Unannounced inspections continue across the country’s awarded beaches

Twelve Greek beaches that were previously awarded the prestigious “Blue Flag” — part of an international environmental education and awareness program — have been removed from the national and global Blue Flag list for 2025. The decision was made after inspections revealed either poor organization during the current swimming season or failure to meet the program’s strict standards.

As part of the evaluation process, inspectors from the Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature — as well as international assessors conducting unannounced visits — identified several shortcomings. These included a lack of essential services for beachgoers (including accessibility for people with disabilities), inadequate safety measures for swimmers and visitors, and insufficient public information provided on-site.

The final date for raising the Blue Flag was July 1. Following protocol, the National Blue Flag Decision Committee and the Program’s Coordinating Committee agreed to withdraw the awards from the 12 beaches in question to preserve the program’s credibility and integrity.

Routine inspections of all Blue Flag-awarded beaches across Greece are still underway, most of them unannounced. Should other beaches be found in breach of the program’s standards, more removals may follow, which will be announced in future press releases.

It’s worth noting that the removals were due to inadequate beach management, not water quality. The seawater at all affected beaches continues to meet the program’s criteria for excellent quality.

The 12 beaches losing their Blue Flag status for 2025 are:

• Plaka Beach, Municipality of Nafplio, Argolis
• Kondyli Beach, Municipality of Nafplio, Argolis
• Karathona Beach, Municipality of Nafplio, Argolis
• Tolo Beach, Municipality of Nafplio, Argolis
• Lichnos Beach, Municipality of Parga, Preveza
• Georgioupoli/Fereniki Beach, Municipality of Apokoronas, Chania
• Vasilias Beach, Municipality of Skiathos, Sporades
• Kanapitsa Beach, Municipality of Skiathos, Sporades
• Aselinos Beach, Municipality of Skiathos, Sporades
• Gournes Elia Beach, Municipality of Skiathos, Sporades
• Ampelakia/Elivi Beach, Municipality of Skiathos, Sporades
• Fanari/Camping Beach, Municipality of Komotini, Rhodope