Majorca
Ballermann beach loses “blue flag”
The flagpole on the beach where the blue flag has been raised in previous seasons. photo
© Clara Margais/dpa
Playa de Palma has lost a seal of quality. Has the situation on the popular beach in the city of Palma actually deteriorated?
Playa de Palma at Ballermann in Mallorca has lost the “blue flag” and thus its status as a beach of excellent quality. The same goes for two other beaches on the Germans’ favorite holiday island. Only 20 of the coveted flags will be seen in Mallorca this year.
For example, Cala Grand in the municipality of Santanyí lost the flag because water tests had only returned a quality of “good”. For the “blue flag”, however, the evaluation as “excellent” is necessary. In addition to the water quality, other factors such as lifeguard supervision or services such as beach chairs, showers and food stands and the general condition are also taken into account. The “dream beach” Es Trenc, which is popular with German holidaymakers, therefore also no longer has a flag.
However, the withdrawal of the flag does not necessarily mean that the quality of the affected beaches has deteriorated. The award must be applied for at the environmental organization ADEAC. The city of Palma waived this for two of its beaches, including the one at Ballermann. Nevertheless, the Playa de Palma hoteliers’ association criticizes the decision not to apply for the flag. “We’re giving a miserable picture right now. What kind of message are you sending to holidaymakers?” Says a press release.
“I deliberately avoid overcrowded beaches like Playa de Palma,” says a German vacationer from Freiburg, who prefers to go swimming in Peguera. There, the municipality of Calvià generally refrains from applying for the flags. “It doesn’t bother me because overall I have the feeling that the water quality here is very good,” says the German. Her 75-year-old husband sees it a little more critically: “I’m mainly here to visit my daughter. But if I were a pure beach vacationer, then of course I would prefer beaches with blue flags because I value good water quality.” But overall, the water quality is very good due to the island location.
Both have already dared to go into the water despite not yet summery temperatures. “My daughter had to persuade me, but once I was inside, it was totally enjoyable,” said the vacationer. The water temperatures in Mallorca are currently around 20 degrees – almost as warm as the air.