Gandia Celebrates 40 Consecutive Years with Blue Flag

Gandia's North Beach has once again positioned itself among Spain's top beaches after revalidating its key distinctions for quality, sustainability, accessibility, and tourist excellence. The flag-raising ceremony, held this morning, was attended by the mayor of Gandia, José Manuel Prieto; the delegate councilor for Tourism, Balbina Sendra; institutional representatives, beach brigades, and professionals linked to the tourism sector, as well as members of the LGTBI collective.

During the event, the Blue Flag, Qualitur and Ecoplayas flags, AENOR ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certifications, distinctions from the Institute for Spanish Tourism Quality (ICTE) for Tourist Quality and Sustainability, as well as the Protected Beach and LGTBI Pride flags were raised. Symbolically, the flag of the Spanish Network of Destinations for Diversity was also hoisted.

This year's main milestone was achieving the 40th consecutive Blue Flag for the North Beach, a recognition that places Gandia among the seven Spanish municipalities that have maintained this distinction since its inception.

Mayor José Manuel Prieto highlighted that this achievement represents “a testament to Gandia's constant commitment to quality, sustainability, accessibility, and tourist excellence.” He also recalled that the Blue Flag is an international certification present on over 5,000 beaches in 52 countries and emphasized that Gandia's continuity for four decades demonstrates “the permanent effort to conserve, protect, and enhance one of the city's main natural and tourist resources.”

Prieto pointed out that achieving forty consecutive years with this recognition “consolidates the North Beach as a tourist and environmental benchmark in the Mediterranean and all of Spain,” further highlighting the collaborative work between the local administration, the tourism sector, and municipal services to maintain the demanding quality standards required by certifying bodies.

The city revalidates a total of 20 distinctions this year across its various coastal areas. The North Beach concentrates nine recognitions, including the Blue Flag, ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certifications, the S for Tourist Sustainability, Qualitur, Ecoplayas, Smoke-Free Beach, and Protected Beach.

For its part, l’Auir beach boasts six distinctions, while Marenys de Rafalcaid beach maintains three certifications linked to environmental management and quality. Added to these are the recognitions awarded to the Blue Center of the Marjal Nature Classroom of Gandia and the Blue Trail.

Furthermore, Gandia has received a special national commendation this year for its lifesaving and lifeguard services, an award that highlights the quality of the safety measures deployed along the coast and the municipal commitment to prevention and care for both residents and visitors.

Among the season's new features is the improvement of the three adapted bathing points located in the Canàries, Manila, and President building areas. Thanks to the incorporation of new amphibious chairs and transfer cranes, resources for people with reduced mobility are expanded.

Additionally, an adapted buoy line for visually impaired individuals has been reinstalled, and the flag system designed for colorblind individuals is maintained, a pioneering initiative that reinforces Gandia's commitment to universal accessibility and inclusion.

During his speech, the mayor also highlighted the positive outlook for the summer tourist campaign. As he explained, occupancy and visitor arrival indicators have shown positive trends for months, thanks to the coordinated work between the City Council, the tourism sector, and all professionals operating on the beach.

Prieto particularly thanked the efforts of the cleaning, maintenance, security, tourist information, lifeguarding, adapted bathing, concessionaires, and collaborating companies, whose daily work contributes to maintaining the high quality standards that characterize Gandia.