HOLIDAYMAKERS heading to Spain this summer have been warned to avoid 14 popular beaches.
Environmental organisation Ecologistas en Acción has published its annual report highlighting the areas of Spain‘s coast with the biggest issues.
The report awards ‘Black Flags’ for either pollution or for poor management.
Of the 48 flags awarded, 14 were awarded to beaches – mostly due to pollution problems.
One beach that was awarded a Black Flag is Playa de Maro for pollution, in Malaga.
The popular 500-metre-long beach is known for its dramatic cliffs and underwater caves and was previously said to be of the best beaches on the Costa del Sol.
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In Granada, Playa de la Charca, Salobreña was awarded a Black Flag for pollution and Playa de Los Berengueles, Almuñécar was awarded a Black Flag for poor management.
Over in Alicante, the coastal neighbourhoods of Albufereta and Cap de l’Horta both gained Black Flags for pollution and La Almadrava beach gained one for poor management.
Valencia also has a number of coastal spots that were called out including its coastline for pollution and the surroundings of the Port of València and Sagunto for poor management.
In the popular city of Barcelona, the Beach of the Sant Adrià del Besòs was awarded a Black Flag for pollution.
The stretch of coastline features golden sand and is often less crowded than the main beaches by Barcelona city.
Over in the Canary Islands, the town of El Puertito de Adeje was awarded a Black Flag for poor management, as was Las Teresitas Beach.
On Gran Canaria, the coastline of Telde was also given a Black Flag, as was the coast of Lanzarote due to cruise tourism.
If you are heading to the Balearics, then avoid the town of Port of Pollenca in Majorca and in Menorca, avoid Torrente de Cala Galdana – which is a ravine with a beach.
Other beach destinations that gained a Black Flag include:
- Playa Central de Isla Cristina in Huelva
- Playa de Quitapellejos, Almeria
- Levante beaches of Punta Entinas-Sabinar, Almeria
- Playa de As Catedrais, Lugo
- La Ribera de Cabanes beach, Castellón
- Surrach beach, Benicarló, Castellón
- Playa de la Paella, Torredembarra, Tarragona
- Basorda Cove, Basque Country