Greek “Blue Flag” Beaches Announced For 2013

Greece once again ranked second place on the Blue Flag quality award list among 49 countries with one beach less compared to 2012, the Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature announced at a special event held on 26 May at Voula beach.

A total of 393 beaches and nine marinas were honored with the quality “Blue Flag” award in Greece. (Last year 394 Greek beaches and nine marinas were honored.)

The “Blue Flag” is a voluntary eco-label awarded to beaches across the world and is run by the independent, non-profit organization Foundation for Environmental Education (based in Copenhagen). The Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature is the program’s coordinator for Greece.

According to the Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature, international travel agencies abroad pay special attention to blue flag beaches when destinations are chosen for their clients.

Attica and Thessaloniki

Thirteen beaches in Attica received blue flags this year, up by one beach compared to last year, namely Schinias (Karavi), Brexida, Avlaki, Mavro Lithari (Eden Beach), Anavyssos (central), Lagonisi 1 (Grand Beach), Lagonisi 2 (Mediterraneo), Lagonisi 3 (Kohilia), Varkiza, Asteras Vouliagmenis, Voula (A), Agia Marina (Aegina Municipality) and Kakia Lagada (Kythera Municipality).

Alike last year, 11 beaches in Thessaloniki received the eco-label blue flag distinction: Seraiki, Asprovalta, Vrasna, Stavros (central), Stavros (east), Stavros (west), Agia Triada (PIKPA), Neoi Epivates, Perea, Potamos and Angelochori.

For the complete list of all 393 Greek “blue flag” beaches, press here.

Blue Flag beaches around the world

On a worldwide scale the foundation awarded the international eco-label (blue flags) to 3,103 beaches and 626 marinas for 2013.

The Blue Flag is awarded to beaches that follow requirements that refer to the quality of seawater, cleanliness, organization of the swimming area, safety of bathers and protection of the environment, among other factors.