Palma and Sant Llorenç des Cardassar are rewarded for excellence in lifeguard services

Minister Lafuente presents the awards in Colònia de Sant Jordi, recognizing 32 beaches and 14 marinas in the Balearic Islands.

The esplanade of the Port of Colònia de Sant Jordi hosted the official 2025 Blue Flag awards ceremony in the Balearic Islands on Thursday, June 12, where 32 beaches and 14 marinas were recognized 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 distinctions to the awarded municipalities, highlighting the key role played by local governments, lifeguard services, and the public in the preservation of the Balearic coastline.

One of the standout moments of the event was the presentation of the National Special Mention to Palma and Sant Llorenç des Cardassar for the excellence of their lifeguard services, a recognition that places the Balearic Islands among the leading autonomous communities in coastal safety.

The event also featured 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 involved an emergency helicopter, rescue drones, and specialized lifeguards, showcasing the high level of preparedness of the teams that ensure safety on the islands' beaches.

Minister Lafuente congratulated the awarded municipalities and noted that “this recognition of lifeguard services highlights the efforts of hundreds of professionals who work every day to ensure our beaches are safe and well-managed.” He also emphasized that “these awards are the result of a firm commitment to sustainability and the coordinated work of institutions, technicians, and civil society.” On this note, he once again called on the Spanish Government for greater investment in the Balearic coastline: “For five years now, we have seen revenues collected from the Balearic coast, and we are still waiting for those funds to be translated into real conservation and improvement actions for our coastal environment.”

The Balearic Islands have gained one additional awarded beach compared to last year. Blue Flags were recovered 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 lost their status.

This year’s figures reinforce the environmental commitment of the islands: 53% of the awarded beaches are located near seagrass meadows, 64% of which are protected as Habitats of Community Interest (HCI). Additionally, 37% have dune systems, with active conservation measures in place in 75% of those.

Lafuente stressed once again that “these awards are the result of a firm commitment to sustainability and the coordinated work of institutions, technical teams, and civil society.”

The event was attended by Antoni Mercant, Director General of Ports and Maritime Transport; Kiko Villalonga, Manager of PortsIB; the mayor of Ses Salines, Guillem Mas, along with his team; the local councilor for Tourism and Beaches; José Palacios, president of ADEAC; and various council members and representatives from the awarded municipalities.

In addition to the recognition of the beaches, the event also highlighted the work of the 14 marinas that renewed their Blue Flag status this year—a symbol of sustainability, efficient resource management, and environmental commitment. The Balearic Islands remain the fourth Spanish region with the most awarded marinas, following Catalonia, Andalusia, and the Valencian Community.

Antoni Mercant stated that “these awards reaffirm the commitment of the regional government and PortsIB to exemplary port management, balancing nautical development and marine environmental protection.” Kiko Villalonga also praised the work done by technical teams to maintain the ports at top environmental standards.

The Balearic Islands remain the sixth autonomous community in Spain with the highest number of Blue Flags, underscoring their ongoing commitment to responsible tourism, marine conservation, and excellence in coastal management.