Local beaches winning coveted blue flag status

TWO more Almeria beaches have been awarded sought-after blue flags for first class facilities and cleanliness. San Miguel in Cabo de Gata and Descargador in Mojacar join beaches in Roquetas, El Ejido, Adra and Nijar to claim the coveted award.

Roquetas has most, with five beaches flying the flag as well as its marina, the only one in Almeria province this year. El Ejido and Mojacar follow, with four flags each. Another Poniente town, Adra has three, although its marina has lost the flag awarded in 2012.  Nijar and Almeria beaches now have two each.

The flags were first given out in 1987 and are awarded to beaches and marinas that comply with stringent standards for hygiene, cleanliness and respect for the environment.

Spain now has 538 Blue Flags, more than any of the other 60 countries participating in the scheme.