More Than 20 Greek Beaches Lose Coveted Blue Flag Status

Photo source: Visit Greece

Twenty-two beaches that received the “Blue Flag” label earlier this year were removed from the 2024 list because they no longer meet the program’s strict operational and sustainability criteria.

According to the Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature (EEPF), the managing authorities of these beaches either failed to organize this year’s swimming season properly or did not meet the accreditation requirements.

Evaluators from the EEPF and international experts conducted unannounced visits to the beaches, uncovering serious deficiencies in meeting the criteria. These deficiencies specifically related to the provision of services for bathers and visitors (including those with disabilities), cleanliness, accurate information, safety, proper environmental management, and the preservation of free coastal space.

“The members of the National Crisis Committee and the Program Coordinating Committee decided, as expected, to withdraw the awards to preserve the institution’s prestige and credibility,” officials highlighted.

It should be noted that inspection visits will continue for all of the country’s award-winning coasts. If other beaches are found deficient in meeting the criteria, their awards will also be withdrawn, and the names of these locations will be announced.

However, the EEPF emphasizes that the withdrawals from these coasts are due to faulty organization and are not related to the quality of the swimming waters, which remains excellent according to the program’s standards.

A renowned environmental honor, the Blue Flag eco-label acknowledges beaches, marinas, and sustainable tourism boats. Trusted by millions worldwide, the program is managed by the Foundation for Environmental Education, based in Copenhagen, Denmark. In Greece, the program is represented by the EEPF.

Location: Attica
– Beaches: Karavi Schinias, 1st Limanaki Daskaleio Kerateas/Solo Pino

Location: Rhodes, Dodecanese
– Beaches: Kallithea, Mikros Gialos

Location: Crete
– Beaches: Amnisos/Pnoe Breathing Life (Heraklio), Ierapetra 1/Municipal, Communal Plaz Makrygialou, Myrtos (Lasithi)

Location: Corfu, Ionian Islands
– Beaches: Ermones, Saint Gordios/La Grotta Verde

Location: Andros, Cyclades
– Beaches: Mylos Ormos Korthiou

Location: Milos, Cyclades
– Beaches: Provatas

Location: Mykonos, Cyclades
– Beaches: Kalafati Beach/Aphrodite Beach Resort

Location: Naxos, Cyclades
– Beaches: Saint Anna/Maragas, Saint George, Saint Prokopios

Location: Tinos, Cyclades
– Beaches: Saint Fokas/Marathia

Location: Preveza, Epirus
– Beaches: Mega Ammos (Rock)

Location: Halkidiki
– Beaches: Koutloumousiou, Nea Roda, Ouranoupolis 1/Xenia Ouranoupolis