Mataró's Callao and Varador beaches, alongside its port, have secured their prestigious Blue Flag distinctions for 2026. This renewal confirms their high environmental quality and excellent services, a significant achievement for the coastal city located just 30 kilometres north-east of Barcelona.
International Recognition for Coastal Quality
The Mataró beaches first received this international recognition in 2025. The Port of Mataró proudly flies the Blue Flag for the 29th consecutive year. This award, recognised globally in 51 countries across five continents, boosts tourist confidence and promotes sustainable practices. The Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) International Blue Flag Jury annually awards this distinction. The Association for Environmental and Consumer Education (ADEAC) manages the campaign within Spain. Public administrations overseeing bathing areas and water quality collaborate in the process. Coastal municipalities voluntarily submit their beach candidacies each year.
Strict Criteria for Blue Flag Awards
The Blue Flag award evaluates and rewards several key areas. These include environmental management, the safety of bathing zones and their facilities, optimal service provision, and environmental information and education. Crucially, bathing water quality must achieve an "Excellent" classification. This standard is established by Directive 2006/7/CE, which regulates bathing water quality management. Catalonia's bathing zones achieve maximum "Excellent" quality due to effective management measures. Good sanitation system operation in inhabited areas and strong control and inspection measures also contribute.
Catalonia's High Standards
In 2026, Catalonia boasts 101 Blue Flag beaches across 40 municipalities. It also has 23 ports with the distinction. The Maresme region, where Mataró is located, accounts for 11 of these acclaimed beaches. A high percentage of applications succeed; 95% of beaches presented obtained the Blue Flag. This demonstrates the high standard of the candidacies submitted. The most common reason for not achieving the Blue Flag is failing to meet the "Excellent" bathing water quality. Non-compliance with the Coastal Law, such as excessive occupation or unauthorised installations, forms the second most frequent reason for rejection.
Mataró's Award-Winning Beaches
Varador beach, extending 750 metres, stands as one of Mataró's most emblematic coastal areas. Its proximity to the urban centre makes it popular. Families enjoy its recreational zones for children. Sports enthusiasts also find it attractive, with facilities for volleyball, basketball, and football. Varador beach also features a bathing area adapted for people with reduced mobility, offering top-tier services. Callao beach, 400 metres long, provides a full range of services. These include toilets, showers, lifeguards, and bars. It also offers adapted services for people with reduced mobility. This beach sits opposite an ideal area for walking and sports, complemented by a varied gastronomic offering.
Promoting Sustainable Maritime Practices
The Blue Flag programme for Sports Ports promotes the rational use of resources in nautical facilities and activities. It also raises awareness among users about the need to protect the marine environment and practice sustainable navigation. The Blue Flag distinction, represented by a blue flag with a white beach logo, holds strong international tourism recognition. It significantly increases user confidence in the services provided. Mataró submitted its candidacy in November 2025. The international jury ratified the national jury's proposal from February, leading to this successful renewal.
Mataró's "Mar en Valor" Strategy
Obtaining the Blue Flag for Mataró's beaches aligns with the city's "Mar en Valor" (Sea in Value) strategy. This initiative aims to open the city to the sea, strengthen the seafront and port, and promote nautical culture. It also seeks to drive the blue economy as an area for social, economic, and tourist development. These renewed distinctions reinforce Mataró's commitment to environmental excellence and its appeal as a coastal destination for both residents and visitors.
Come and join our Barcelona English Speakers community on WhatsApp.
Originally published by Mataró. Read original article.
