Twenty-two Greek beaches have lost their Blue Flag certification due to inadequate organisation ahead of the summer season, the program’s organisers have announced.
The beaches were removed from the 2024 national and international lists because they either were not prepared for the swimming season or failed to meet the program’s stringent criteria based on recent inspections, according to the statement.
Among the affected beaches are popular destinations such as Kallithea on Rhodes, Korthi on Andros, Kalafatis on Mykonos, Agia Anna on Naxos, Myrtos on Crete, Schinias Karavi in Marathonas, and Ouranoupoli in Halkidiki.
Inspectors found that the 22 beaches lacked essential services for bathers and visitors, including those with disabilities, cleanliness, accurate information, safety measures, environmental management, and availability of free beach space.
The Blue Flag Program, founded in 1987 and based in Copenhagen, is run by the International Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) and represented in Greece by the Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature (EEPF).
Program organisers stated that random inspections would continue throughout the summer. Beaches failing to meet the standards will have their Blue Flag certification removed.
Beaches and marinas awarded Blue Flags are monitored annually to ensure they maintain the required criteria. The announcement is made each May.
You can find the country’s Blue Flag beaches here and the 22 beaches here.
Source: tovima.com
