The international jury of the Blue Flag project has identified countries where the cleanest and most comfortable beaches await tourists, reports atorus.ru.
In 2024, the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) awarded Blue Flag certificates to more than 5 thousand beaches, marinas and tourist boats in 50 countries.
Since 1987, the Blue Flag has served as a prestigious symbol of environmental friendliness. To receive the coveted distinction, a beach must meet more than 30 criteria, including water purity, landscaping, safety and accessibility for people with disabilities.
TOP 10 countries with the cleanest beaches:
Spain (638 beaches). The number of beaches marked with blue flags has increased by 11 compared to 2023. The leader in the number of awards is the Valencia region (159 beaches). There are 89 flags flying on the Costa Blanca and 20 on Mallorca.
Greece (596 beaches). The record holder for the number of blue flags (94) was the region of Halkidiki in the north of the country.
Türkiye (567 beaches). This year, the number of beaches marked with the blue flag in Türkiye has increased by 16. The leaders in the number of awards: Antalya (233), Mugla (112), Izmir (64 beaches). The top ten also included Balikesir, Aydin, Samsun, Canakkale, Mersin, Kocaeli and Tekirdag.
Italy (457 beaches). Among the gems is the quiet beach of Spiaggia di Punta Penne in the Abruzzo nature reserve.
France (403 beaches). Famous beaches with blue flags in 2024: Trescadec and Tres Goaremes in Brittany.
Portugal (394 beaches). Blue Flags fly on the coasts of the Algarve, Extremadura and Alentejo, as well as on Madeira and the Azores.
Denmark (153 beaches). Danish beaches often resemble huge sandboxes. One of the most popular is the kilometer-wide Lakolk on the island of Römö.
Ireland (85 beaches). In the south of the country, Inchydoney is ideal for swimming and windsurfing, and in the north, Marble Hill Beach, surrounded by dunes.
England (77 beaches). Topping the list is the golden-sand Canford Cliffs beach in Poole, a perennial leader.
Cyprus (77 beaches). One of the most famous is Aphrodite Beach in the west of the island, which is visited by almost all tourists vacationing in Cyprus.
