Greece second in blue flag beaches

Greek beaches are the envy of the world and our country's major tourist attraction. The only thing they need every year to maintain their fame is the “Blue Flag” international symbol of quality, an environmental distinction for clean and sanitary beaches the world over.

It's no surprise that Greece has won the “Blue Flag' for 408 beaches around the country, achieving second place worldwide among 51 countries, only behind Spain. The international committee responsible awarded 3,372 beaches and 650 marinas. The Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) is based on Denmark, with 63 member states from all continents.

The criteria for the “Blue Flag” program are the cleanliness of both sea and shore, the organizing of the beach, the visitors' safety, the protection of nature and the environmental awareness. This year Spain was awarded 571 “Blue Flags”, followed by Greece with 408, Turkey with 387, France with 379 and Portugal with 298.