Halkidiki, a popular holiday destination in northern Greece, boasts the highest number of Blue Flags among Greek prefectures with 104.
However, Crete surpasses this with a total of 146 Blue Flags. According to tovima.com, Greece has maintained its position as the second-ranked country globally for the number of Blue Flags awarded, with 625 for beaches, 18 for marinas, and 9 for tourism vessels, as announced by the Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature (EEPF).
The EEPF is the national operator of the prestigious Blue Flag International Program, based in Copenhagen. The program evaluates criteria such as water quality, beach cleanliness, and facilities for bathers, including handicap access.
Overall, Greece holds approximately 15% of the world’s Blue Flags. The 2024 rankings included surveys from 52 countries. Spain, with over 600 pristine spots, holds a Guinness World Record for the most Blue Flag beaches, a record maintained for two consecutive years.
According to Conde Nast Traveller, each municipality must apply for Blue Flag status through the national operator. Approved applications are forwarded from a national jury to an international jury, which evaluates and determines the recipients for the season. The international jury includes members from the FEE Board, UNESCO, the European Network for Accessible Tourism (ENAT), the World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), the European Union for Coastal Conservation (EUCC), and the UN Environment Programme (UNEP).
Source: tovima.com
