonomous communities, maps of the European Commission and, in situ (annual), an inspection and completion of a questionnaire with 170 questions to the Mayors.
According to the jury --formed by members of the Environment Programme of the United Nations, UNESCO and the World Tourism Organization, among others--, Spain is situated, at an international level, in the first place, with 586 flags on beaches, followed by Turkey (444), Greece (430), France (400) and Portugal (315).
This means that one, in five Spanish beaches, will fly the blue standard and that one of every six, of these flags, that look in the world, shall do it in the Spanish coast, said the president of the ADEAC.
Data, published by the ADEAC, also collect thematic distinctions. Specifically, the Lifesaving and first aid have fallen in Cala Estancia (Palma) and Rihuete, El Puerto, Bahía, Nares, Large Castellar, Alamillo and El Mojon, all these in Mazarrón (Murcia).
On the other hand, the best information and environmental education is given in La Pineda and Lluminetes (Casteldefels, Balearic Islands), and Tregandín Ris (Noja, Cantabria) and Alcaidesa, Torreguadiaro and Cala Sardina (San Roque, Cádiz).
Finally, the best beaches inclusive, that is, for the disabled people, are located in Arona (Tenerife) and Xilxes (Castellón).
Beach of Arona (Tenerife, Canary Islands)
Beaches of Xilxes (Castellón, Eastern Spain)
Well, I hope that you can come to Spain, this next summer, to enjoy these and other beaches.
Until my next post, kind regards,
Luis.
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