Greece was ranked second out of 47 countries in the annual ‘Blue Flag’ awards, being awarded blue flags for 497 beaches, 14 marinas and 6 tourist boats.
The Blue Flags are awarded by the Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature (EEPF), acting as the National Operator of the International Program “Blue Flag” in Greece.
The program is in its fourth decade of implementation this year in Greece, with the Blue Flags representing the Greek coasts excellent water quality and the high level of services offered to bathers, and ensuring public safety with hygiene.
47 countries participated in the program this year, with Greece owning 13% of the total awarded coasts. The Greek region with the most Blue Flags was again the Regional Unit of Halkidiki, with 94 flags.
The nation of Spain continues its hold on the title of the country with the most Blue Flag beaches. Greece is second, followed by Turkey, France and Italy, in that order. The International Commission this year awarded 3,895 beaches, 691 marinas and 82 tourist boats worldwide.
The Minister of Interior, Mr. Panagiotis Theodorikakos, welcomed the announcement of the awards of the “Blue Flag” Program in Greece for 2020.
“Greece is always moving forward step by step, carefully and in accordance with the recommendations of health scientists in the gradual restart of tourism,” Mr. Panagiotis Theodorikakos said.
