Torrenueva Costa Becomes First Municipality in Granada Province to Win ‘Sendero Azul’ Environmental Award
Torrenueva Costa becomes the first municipality in Granada Province to win the ‘Sendero Azul’ award for sustainable coastal tourism.
The environmental award, granted by the Asociación de Educación Ambiental y del Consumidor (AEAC), recognises coastal paths and greenways that meet strict criteria for environmental conservation, accessibility and public awareness. The distinction is widely regarded as a complement to the Blue Flag programme, but focused specifically on walking routes rather than beaches.
Recognition for Sustainable Tourism
The newly awarded coastal pathway in Torrenueva Costa connects key stretches of the municipality’s shoreline, offering residents and visitors a safe and environmentally integrated walking route. The path includes educational signage, protected natural areas and improved accessibility features, aligning with broader sustainability goals promoted across Andalusia.
Local officials described the recognition as a strategic step in strengthening the municipality’s identity as a sustainable destination within the Costa Tropical. In recent years, Torrenueva Costa has focused on controlled development, small-scale tourism infrastructure and preservation of its Mediterranean landscape.
The ‘Sendero Azul’ status confirms that approach.
What the ‘Sendero Azul’ Award Means
The ‘Sendero Azul’ programme evaluates routes based on environmental protection, biodiversity conservation, cleanliness, accessibility for people with reduced mobility, and educational value. It also encourages municipalities to promote responsible tourism practices throughout the year.
For Granada Province, which has traditionally relied on seasonal beach tourism concentrated in peak summer months, this recognition signals a shift toward year-round coastal experiences. Walking routes, cycling paths and eco-tourism initiatives are increasingly seen as tools to diversify visitor profiles beyond the traditional high season.
Across Andalusia, several municipalities already hold ‘Sendero Azul’ distinctions, but this marks the first time a town in Granada Province has achieved the certification.
Boost for the Costa Tropical
Tourism professionals on the Costa Tropical note that environmental certifications play an increasingly important role in destination marketing, particularly among northern European visitors seeking sustainable travel options.
Torrenueva Costa’s achievement comes at a time when smaller coastal municipalities are positioning themselves as quieter, environmentally conscious alternatives to mass tourism centres elsewhere in southern Spain.
The recognition also supports broader regional branding efforts that highlight the Costa Tropical’s combination of mild winter climate, accessible coastal trails and proximity to inland natural areas.
By securing the ‘Sendero Azul’ award, Torrenueva Costa not only gains national visibility but reinforces a growing message across Granada Province: sustainability is becoming central to the future of tourism along this stretch of the Andalusian coastline.
Ahmedabad