Attica Region Boasts 18 Blue Flag Beaches in 2023

Photo source: Astir Beach

Attica, Greece’s most populous region including cities like Athens and Piraeus, boasts 18 Blue Flag Beaches this year, according to the 2023 list of quality awards for beaches, marinas, and tourism boats released by the Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature (EEPF).

Greece has once again secured the second spot worldwide on the list, following Spain, among 52 countries.

For a beach to earn Blue Flag recognition, it must meet 32 criteria that encompass environmental education and information, water quality, environmental management, safety, and services.

Attica’s 18 Blue Flag Beaches for 2023 are as follows:

• Marathonas Municipality (2)
• Brexiza
• Schinias/Karavi

• Spata-Artemis Municipality (2)
• Diastavrosi
• Limni

• Markopoulo Mesogeas Municipality (1)
• Avlaki

• Lavreotiki Municipality (1)
• 1o Limanaki Daskalio Kerateas/Solo Pino

Schinias Beach in Marathonas. Photo source: Region of Attica (athensattica.com)

• Saronikos Municipality (4)
• Lagonissi 1-Grand Beach/Grand Resort Lagonissi
• Lagonissi 2-Mediterraneo/Grand Resort Lagonissi
• Lagonissi 3-Kochylia/Grand Resort Lagonissi
• Mavro Lithari/EverEden Beach

• Vari-Voula-Vouliagmeni Municipality (4)
• Asteras Vouliagmenis/Astir Beach Vouliagmenis
• Varkiza
• Voula A
• Vouliagmeni

• Glyfada Municipality (3)
• Glyfada
• Glyfada A
• Glyfada B

• Aegina Municipality (1)
• Agia Marina

Agia Marina beach, Aegina. Photo source: Region of Attica (athensattica.com)

A total of 617 Greek beaches, 18 marinas, and 6 tourism boats received the prestigious Blue Flag label.

The Blue Flag Program was initially established in France in 1985 and expanded to Europe in 1987. It gradually gained global recognition after 2001 and now boasts participation from an increasing number of countries.

Throughout the years, the Blue Flag has become a highly esteemed and acknowledged eco-label, fostering collaboration between the tourism and environmental sectors at local, regional, and national levels.