The beaches awarded Black Flags in Spain for 2026
Every summer, alongside the Blue Flags awarded for beach quality, a less desirable distinction also appears: Black Flags. These highlight environmental problems such as pollution, untreated discharges and poor coastal management. In 2026, notable cases include Portmán Bay and the Mar Menor in Murcia, the coastline of L’Ametlla de Mar in Tarragona and Usgo Beach in Cantabria. Areas affected by urban development pressure include Isla Cristina’s Central Beach in Huelva and Los Berengueles Beach in Almuñécar, Granada.