Just one week after the announcement of the 2025 Blue Flag Awards, two well-known beaches near Athens have had their prestigious Blue Flag status revoked. The beaches failed to meet the stringent criteria set by the international Blue Flag program, which evaluates environmental quality, safety, and amenities, according to keeptalkinggreece.com
According to media reports on Wednesday, Karavi Beach in Schinias (Municipality of Marathon) and the 1st Port of Daskaleio Keratea – Solo Pino (Municipality of Lavreotiki) no longer comply with the requirements established by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), the organization responsible for the Blue Flag certifications.
The Blue Flag program assesses multiple factors, including water quality, waste management, lifeguard coverage, accessibility, environmental education initiatives, and infrastructure.
Karavi Beach, set within Schinias National Park, is known for its soft sands, shallow waters, and pine-covered backdrop. It’s a favorite for families and water sports enthusiasts, particularly windsurfers. Daskaleio features three small ports, two of which are developed for visitors. The now delisted 1st port had become increasingly popular in recent years.
Losing Blue Flag status is more than symbolic—it may reflect environmental degradation, pollution concerns, or failures in beach management. The move has raised alarm among local communities and tourism professionals, especially as the busy summer season approaches, To Vima reported.
Despite these removals, the region of Attica still holds 15 beaches that continue to fly the Blue Flag for 2025. These include sites in Eastern Attica, Athens’ southern suburbs, and the Saronic Islands:
Municipality of Marathon
- Brexiza – Schinias/Karavi
Municipality of Spata-Artemidos
- IntersectionLake
Municipality of Markopoulo Mesogaia
- Avlaki
Municipality of Lavreotiki
- 1st Port Daskalio Keratea/Solo Pino
Municipality of Saronic Islands
- Lagonissi 1 – Grand Beach/Grand Resort Lagonissi
- Lagonissi 2 – Mediterraneo/Grand Resort Lagonissi
- Lagonissi 3 – Kochylia/Grand Resort Lagonissi
- Mavro Lithari – EverEden Beach
Municipality of Vari-Voula-Vouliagmeni
- Asteras Vouliagmenis – Astir Beach Vouliagmenis
- Voula A
- Vouliagmeni
Municipality of Glyfada
- Glyfada
- Glyfada A
- Glyfada B – includes Seatrack for disabled access
Municipality of Aegina
- Agia Marina
This year, Greece maintained its strong international standing by earning second place globally in the Blue Flag rankings, with a total of 657 awards across beaches, marinas, and eco-friendly tourist boats.
Source: keeptalkinggreece.com
