Blue Flags 2023: Greece 2nd in the world, 18 Beaches and 5 Marinas for Attica
Another prestigious distinction, in the field of tourism and environmental protection, was received by our country, including the Region of Attica. The “Blue Flag”, the most recognizable and widespread international ecological symbol of quality, which has been awarded since 1987 to coasts and marinas that meet the strict conditions, brought Greece to the 2nd place worldwide, among 52 countries (p. .: 15% of the total coasts belonged to our country). The Region of Attica can be proud of its contribution to this distinction with 17 Beaches and 5 Marinas.
CRITERIA
A necessary condition for awarding a coast with the “Blue Flag” is that the water quality on it is “Excellent”. No other quality rating, even “Good”, is accepted by the Program. The award lasts for one year.
The selected “Blue Flags” of Attica and the Greek territory as a whole fulfilled 33 criteria for the coasts (38 for the marinas), which mainly concern the following categories:
- Cleanliness
- Organization
- Information
- Safety of bathers and visitors
- Protection of the natural wealth of the coast and the coastal area
- Environmental awareness
DESCRIPTION
The “BLUE FLAG” environmental education and awareness program was first started as a pilot in France in 1985. However, its actual start was on June 5, 1987 (International Environment Day), when it was presented to the Council of Europe and in the European Union as: “Original Environmental Action for beaches with a large number of bathers”.
Today, 49 countries from almost all continents participate in this voluntary program. The responsible international operator of the Program is the FEE (Foundation for Environmental Education). In collaboration with the Coordinators of its member countries, it reformulates the award criteria from time to time, constantly making their application stricter, with the aim of improving the conditions and the experience of visitors, on the coasts and marinas that are awarded.
The program is represented in Greece by the Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature (EEPPF) and is supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Tourism and the KEDE.
You can see in more detail the Blue Flags of the Attica Region, which you can continue to enjoy for another year:
17 Blue Flag Beaches for 2023
Municipality of Marathon
1. Brexiza
2. Schinias/ Karavi
Municipality of Spata/ Artemisa
3. Crossing (Diastavrossi)
4. Lake
Municipality of Markopoulos Mesogaia
5. Avlaki
Municipality of Lavreotiki
6. 1st Limanaki Daskaleio Kerateas/Solo Pino
Municipality of Saronikos
7. Lagonissi 1-Grand Beach/ Grand Resort Lagonissi
8. Lagonissi 2-Mediterraneo/Grand Resort Lagonissi
9. Lagonissi 3-Shells/ Grand Resort Lagonissi
10. Mavro Lithari/EverEden Beach
Municipality of Vari-Voulas-Vouliagmenis
11. Asteras Vouliagmenis/Astir Beach Vouliagmenis Varkiza – WITHDRAWN
12. Voula A
13. Vouliagmeni
Municipality of Glyfada
14. Glyfada
15. Glyfada A
16. Glyfada B
Municipality of Aegina
17. Ag. Marina
Region of Attica – 5 Marinas with Blue Flags for 2023
Municipality of Lavreotiki
1. Olympic Marine
Municipality of Hellinikon-Argyroupoli
2. Marina Ag. Kosma
Municipality of Alimos
3. Marina of Alimos
Municipality of Palaio Faliro
4. Marina of Flisvos
Municipality of Piraeus
5. D-Marin Marina of Zeas
The International Committee awarded 4,212 beaches, 710 marinas and 120 tourist boats around the world. A total of 617 Greek beaches, 18 marinas and 6 tourist boats were awarded.
