The Program’s Criteria

Blue Flag beach criteria are also categorized as imperative or guideline. For example, establishing a beach management committee to cooperate with the beach operator is advisable but not obligatory. Similarly, promoting a sustainable means of transportation is recommended. It is advantageous if the operator encourages cycling and other alternative transport, and offers services that reduce traffic congestion. But it is not compulsory. However, most criteria are imperative, meaning that the beach must abide in order to earn a the Blue Flag status. 

Here are some specific examples of eco-friendly operations from each category. 

Environmental education: workshops and open discussions with environmental experts, reforestation projects, tours of protected ecosystems, volunteering programmes.

Bathing water quality: waters must be free from oil slick and floating objects, such as wood, coal, plastic products and bottles.    

Environmental management: coral reef monitoring, accessibility to all people, drinking water supply, pedestrian zones.

Security: visible time schedule of lifeguards’ supervision,

The Award

For a beach to be nominated for the Blue Flag award, it must be accessible to the public. Even though the program prefers to grant beaches with free access, it doesn’t exempt beaches that charge a fee. As long as it is reasonable and the services are of high quality. The Blue Flag award is renewable and lasts for one season only. This way, the program ensures that beaches, marinas, and boats are continuously working hard to live up to the criteria. 

The flag is a symbol of environmental consciousness and sustainable development in the realm of marine ecosystems. At the same time, the program challenges authorities to study the impact of local communities and tourism on the environment. Blue Flag-awarded beaches are proud carriers of environmentally ethical messages, and their success is inspiring emulation. A Blue Flag-accredited beach that, in mid-season, ceases to meet the high standards can lose the flag temporarily or permanently.

Blue Flag Beaches in Greece

For the 2021 Blue Flag season, 485 Greek beaches of the total 3,895 globally fly the flag. Hence, Greece is in second place worldwide, after Spain. In 2019, 515 Greek beaches achieved environmental mastery. The year before, 519 Greek beaches won the Blue Flag award. In 2017, 486 beaches stood out for their clean bathing waters, accessibility, safety, and environmental awareness. The region in Greece with the most flags (94) is Halkidiki in northern Greece. In any case, Halkidiki is known for its protruding peninsulas, sandy beaches, and secluded bays.

Blue Flag Beaches in the Ionian Islands

Since we have a special love for the Ionian Islands, let’s see how they did in the Blue Flag awards. In 2020, the Ionian Islands combined won 34 flags. Ten Corfu beaches obtained Blue Flag recognition, seven beaches in Lefkada, 16 in Kefalonia, and one in Zakynthos. One may ask why one of Ionian Islands’ most renowned beaches, Navagio in Zakynthos, is missing. Because to meet the Blue Flag requirements, a beach must operate under specific rules, which require expenditure, staff, and equipment. Greece has myriads of stunning beaches, but many of them are without amenities and infrastructure. 

If you plan to visit the Ionian Islands, here are some Blue Flag beaches to pin to your list.

Blue Flag beaches in Kerkyra and Zakynthos

In Kerkyra, visit Issos beach, created by a narrow strip of land that separates Lake Korission from the Ionian Sea. The region is a protected ecosystem with cedar forest, sand dunes up to 15-metres tall, different species of orchid, birds, and butterflies. Another Blue Flag beach in Kerkyra is Canal D’Amour known for its caves and rocky formations. 

Zakynthos boasts one and only Blue Flag beach, Katragaki beach. This is a small, rocky beасh оn thе east cοast of the island in a wild arеа.

Blue Flag beaches in Kefalonia

On the other hand, Kefalonia, will spoil you for choice. Close to Sami port, Antisamos Blue Flag beach stands out for the lush surroundings, crystal clear waters, and shiny white pebbles. Here, you will find all the facilities you need to spend a hassle-free day swimming and sunbathing. And if the beach looks familiar, it’s probably because you have seen it in the movie “Captain Corelli’s Mandolin.”

For those after crowds and an adrenaline boost, Lourdas beach offers deep waters, water sports facilities, and all-day beach bars and restaurants. Moreover, a local tip: stay until the twilight for an incredible view of the sun setting behind Zakynthos island. Makris Gialos is 4 km away from Argostoli, the capital of Kefalonia, making it one of the most accessible beaches. However, the scenery is as magnificent as in many remote beaches. 

Blue Flag beaches in Lefkada

In Lefkada, the beach of Ai Giannis is also a stone’s throw away from the island’s capital city. Ai Giannis is stunning and inviting, and when the winds are right, it is a hot spot for surfers. On the way to the acclaimed fishing village of Agios Nikitas is Pefkoulia beach, surrounded by pine trees and turquoise waters.

Against the backdrop of astonishing cliffs, Kathisma beach is among the top five beaches of Lefkada. If you can visit Kathisma off-season, you will see the wild side of it. From June to the end of August, the beach is packed with people, lounges, and umbrellas. Note that Kathisma is opposite Italy, and waves here can get big, requiring you to be cautious in the water. On the contrary, Mikros Gialos pebbly beach has very calm waters throughout the year due to its shielded location. In addition, visitors here come to relax and appreciate the serene ambiance.