The Minister Lafuente presents the awards in Colònia de Sant Jordi, recognising 32 beaches and 14 marinas across the Balearic Islands
The esplanade of the Port of Colònia de Sant Jordi hosted the official 2025 Blue Flag Awards ceremony this Thursday, where 32 beaches and 14 marinas in the Balearic Islands were honoured for meeting high standards in environmental quality, safety, accessibility, and services.
During the event, the Minister of the Sea and Water Cycle, Juan Manuel Lafuente, presented the flags to the awarded municipalities and highlighted the key role of local administrations, lifeguard services, and citizens in preserving the Balearic coastline.
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Palma and Sant Llorenç des Cardassar Receive National Special Mention for Lifeguarding at the 2025 Blue Flag Awards Ceremony
One of the most notable moments was the presentation of the National Special Mention to Palma and Sant Llorenç des Cardassar for the excellence of their lifeguard services, a distinction that places the Balearic Islands among the most advanced regions in coastal safety in Spain.
The ceremony included a maritime rescue drill on the beach of Colònia, coordinated by Maritime Rescue and the MarSave lifeguard team, which operates in both Colònia and Palma. The exercise featured an emergency helicopter, rescue drones, and trained lifeguards, showcasing the high level of preparedness of the teams dedicated to beach safety across the islands.
Minister Lafuente congratulated the award-winning municipalities and stated:
“This recognition of our lifeguard services highlights the work of hundreds of professionals who, every day, ensure our beaches are safe and well-managed environments.”
He also emphasised:
“These awards are the result of a strong commitment to sustainability and coordinated efforts among institutions, technical staff, and civil society.”
Lafuente used the occasion to once again call on the Spanish Government for greater investment in the Balearic coast:
“For five years now, we have seen revenues collected from the coast of the Balearic Islands, yet we are still waiting for those funds to be translated into real conservation and improvement actions.”
🏖 One More Awarded Beach than in 2024 and Greater Environmental Commitment
Compared to the previous year, the Balearic Islands have added one more beach to their list of awardees. Blue Flags have been regained by Des Riu (Santa Eulària), Sant Elm (Andratx), Cala Ferrera (Felanitx), and Can Picafort (Santa Margalida), while Cala Santanyí, Cala Major, Cala Galdana, and the Port of Sóller did not renew their status.
This year’s data reinforces the islands’ environmental commitment:
- 53% of the awarded beaches are near seagrass meadows,
- Of these, 64% are protected as Habitats of Community Interest (HCI).
- Additionally, 37% have dune systems, with 75% of those having active conservation measures in place.
Lafuente reiterated that:
“These awards are the result of a firm commitment to sustainability and the coordinated work of institutions, technicians, and civil society.”
⚓ Recognition for Marinas and Continued Leadership
The ceremony was attended by:
- Antoni Mercant, Director General of Ports and Maritime Transport,
- Kiko Villalonga, Manager of PortsIB,
- Guillem Mas, Mayor of Ses Salines, along with his team and the councillor for Tourism and Beaches,
- José Palacios, President of ADEAC (Association for Environmental and Consumer Education),
- And several councillors and representatives from the awarded municipalities.
In addition to beach recognition, the event also celebrated the efforts of the 14 marinas that renewed their Blue Flags this year—symbols of sustainability, efficient resource management, and environmental commitment.
The Balearic Islands continue to rank as the fourth Spanish region with the most awarded marinas, behind Catalonia, Andalusia, and the Valencian Community.
Antoni Mercant emphasised:
“These awards reaffirm the commitment of the regional government and PortsIB to exemplary port management that balances nautical development with marine conservation.”
Kiko Villalonga also praised the technical teams:
“Their work has been key to maintaining our ports at high levels of environmental excellence.”
Finally, the Balearic Islands remain the sixth Spanish autonomous community with the highest number of Blue Flags, reaffirming their dedication to responsible tourism, marine conservation, and coastal management excellence.