TOP 10 countries with the cleanest beaches

An international jury selected the cleanest beaches in 51 countries, and once again Spain topped the list with the most beaches awarded the prestigious Blue Flag award. This year, Spain can be proud of 639 beaches awarded this recognition.

Greece is in second place in terms of the number of beaches with the Blue Flag. In this country, 596 beaches received the award, with 94 of them located in the picturesque region of Halkidiki in the north of the country.

Third place this year went to Turkey, where the number of beaches with the Blue Flag increased by 16 and reached 567. Of these, 233 beaches are located in the popular resort of Antalya, 112 in the province of Mugla, and 64 in Izmir.

The top five countries in terms of the number of cleanest beaches also included Italy and France. The top 10 was completed by Portugal, the Netherlands, Denmark, Germany and Mexico.

The Blue Flag is an international marker indicating the purity of the water and the presence of the necessary infrastructure for a comfortable stay. This certificate was first issued in France in 1985, and since 1987 the Blue Flag has been awarded to beaches around the world.

For a beach to receive the prestigious Blue Flag designation, it must meet strict standards of cleanliness and safety, and the management organization or local authorities must provide environmental education and protection.

Criteria:

1. Environmental education: Beaches should provide educational activities and inform visitors about respect for nature, local ecosystems and cultural heritage.
2. Water quality: Water must meet international standards, including physical parameters and E. coli content. Beaches must be protected from industrial waste and sewage.
3. Environmental Management: Local authorities are required to protect unique flora and fauna, maintain cleanliness and order in the area, including the availability of bins for separate collection of waste and clean latrines with a controlled sewerage system.
4. Safety and Services: Beaches must have first aid kits, drinking water sources and accessibility for people with disabilities.

The Blue Flag is awarded not only to beaches, but also to harbors and eco-friendly water transport operators. An expert commission consisting of members of the UN Environment Program and the International Union for Conservation of Nature awards this award. Currently, 5,042 beaches, harbors and boat tour operators have received the award.

Blue Flag beaches continue to attract tourists from all over the world, offering not only beauty and cleanliness, but also a high level of comfort and safety for vacationers.