By David Jackson
Almería is the province with the highest number of blue flag beaches, having obtained 25, followed by Cádiz (23), Málaga (22), Huelva (3) and Granada (3). The marina of Roquetas de Mar and the sea-side village of San Nicólas in Adra also obtained blue flag accreditation.
The province has the same number of flags as last year. However, Playa Serena in Roquetas de Mar and El Bancal-Ventanicas beach in Mojacar failed to obtain re-certification. Carboneras made up for these losses by obtaining two new blue flags in recognition of the improvements made to their urban beaches.
In what appeared to be the only fly in the ointment, Vera residents’ association Veraplayaazul has blamed local industry on Vera’s failure to obtain a single blue flag this year. The association recently complained to the council and the Junta over the presence of a strange foam affecting local beaches which it claims is caused by pollution.
