The region of Valencia on Spain's Mediterranean has been recognized as having the country's highest percentage of pristine coastline. The beaches and harbors of Valencia have been awarded 108 Blue Flags, seven more than last year. With over 5,000 miles of coastline, Spain is known for its fine beaches, and now Valencia is recognized as the region with the highest percentage of its beaches -- 50 percent -- given Blue Flag status. This distinction recognizes the quality of the water and sand as well as other considerations like safety, cleanliness, public services and handicap access. The Blue Flags bestowed on Valencia represent more than 70 miles of beach. The three longest Blue Flag beaches in the region -- El Saler, La Devesa and Peñiscola Nord -- all measure three miles or more.
Alicante is the province of Valencia that has received the highest number of Blue Flags (48), followed by Valencia province (25) and Castellón province (24). Five out of 96 beaches were awarded the Blue Flag for the first time. These include Garrofera in Valencia, Cap de Blanc in Cullera or Call Piteras in Torrevieja (Alicante), Voramar and Almadrava in Benicassim, San Juan in Alicante or Poniente, and Mal Pas in Benidorm. Sagunto beach was given a special blue flag in recognition of its life guarding and first aid services, while Gandia was awarded a flag for handicap access.
The Blue Flag Program is owned and operated by the independent non-profit organization Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) which works towards sustainable development at beaches and marinas through strict criteria dealing with water quality, environmental education and information, environmental management, safety and other services. For more information, visit www.blueflag.org , www.TurisValencia.es or www.spain.info.
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