From last June, one out of every six blue flags in the world will flutter in Spain, in one of the 586 beaches and 100 harbours chosen this year.
Once again, the most regarded region in Spain with the greatest number of flags is Valencia: 125, five more than last year. It is a quality recognition of their water for swimming and the associated services which offer the tourist Valencian towns.
In the national ranking, Alicante is leading, as it is placed in first position with 75 blue flags (62 in beaches and 13 in harbours), 11% of the total numebr in Spain. Moreover, there are four beaches in Alicante which have won the award for the last 30 consecutive editions: Calpe, Alfás del Pi, El Campello and San Juan.
In the city of Benidorm, one of the most important destination for beach vacations in Spain, could not miss this honour. Three of their beaches have been awarded in 2016.
The popular and crowded Levante Beach, just 5 minutes away from the Hotel Don Pancho, reaches 2000 metres and is a protected urban beach with promenade, mainly made of golden sand.
Its position allows you to enjoy the sun until late afternoon, which makes it the favourite beach for tourists from abroad.
It stands out because of its security and rescue presence services and for offering all the needs for you to feel comfortable: hammock service, footbath, walkways or swings and play area for children, as well as access for people with reduced mobility.
On the other end of the harbor you will find Poniente beach. It is more than 3 km long, quitter than Levante beach and is the favourite beach for national tourists who come to Benidorm.
This beach outstands because of its wide range of entertainment services and facilities, one of the categories which should be taken into account in order to get the blue flag award.
Poniente has floating platforms, library on the beach, games for children, sport games, shadowed areas for reading and it is also completely accessible for people with reduced mobility.
Between the two biggest urban beaches in Benidorm, Levante and Poniente, is located the small bay of Mal Pas, between the headland Punta Canfali and the harbor. It reaches just 120 metres of fine golden beach and its quiet atmosphere makes it one of the most charming places in Benidorm.
In front of the Mal Pas you will find the Benidorm Island, which has an important marine reserve known as La Llosa, perfect for those who love diving. Because of its cleanliness and other various reasons, Mal Pas bay has been awarded the blue flag since 1987.
The criteria to get the blue flag are based on four different aspects: security control, quality of their water, information, environmental education and the services and facilities they offer.
Levante, Poniente or Mal Pas, three wonderful beaches with blue flag that you can enjoy in Benidorm, and all of them a short walk from the Hotel Don Pancho. Could you imagine anything better for a dream holiday?
Hotel Don Pancho
Hotel 4 Stars Benidorm
www.hoteldonpancho.es
