It's wonderful to go to a beach and not have to worry about anything but the sun and the sea. Easy parking, good quality water, tasty food, handy toilets and lifeguards... Your previous experience and the confidence you get from seeing the blue coloured flag flying at the entrance to the beach is what gives you the peace of mind you need to enjoy your swim to the full.
Every year the European Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) awards a Blue Flag to those beaches and marinas that meet a series of requirements. The label therefore signals bathing areas that respect environmental quality standards, good water conditions, accessibility, information and environmental education, as well as providing a wide array of amenities (ramps, showers, changing rooms, lifeguards, first aid, parking facilities, etc.).
The idea is to award the efforts made by local councils and marina managers to comply with the campaign's standards. In the Canary Islands, the Blue Flag is controlled by the Directorate General of Public Health (Regional Ministry of Health), whose officials are in charge of constantly monitoring compliance with the requirements and collaborating with local councils wishing to apply for the award.
There are currently 10 beaches in Tenerife to have been awarded this distinction: