Clúster

• 108 Blue Flags for Galician beaches this year.

Galicia will have 191 Blue Flags this year, a figure that consolidates its position as the autonomous community with the third most awards granted by the Association of Environmental and Consumer Education (ADEAC), behind only the Valencian Community (213) and Andalusia (196). Among the recognitions are 108 Blue Flags for beaches spread across 35 Galician municipalities, which attest to the environmental quality, services, and accessibility of these beaches.

The community also has 12 recognized marinas, 17 environmental interpretation centers or “Blue Centers,” and 54 Blue Trails, a category that highlights coastal routes and paths for their environmental and educational value.

At the municipal level, Sanxenxo once again stands out as the national leader with 17 award-winning beaches, followed by Vigo with 12. By province, Pontevedra tops the regional list with 53 beaches and 7 distinguished ports. It is followed by A Coruña (39 beaches and 4 ports) and Lugo (16 beaches and 1 port). In addition, the Nautilus underwater viewing platform in Vigo and the Sorrizo Sea Museum in Arteixo are being incorporated for the first time as new blue trails.

These recognitions reflect the commitment of many Galician municipalities to sustainable tourism and coastal environmental management, key to both local well-being and the international projection of Galicia as a quality destination. The region also continues to expand its network of blue trails, with 54 designated routes this year, five more than in the previous edition.

With these figures, Galicia continues to rank among the regions that best preserve and enhance their coastline, demonstrating that quality and respect for the environment can go hand in hand with tourism.