Blue Flag beaches

When you’re looking to go on a beach holiday the sight of a Blue Flag beach is a sign that you have arrived at one of the best beach spots in the world. Greece is one of the top ranked countries in Europe when it comes to beach cleanliness and safety, with 430 beaches and 9 marinas deemed worthy to fly the coveted Blue Flag.
Since its inception in 1987, the Blue Flag award has become an internationally recognised benchmark standard, and an award that is much coveted, becoming a symbol of quality that is recognised by tourists and tour operators alike.

Blue Flag winning beaches have complied with the most stringent of criteria:
Water Quality
The water has been tested and passed as being ‘excellent’ for bathing and free from sewage or industrial pollution.
Environmental Management
The beach has fulfilled cleanliness standards and is constantly controlled by an environmental management system.
Safety and Services
Blue Flag beaches are recognised as having comprehensive safety provisions such as lifeguards overseeing bathers or lifesaving equipment available for use.
Environmental Education and Information
Information regarding coastal eco-systems, beach conduct codes and water quality is prominently displayed for the benefit of beach users. Greek Blue Flag destinations – Greece Mainland and Greek Islands



Greek Blue Flag beaches can be found up and down the mainland coastline and on the islands. Beaches vary in size, diversity of beachscape and tourist facilities available (such as provision for water sport activities).

In the north of Greece the coastline of halkidiki leads the way with 46 Blue Flag beaches and 2 marinas, that include Porto Caras (home to the largest private marina in Northern Greece), the picturesque beaches of Ierisos Dimoteki and the rich natural environment of Marmaras.




The Peloponese provinces of Ilia, Mesinia and Lakonia have 21 Blue Flag beach spots between them ranging from locations amongst beautiful scenery in the port area of Githio to the 2km long beach of Loutra Kylinis which bustles with resort activties.

Of course the islands have more than their fair share of Blue Flag spots.

The Ionian island of Kefalonia off the west coast of Greece has a high proportion of Blue Flag beaches relative to its size. Myrtos Beach has the distinction of being awarded the “Best beach in Greece” and third best beach in the entire Mediterranean region Meanwhile, neighbouring Zakynthos (famous for the loggerhead turtles that breed around its coast) has 7 award winning beaches.



The Dodecanese islands chain boasts 39 Blue Flag beaches which include the Kritika in Rhodes island, beaches in Kos, Faliraki beaches in Rhodes and the quiet beach of Katsouini on Lindos - Rhodes .In the Kyklades there are 22, includings the sandy beaches of Kolybithres in Paros and Kalafatis in Myconos. In the Noerthern Aegean ialnds, lesvos has 8 Blue Flag spots including the 2km long beach at Petra that offers organised sports and eductaional activities.

Greece’s biggest island, and one that’s renowned for its natural beauty, is Crete and here you can find 14 Blue Flag destinations, ranging from the beautiful sandy beaches of Agios Georgios to Anisaras Beach which provides many water sports facilities and also organises a number of environmental based activties.