Blue Flags 2023: 617 beaches throughout Greece (photos)

Greece was placed second among 53 countries worldwide – Halkidiki is the champion with 94 Blue Flags – 18 in Attica

The awards for coasts, marinas and tourist boats were announced by the Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature (EEPPF), National Operator of the “blue flag” International Program in our country. With 617 award-winning beaches, Greece once again ranks 2nd worldwide among 52 countries.

(Kalafatis beach, Mykonos)

It is worth noting that, for the first time, the awards exceed 600, and that of the total of 52 countries participating in the program, Greece owns 15% of the award-winning beaches. The prefecture of Halkidiki emerged first in Greece, with 94 flags. The International Committee awarded 4,212 beaches, 710 marinas and 120 tourist boats around the world.

(Falasarna, Chania)

The “blue flag” is the most recognizable and internationally widespread ecological quality symbol in the world. It has been awarded since 1987, to beaches and marinas that meet the strict award conditions. A necessary condition for awarding a coast with the “blue flag” is that its water quality is “Excellent”. No other quality rating, even “Good”, is accepted by the Program. The award lasts for one year.

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(Armenistis, Halkidiki)

In addition, the rest of the total 33 criteria for the coasts (38 for marinas and 51 for boats) must also be observed, which concern cleanliness, organization, information, safety of bathers and visitors, protection of the natural wealth of the coast and coastline space and environmental awareness. Large foreign travel agencies pay particular attention to the “blue flag” when choosing the destinations they recommend to their clients, as a guarantee of the high-quality services offered on the coast, but also the protection of the environment and public health. This is known and evaluated by all beach managers, Municipalities, Hotels and Camping, who participate in the Program voluntarily.