The colors of the flags that we find on the beaches of Spain indicate the circumstances that occur that day but also the environment that surrounds us. Each of these flags has a different meaning depending on the sea conditions., sea currents, weather or other extraordinary circumstances that pose a risk to the safety of people. The red flag prohibits bathing, yellow indicates caution, while green means free bathing for everyone in the face of the low risk of danger.
However, another important flag that should not go unnoticed when we visit a beach is the Blue Flag. An award given by the European Foundation for Environmental Education from 1987, to reward beaches and marinas that meet a series of environmental conditions as well as the quality of their facilities.
A European jury evaluates the candidatures submitted by European coastal municipalities each year, taking into account a number of requirements:
- Bath water quality, based on official analyses.
- Safety, according to the presence of rescue and lifeguard and emergency telephones.
- Existence of services: Paper, vigilance, possibility of access by public transport, periodic cleaning.
- Environmental training and information actions.
The Blue Flag is a symbol of quality. In Spain there are currently 681 blue flags – 537 for beaches and 108 for marinas-, thus setting a new world record followed by Greece, Turkey, France and Portugal. This data consolidates Spain's global leadership, uninterruptedly from 1987.
Santa Pola has several Blue Flags thanks to the quality of its beaches and the various services they have.
Santiago Bernabéu Coves. Awarded the Blue Flag from 2010
Its beaches are almost a kilometer long and some 50 meters of average width. It is an urban beach of medium occupancy. The sand is white and fine. In addition, are quiet beaches, suitable for bathing and water sports. It is ideal for walking thanks to the it being located next to the promenade and a long bike path.
Varadero. Awarded the Blue Flag from 1987
Dark sand and calm waters, this beach has a high occupancy. With an extension of 475 meters long by 30 width, has all the services of urban beaches and nautical area for skates. At the beginning of July, the famous Swim Crossing from Tabarca to Santa Pola is celebrated.
Calas Santa Pola del Este. Awarded the Blue Flag from 2006
Although small in size, 380 meters in length per 45 width, the quality of the sand and its waters is excellent. Occupancy is usually medium/high and the environment in which it is located is a quiet and pleasant residential area, well integrated into the promenade.
east. Awarded the Blue Flag from 1987
With an extension of 425 Meters, is the most central of the beaches. It is attached to the marina and fishing port of Santa Pola to the north. It has all the services and an area of attention to disabled people, for which it has been awarded in the distinction of "Rupture of Architectural Barriers and Attention to People with Disabilities" by the FEE.
Tamarit. Awarded the Blue Flag from 1998
Located in the southern part of Santa Pola, Tamarit beach is characterized by its clean and peaceful waters. The sand is fine and on the seabed does not suffer great unevenness. This beach takes its name from the nearby and characteristic Tamarit Tower, icon of the Natural Park of the Salinas de Santa Pola.