Spain offers the visitor over 4,000 kms of coastline where s/he can enjoy shining sun and sapphire seas in wonderful settings.

And what a choice of sands! Golden sands, white sands, grainy sands, powdery sands, and even the black sands of the Canary Islands!

Allergic to sand? No problem! Just plump for a resort with smooth, white pebbles! You?ll find a good selection!

Already holidayed several times by the Mediterranean? Then why not try the fairy-tale fishing villages washed by the Cantabrian Sea or Atlantic Ocean?

"Spanish beaches are the most environmentally healthy in Europe" says the Foundation for Environmental Education, which has awarded the much-coveted Blue Flag to 450 of the country?s beaches - more than any other participating contry!

Leading the way within Spain itself is the Costa Blanca, which received 48 Blue Flag awards. Then came the Costa Dorada (37) and Mallorca (33).

The Blue Flag Campaign, which started in 1987, is owned and run by an independent, non-profit-making organization called the Foundation For Environmental Education, or FEE for short.

The Campaign gives an exclusive, eco-label award (ie the Blue Flag) based on compliance with 27 criteria spread over four categories: water quality; environmental education and information; environmental management; and safety services.

The awards are made for one season only and if any of the categories are not fulfilled during the bathing season, or if conditions change over the season, the FEE withdraws the awards.

So, where are all these 1,779 coastal bathing areas to be found?

On Spain?s mainland, there are 16 different "costas", and then you also have the beaches of the Balearic and Canary Islands.

And, what are the names of these 16 sensational costas? Why not come to Spain and enjoy discovering them for yourself!

Linda Plummer is webmistress of Top Tour of Spain providing comprehensive information on Spain for travel, food, language and living.