Greece has once again secured second place globally in the prestigious Blue Flag Awards reaffirming its strong reputation for high - quality and sustainable coastal tourism. The country secured an 624 beaches, 17 marinas and 17 tourist boats awarded, an impressive haul represents roughly 14% of all awarded beaches, underscoring the nation’s commitment to outstanding water quality and sustainable coastal management.
The awards were announced on May 14 during a special ceremony in Paleo Faliro, Athens, attended by representatives from government, local authorities and the tourism sector. The International Blue Committee awarded a total of 4.378 beaches, 747 marinas and 158 boats globally.
Operated by the Copenhagen – based Foundation for Environnmental Education (FEE) the Blue Flag program is one of the world’s most recognized voluntary eco - labels, coordinated in Greece by the Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature (EEPF) requires that awarded beaches maintain strict “Excellent” water quality among other strict environmental criteria.
Established in 1987, the Blue Flag label is recognized as a benchmark for environmental quality in the tourism sector. To qalifiy beaches must meet 33 criteria, including excellent water quality, environmental education, safety an accessibility. Marinas are assessed against 38 criteria, while sustainable boats must comply with 51.
For the fourth xconsecutive year, Greece ranked second behind Spain, reinforcing its position as one of the world’s leading sustainable coastal destinations. According to the Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature (HSPN), Greece accounts for 14% of all awarded beaches worldwide among the 51 countries participating in the program.
Among Greek destinations, Halkidiki, a prominent peninsula in northern Greece, located just south of Thessaloniki, famed for its pine - forested landscapes and turquoise waters, ranked first nationwide with 93 awarded beaches, while the region of Crete maintained the leading position among regions with 154 Blue Flags.
Many of Greece’s world - famous shores made the list, including Koukounaries (Skiathos), Myrtos (Kefalonia), Golden Beach (Thassos), and Astir Beach Vouliagmenis (Athens).
In addition, honorary distinctions were awarded to 18 beaches recognized for 35 consecutive years of Blue Flag awards, alongside one marina with 28 consecutive years, and one tourist boat with nine years of continuous distinction.
Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature President Nikos Petrou said that the Blue Flag Program has served as an international benchmark for beach quality and safety for the past 40 years, reflecting the long - term commitment of local operators and managers.
According to HSPN President, the Blue Flag program will introduce a transitional two - year award system for 2026 - 2027 ahead of stricter environmental and operational criteria set to take effect in 2028.
While annual inspections and monitoring procedures will continue as normal, participating beach managers will submit simplified annual updates for 2027 as part of the transition process.
HSPN head stated that the transitional measure is intended to help operators adapt to revised standards and methodologies while preserving the program’s credibility and monitoring standards.
Link
https://news.gtp.gr/2026/05/15/greece-retains-worlds-no-2-ranking-in-2026-blue-flag-awards/
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