Los Cristianos Beach loses blue flag status over bad water quality
Los Cristianos beach in the south of Tenerife has lost its Blue Flag status due to bad water quality, according to the Association for Environmental and Consumer Education (Adeac), the body responsible for awarding the prestigious distinction in Spain.
José Palacios, president of Adeac, explained that the decision was based on the beach not achieving an “excellent” water quality rating during scientific sampling carried out in 2025. Maintaining an “excellent” classification is one of the key requirements set by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) for a beach to qualify for the prized Blue Flag award.
Los Cristianos is the only beach in the south of Tenerife to lose the designation among those entered into the 2026 programme.
Arona Council: Beach Remained Safe for Bathing
However, the Arona Council has moved quickly to reassure residents and tourists, stressing that the decision relates to “isolated values detected in specific water samples” during 2025.
According to the council, three individual tests recorded a drop in classification from “excellent” to “good”. At no point, they say, did the water quality fall to “insufficient”, nor were bathing conditions considered unsafe.
Official health controls confirmed that the beach remained suitable for swimming throughout the entire period analysed. The council also highlighted that subsequent tests showed an improvement in the parameters measured, indicating a favourable trend.
Officials insist there is no evidence of any significant deterioration of the beach itself. They also drew a clear distinction between the Blue Flag award — which assesses overall criteria including water quality, environmental management, safety, services and infrastructure — and official public health controls, which determine whether a beach is safe for bathing.
The message from Arona is one of reassurance, alongside a stated commitment to regaining the quality mark in the future.
Adeje Retains Its Blue Flags
In contrast, Adeje has successfully retained its two existing Blue Flags for 2026 at El Duque and Torviscas beaches.
The local council confirmed that both beaches met the four core FEE assessment criteria:
- Water quality, maintaining an “excellent” classification through mandatory regular testing
- Environmental information, including educational panels and awareness initiatives
- Environmental management, with thorough sand cleaning and efficient waste treatment
- Safety and accessibility, with professional lifeguards, defibrillators, and adapted access for people with reduced mobility
However, Adeje has not yet regained the Blue Flags it previously held for Fañabé, La Enramada, and Troya I and II, which were listed until 2021.
Canary Islands See Overall Increase
Despite the setback for Los Cristianos, Palacios emphasised that the overall picture for the Canary Islands is positive.
For 2026, a total of 52 Canary beaches have been awarded Blue Flags — five more than in 2025. The number of recognised marinas has also increased significantly, rising from four to ten.
“Right now, we have a Blue Flag on every island,” Palacios said, adding that Spain continues to lead globally, holding 15% of all Blue Flag distinctions worldwide.
Local councils across the islands are being encouraged to continue presenting their beaches to the programme, which remains one of the most recognised environmental quality marks for coastal destinations.
For British visitors and residents in Tenerife, the key point remains clear: while Los Cristianos has lost its Blue Flag for this season, official tests confirm the beach continues to be safe for swimming.
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