Orihuela
Costa can boast some of the best beaches in Spain,
and now they have proof of it. Last Friday Monica
Lorente unveiled this unique good news at the Town
Hall. With a big smile on her face she proudly informed
all those present that for the first time ever Orihuela
has been awarded with not one, not two, but three
“Q for Quality” flags, which are internationally
recognised as the highest award which can be given
to beaches, meaning they have passed a multitude
of tests and are among the best in the world.
The
three beaches to be awarded these “Q”
flags are Cala Capitan, Cala las Estacas and Playa
de Glea. Orihuela Costa already holds four blue
flags and eleven “Qualitur” flags, and
is the resort to hold most flags in the whole of
the Valencian Community. Benidorm only holds one
“Q” flag and Calpe holds two. Torrevieja
holds no flags, but that’s another story.
In 2007 it held many blue flags, but the Mayor of
Torrevieja got angry with the committee when he
was told that Cala de la Cura would not receive
an award because it was too busy. He argued that
it was popular because it was a great beach. The
committee didn’t accept this argument, so
were told to stuff their blue flags, which led to
all the others being taken away.
The
three beaches to be awarded these “Q”
flags are:
Cala Capitán in Cabo Roig
Cala Estaca in Playa Flamenca
Playa de la Glea in Campoamor
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Cala
Estaca in Playa Flamenca |
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Cala
Capitán in Cabo Roig |
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Playa
de la Glea in Campoamor |
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La
Zenia beach is one of the few in the area which
doesn’t hold a flag. However, the reason for
this is not the sewage leaks which sporadically
leave the area with an unpleasant odour, but the
fact that the Hotel La Zenia was constructed too
close to the beach, not following strict Spanish
laws on this matter, as were the apartment blocks
at the other end of the beach.
These
flags, which prove the high quality of beaches,
are not easy to obtain at all, and Monica thanked
Pepa Ferrando, the councillor for tourism, Gines
Sanchez, environment councillor, and Jose Añiorte,
for all their hard work, 365 days a year, to obtain
these high accolades. Over 1,000 people were asked
to fill in a survey about the beaches, and were
asked to give their suggestions for improvements
which could be made. The average score the beaches
were given was 8 out of 10, proving there are a
lot of satisfied beach goers in the area.
The
fact that these beaches have been officially recognised
as superior will give the area a huge boost, and
will be mentioned in all the promotionary leaflets
for this summer. We are living in a privileged area,
which promises to get even better. Next week even
more good news will be unveiled, about the brand
new sports centre covering 23,000m² of Orihuela
Costa.
When
asked about safety on the beaches Monica explained
that to obtain the “Q” flags security
and vigilance was one of the requirements. The timetable
of the lifeguards were lengthened last year and
local police and civil protection are all working
together to give the best service possible.
By
Easter leaflets will be distributed informing locals
and visitors alike about beach security and regulations.
You are reminded that if the red flag is flying and
you go into the water you may be fined for endangering
yourself and others.
WHAT
IS “Q” FOR QUALITY?
The “Q” award is the seal of Spanish
Tourism Quality. Tourist products with the “Q”
mark meet necessary quality requirements and clients’
demands.
The
“Q” denotes prestige, reliability, commitment
and distinction. Its objective is to achieve recognition
by consumers and tour operators.
Establishments
eligible for the “Q” for Quality Tourism
designation in Spain are: hotels, restaurants, travel
agencies, campsites, nature areas, tourist offices,
convention bureaux, conference centres, beaches,
golf courses, rural accommodation, ski resorts,
regional tourist boards and active tourism centres.
