Greece occupied again 2nd place in the world by number of awards “Blue Flag”: V 2026 received the international quality mark 624 Greek beaches, 17 marin And 17 tourist ships.
Total in Greece in 2026 marked 657 objects. We are talking not only about beaches, but also about marinas and tourist boats. According to the official Greek website of the program Blue Flag Greecethe country again holds second position among 51 statesparticipating in the international program.
According to Proto Themereceived the largest number of awards among regional units Halkidiki — 93 beaches. Leading at the regional level Cretewhere dozens of beaches are marked in different parts of the island. According to iefimeridain general on Crete have to 154 Blue Flags.
“Blue Flag” is an international environmental award given to beaches, marinas and tourist boats that meet criteria for water quality, safety, environmental management, cleanliness, accessibility and visitor infrastructure. That is, this is not just a beautiful rag in the wind, although tourists, of course, see it first, and not the water analysis tables.
What does Blue Flag mean?
The award is awarded annually and is valid for one season only. The beach or marina must not only receive the mark, but also maintain standards throughout the entire period. Key requirements include excellent bathing water quality, life-saving and sanitary equipment, cleanliness of the area, information for visitors and environmental protection measures.
According to To Vima, Greece takes about 14% of all awarded beaches among the countries participating in the program. This is one of the strongest indicators in the world and an important argument for the country’s tourism image.
For Greek tourism, such awards have practical significance. When choosing a resort, many tourists are guided not only by the photo of the sea and the price of the hotel, but also by environmental indicators, infrastructure, safety and quality of the beaches. For families with children, elderly travelers and guests with limited mobility, such criteria are especially important.
Where are the most awarded beaches?
Among the regional units, it especially stands out Halkidiki With 93 awarded beaches. Among island and tourist destinations, they retain a strong position Crete, Rhodes, Kos, Corfu, Lesvos, Chios, Samos, Zakynthos, Kefalonia and other popular destinations.
IN Attica included in the list 17 beaches. Among them are beaches in the areas Marathon, Artemis, Awlaki, Sounion, Lagonisi, Voula, Vouliagmeni, Glyfada, Kinetta And Agia Marina on Aegina.
Separately marked 17 marinincluding Flisvos Marina, D-Marin Zea, New Alimos Marina, Olympic Marine, Gouvia Marina, D-Marin Lefkas, Rhodes Marina, Kos Marina and others. Also received awards 17 tourist shipsmost of which relate to Halkidiki.
Full list
Official complete list 624 beaches, 17 marin And 17 tourist shipswho received “Blue Flag” in Greece in 2026, published on the program website Blue Flag Greece.
See full list and map of Blue Flag Greece 2026
Why is this important for Greece
For a country where tourism remains one of the key sectors of the economy, the result of the program “Blue Flag” – This is not just a matter of prestige. This is an indicator of how beach infrastructure meets international standards and how willing municipalities, hotels and operators are to maintain the quality of the coast.
However, the reward does not mean that the problems have disappeared. In Greece, questions still remain regarding coastal development, citizen access to beaches, congestion in popular resorts, sanitary infrastructure and control of commercial use of the coastline. The Blue Flag shows a high standard where it exists, but does not replace the need for constant monitoring. The sea cannot protect itself, especially when sun loungers appear nearby for the price of a small loan.
Editorial comment
Greece’s second place in the world in terms of Blue Flags is a strong tourist argument, especially before the summer season. But this success must not only be advertised, but protected: clean water, free access to beaches, safety and respect for the coast must be a reality, and not a beautiful sign at the entrance to paid sunbeds.
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