Greece ranks for second consecutive year in the 2nd place worldwide for Blue Flag Awarded Beaches for 2020. With the second highest number of Blue Flag-awarded beaches within the world Greece is definitely the place to swim in 2020. Greek beaches received in total 497 flags, as well as 14 for marinas, coming only behind Spain which received 566 and 98 respectively.
The good news comes right after the reopening of hundred organized beaches following the lockdown put in place to contain the spread of the coronavirus. They are now operating under new health and safety guidelines, of which the most important require umbrellas to be placed four meters apart, and a limit of no more than 40 bathers per 1000m2.
Municipality of Rhodes came in first, with 34 Blue Flags for beaches. While the municipality of Kos came in 8th, with 12 Blue Flags as well as one more for its marina. The table below lists the Blue Flag awarded beaches of Rhodes and Kos (both for beaches and marinas)
Ammoudes-Faliraki/Mitsis Alila Resort
Ammoudes-Faliraki/Elysium Resort
Ammoudes-Faliraki/Rodos Palladium
Afantou 2/Irene Palace
Afantou 2/Port Royal
Vlicha/Lindos Mare & Lindos Blu
Galouni Kokkinogia/Boutique 5 Hotel
Galouni Kokkinogia/Mayia Exclusive Resort
Galouni Kokkinogia/Mitsis Rodos Village
Galouni Kokkinogia/Princess Adriana Resort
Ixia/Rhodes Βay Ηotel
Ixia/Rodos Palace
Psalidi/Mitsis Ramira Beach Hotel
Kavourakia/Amilia Mare & Paradise Village
Kiotari 3/Rodos Princess Beach
Kolymbia A-Limanaki/Atlantica Imperial
Kolymbia/Mythos Beach
Kolymbia/Mikri Poli
Lardos 1/Lindos Princess Beach
Lardos 3/Lindian Village
Lachania/Atrium Prestige
Megali Gi/Atlantica Dreams Resort
Reni 1/Sunwing Kallithea Beach
Reni Kalathou/Atrium Palace
Trianta/Electra Palace Resort
Faliraki 1/Esperides
Faliraki 2/Amada Colossos
Faliraki 3/Esperos Palace
Faliraki 4/Kalypso
Faliraki 5/Blue Sea
Faliraki 5/Epsilon
Faliraki-Kastraki/Grecotel Lux Me Rhodos
Psaltos/Mitsis Lindos Memories
Stegna/Porto Angeli
Trianta B/Sun Beach Resort
Akro Chelonas/Robinson Club Daidalos
Vouno/Mitsis Hotels
Gourniatis/Atlantica Beach Resort Kos
Kefalos-Ikos Aria
Kritika-Atlantis Hotel
Lambi/Blue Lagoon
Marmari/Caravia Beach
Marmari/Royal Park
Bamialiki/Astir Odysseus
Pefkokefali-Agios Fokas/Oceanis
Troulos/Neptune Hotels
Psalidi/Mitsis Ramira Beach Hotel
A long list of criteria required in order for beaches to be awarded with Blue Flags, including the cleanliness of the water. But also services like restrooms, excellent quality of bathing water, first aid equipment and disabled-friendly access as well as eco-friendly practices.
The global program is one among the world’s most respected eco-labels, the aim of which is to push organized, sustainable tourism. Participants must file an application which is examined by the Greek jury committee, which is created of representatives from government, local administrations, environmental organizations and other bodies.
Applicants are evaluated on their conformity with requirements during peak season, with no prior notice, either by the Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature or the FEE – this can be why it’s not uncommon for areas to “lose” their flag during tourist season.
Blue Flags are first awarded in 1987, initially only to beaches and marinas, and since 2017 tourist boats are awarded as well as for eco-friendly practices. The program was established and is internationally coordinated by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), which is based in Denmark and contains 73 member countries from all continents.
Sources: Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature
Hellenic Ministry of Environment and Energy
Central Union of Municipalities of Greece
