Greece in 2nd Place as Over 600 Beaches in Greek Beaches Awarded “Blue Flag”

NONE LIKE GREEK BEACHESGreece in 2nd Place as Over 600 Beaches in Greek Beaches Awarded “Blue Flag”

The Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature (EEPP), the National Operator of the “Blue Flag” International Program in Greece, announced the awards for coasts, marinas, and tourist boats on Wednesday. Once again, Greece secured the second position globally among 52 countries, with a total of 617 award-winning beaches.

*One of the many beaches in Rhodes, Greece. | Photo: Visit Greece page*

Spain claimed the top spot with 729 Blue Flags (627 beaches, 97 marinas, and five tourist boats), while Turkey secured the third position.

In Greece, the regional unit of Halkidiki emerged as the leader with 94 Blue Flags, maintaining its top ranking for yet another year. P.E. Rhodes followed with 57 awarded beaches, and even the beaches of Attica managed to secure 18 Blue Flags. The announcement ceremony took place in Georgioupoli Apokoronou Chania at the coast of the Pilot Beach Resort hotel in two phases.

The morning session comprised an educational event on the award-winning beach, featuring the participation of over a hundred children and teachers from local schools. The children engaged in interactive workshops and witnessed a lifesaving demonstration by Theodorakatos Lifesaving School and Sia EE. The second phase of the event took place at noon at the same location and included the announcement of the award-winning coasts, marinas, and tourist boats, attended by numerous representatives of the local government and tourism bodies.

This year marked a significant milestone as it was the first time Greece exceeded 600 awards, accounting for 15% of the total awarded beaches among the 52 participating countries in the program. In total, the International Commission bestowed 4,212 Blue Flags to beaches, 710 to marinas, and 120 to tourist boats worldwide. The Blue Flag recognition highlights the commitment of these coastal areas to environmental sustainability, water quality, safety, and visitor amenities.

Click here to see the list of Greek Beaches awarded Blue Flag in 2023.

*A Blue Flag | Photo: Visit Greece page*

About “Blue Flag”

The Blue Flag Programme is an international initiative by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) to promote environmental awareness and protection. The programme awards a prestigious Blue Flag label to beaches, marinas, and tour boats that meet strict sustainability requirements. Since 1987, Blue Flag labels have been awarded to beaches and marinas, and since 2017, to tour boats as well. The aim is to make these areas safer, better, and more sustainable while also protecting the natural environment.

The Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature is responsible for coordinating the programme in Greece. Founded in 1951, it is the oldest conservation organisation in the country and has been active in environmental education and nature conservation for many years. To receive a Blue Flag label, a beach must meet 33 criteria (38 for marinas and 51 for boat operators) regarding cleanliness, environmental management and awareness, amenities and services, information, visitor safety, and protection of the coastal area. Only beaches, marinas, and boats that comply with all of these criteria are awarded the Blue Flag label. The Blue Flag Programme is one of the most well-known environmental labels worldwide and is an international symbol of quality.