San Juan beach in Alicante has received recognition for its uninterrupted 40 years of blue flag status at the III International Blue Flag Congress: Sustainability, Health and Safety, held in Islantilla, Huelva. The event was organised by the Association for Environmental Education and Consumer Awareness (ADEAC) in collaboration with the Islantilla Commonwealth and the municipalities of Lepe and Isla Cristina.
It is one of only seven beaches worldwide to have maintained this distinction continuously since the inception of the blue flag awards. This year, San Juan beach has also renewed the blue flag for four additional beaches and natural spaces.
Manuel Villar, the councillor for the environment, expressed pride on behalf of all residents of Alicante for this continuous recognition over the past four decades, showcasing the blue flag as a symbol of the quality of its waters, sands, and services. This achievement has been made possible through the ongoing efforts of the local government in caring for the coastal area.
The congress brought together nearly 300 professionals from the tourism, scientific, academic, environmental, and emergency sectors, reinforcing the recognition achieved by this tourist destination through decades of commitment to environmental sustainability, safety, accessibility, and excellence in beach and tourist service management.
The Alicante City Council actively participated in the event, sharing its 40 years of experience in the discussion panel titled “Blue Flag: 40 years as a catalyst for change in coastal municipalities.” Under the theme “Sustainability, Health and Safety,” the congress featured leading experts in blue economy.
The criteria for obtaining the blue flag are based on four main areas: excellent water quality, optimal environmental management, safety (lifeguarding), and universal accessibility to beaches. The Alicante delegation highlighted that this uniqueness results from continuous investment by the local council and collaborative efforts among various departments.
