With 408 “Blue Flag” beaches, Greece has once more achieved 2nd place worldwide, among 51 countries. This was stated in an announcement today by the Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature (HSPN), our country’s National Operator of the International “Blue Flags” Program.

First place was taken by Spain with 571 Blue Flag beaches, and third place was taken by Turkey with 387 beaches. France was fourth with 379 and Portugal was fifth with 298.

This year, the International commission awarded a sum total of 3,372 beaches and 650 marinas worldwide with the coveted “Blue Flag”.

The “Blue Flag” itself, is an international symbol of quality and is considered the most famous symbol in the environmental world. It has been awarded since 1987 on shores and marinas that meet the strictest of requirements. Not only do coastlines need to have excellent water quality, but 32 other strict criteria must be met, such as cleanliness, organization, information, safety of visitors and swimmers, protection of natural wealth of both the coast and coastal areas and environmental awareness.

Major travel agencies abroad pay particular attention to the “Blue Flag” when choosing destinations to offer to their customers, insisting on the services provided on the coasts as well as environmental protection. These facts are also known by coastal municipalities managers, hotels and camping sites which are voluntarily participating in the program.