Seventeen Greek Beaches Say Goodbye to their Blue Flags

Seventeen Greek beaches, located in destinations including Andros, Kythira, Kefallonia and Rhodes, were dropped from the Blue Flag 2019 list and lost their quality eco-label as they failed to meet the strict criteria of the program.

The beaches, which were previously among the 515 in Greece that were honored with the quality “Blue Flag” award in May, lost their status following checks conducted by the Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature (EEPF).

Photo by GTP.

According to an announcement by the EEPF, the bathing water quality of the beaches that lost their flags remains at an “excellent” level.

However, following random checks at the 17 beaches, EEPF and international inspectors found serious deficiencies in the mandatory Blue Flag criteria concerning the offered services to bathers and visitors, the safety of the public and lack of actions for the protection of the beaches and coastal environment. Moreover, inspectors saw poor cleanliness on the beaches and lack of provision of information to bathers and visitors.

“The members of the National Crisis Committee and the Program Coordinating Committee have decided to withdraw the awards in order to preserve the prestige and credibility of the institution,” EEPF said.

The ‘Blue Flag’ award of the following coasts were revoked for 2019:

Kakia Lagada, Kythira. Photo by GTP.

Location: Andros
Beach: Batsi

Location: Kythira
Beach: Kakia Lagada

Location: Achaia
Beaches: Aliki, Digeliotika, Niforeika, Tigania

Location: Kavala
Beaches: Perigialli, Ammoglossa-Keramoti 1

Location: Kefallonia
Beach: Bouka-Paliostafida

Location: Lakonia
Beaches: Gythio 2 / Selinitsa, Mavrovouni 2

Location: Pieria
Beaches: Neoi Poroi, Panteleimonas 1,

Location: Preveza
Beaches: Monolithi, Platania, Tsoukes

Location: Rhodes
Beaches: Li/My Pefkos

The iconic Blue Flag is a world-renowned voluntary eco-label, awarded to beaches, marinas, and sustainable boating tourism operators, trusted by millions around the globe.