The Greek Society for the Protection of Nature, serving as the National Operator of the International “Blue Flag” Program in Greece, has recently announced its awards for beaches, marinas, and tourist boats.
With a remarkable 623 beaches receiving the “Blue Flag” designation, Greece maintains its position as the second-best country globally out of 52 participants. Notably, there has been a consistent upward trend in our nation, with the number of awarded sites surpassing 600 once again.
Among the 52 countries participating in the program, Greece boasts 15% of the internationally recognized beaches. Spain ranks first in awards, with Greece following closely, along with Turkey, Italy, Portugal, and France.
The prefecture of Halkidiki leads in Greece with 93 flags, while the Region of Crete holds the top spot overall with 153 flags.
Globally, the International Committee has awarded a total of 4,302 coastlines, 736 marinas, and 158 tourist boats.
View the detailed map of Blue Flags here
Access the comprehensive list of awarded coasts, boats, and marinas here
What is the Blue Flag?
The Blue Flag is the most recognized international symbol for ecological quality, awarded annually since 1987 to beaches and marinas that meet rigorous standards. A key requirement for a beach to earn the “Blue Flag” designation is that its water quality must be rated as “Excellent”; any lower classification, including “Good,” disqualifies it from the award. The honor is valid for one year.
Additionally, the site must comply with 33 other criteria (38 for marinas and 51 for boats), which relate to cleanliness, organization, safety for visitors, and the protection of natural coastal resources. Major international travel agencies prioritize the Blue Flag when selecting destinations for their customers, viewing it as a hallmark of service quality and environmental protection. This recognition is well-understood by beach managers, municipalities, hotels, and campsites actively participating in the Program.
In 2017, the program for tourist boats was initiated in Greece, recognizing companies that manage these vessels under sustainable practices. They must meet 51 criteria across general categories, as well as additional specific standards for different types, such as diving boats. As of 2025, eight new tourist vessels have joined the program, increasing the total from nine (9) to seventeen (17) with the Blue Flag designation.
The program is founded and coordinated by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), headquartered in Denmark and comprising 82 member countries worldwide. In Greece, it is represented by the Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature, the country’s oldest national environmental organization, which celebrated 70 years of continuous efforts in environmental initiatives, conservation programs, and public awareness as of 2021. (www.eepf.gr).
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