What does the Blue Flag on the beach mean? What does a blue flag mean on a beach and why is it awarded? Blue Flags Map

The Blue Flag is an international environmental award, awarded annually since 1987 to only the safest and cleanest beaches around the world. In 2019, 463 beaches in Turkey received the Blue Flag.

Thus, Türkiye took 3rd place in the international ranking of the best beaches in the world with high water quality. In this ranking, by the number of environmentally clean beaches Türkiye was second only to Spain (566 beaches) and Greece (515 beaches).

Turkish beaches with Blue Flag

Türkiye is proud to be third in the world rankings for the number of Blue Flag beaches. The Mediterranean province of Antalya has the largest number of Blue Flag beaches in Turkey.

Would you like to visit a country with the best beaches in the world? Then grab your swimsuit and fly to Turkey! You can choose from 463 beautiful beaches that have received the prestigious Blue Flag. Crystal clear water, picturesque bays, sandy beaches - and everything is bathed in bright sunshine.

South Aegean coast of Turkey

Mugla Province: Muğla province has some of the most popular beaches in Turkey. 102 of these picturesque beaches are awarded the Blue Flag.

Eastern Mediterranean

Mersin Province: In the eastern part Mediterranean Sea located resort town Mersin with a very long coastline. Mersin attracts many tourists with its beautiful wild beaches. The Blue Flag flaunts on 8 beaches in Mersin province.

Northern Aegean coast of Turkey

Balikesir Province: 22 beaches of Balikesir have been awarded the prestigious Blue Flag.

Canakkale Province: There are 13 Blue Flag beaches in the Çanakkale area.

Other Turkish Blue Flag beaches

Other beaches along the Turkish coast that are also awarded the Blue Flag: 1 beach in Istanbul, 7 beaches in Tekirdag, 1 beach in Yalova, 6 beaches in Kocaeli, 2 beaches in Ordu, 12 beaches in Samsun, 3 beaches in Sakarya, 1 beach in Kirklareli, 3 beaches in Duzce and 1 beach in Van.

Full list of the best Blue Flag beaches in Turkey: http://www.mavibayrak.org.tr/en/

The international Blue Flag certificate provides tourists with a guarantee that beaches or marinas awarded this prestigious award meet high standards and are the safest, most environmentally friendly and best in the world. Have you been to such beaches in Turkey? Write your reviews about the most beautiful Turkish beaches you have visited. Follow us on social networks and share your travel experiences with us.

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The Blue Flag is a certificate awarded annually best beaches and berths around the world. The presence of such a flag means that coastal areas meet certain environmental and safety criteria. In Russia, only the Yantarny beach in the Kaliningrad region managed to obtain such a certificate.

On the beach of the village of Yantarny, which has been awarded the international Blue Flag. Photo: RIA Novosti / Igor Zarembo

Who evaluates the safety of beaches?

The safety of beaches is assessed by experts from the Federation of Environmental Education - FEO (Foundation for Environmental Education - FEE). The quality certificate in the form of a blue flag was first established by the French in 1985.

The Blue Flag is awarded to a beach for one swimming season this year. In a year, the coastal area must re-prove high quality services provided.

The time for renewal of Blue Flag certificates in the Northern Hemisphere is annually in late May - early June.

By what criteria are beaches assessed?

Beaches are assessed based on compliance with 32 criteria, which reflect 4 main aspects:

1. Environmental education and information

  • Information about the Blue Flag must be displayed on the premises.
  • Environmental education activities should be carried out with visitors to this beach.
  • Information about the quality of bathing water should be displayed.
  • Information about the local ecosystem and environmental phenomena should be displayed.
  • There should be a map of the beach with available facilities marked on it.
  • Information about the rules of conduct and stay on the beach and surrounding areas in accordance with current laws.

2. Water quality

  • The beach must fully comply with the requirements for the frequency of water quality sampling.
  • The beach must fully comply with water quality standards based on analyzes of samples taken.
  • No industrial or wastewater discharges affecting the beach area.
  • The beach must meet the Blue Flag requirements for microbiological maintenance parameters coli(E.coli) and intestinal enterococci/streptococci.
  • The beach must meet the Blue Flag requirements for physical and chemical parameters.

3. Environmental management

  • Local managers or beach owners must have a beach management committee (administration).
  • Local managers or beach owners are required to comply with all regulations regarding the development and operation of the beach.
  • The beach must be clean.
  • No algae, vegetation or other natural debris should be left on the beach.
  • Garbage cans/containers must be available on the beach in sufficient quantities and must be regularly maintained.
  • The beach must have containers for separated waste collection for subsequent recycling.
  • There must be a sufficient number of toilets on the beach area.
  • Toilets or latrines must be kept clean.
  • Toilets or latrines must be equipped with sewerage.
  • There should be no unauthorized dumping or dumping of waste on the beach.
  • All buildings and beach equipment must be maintained in proper order.
  • Coral reefs in the immediate vicinity of the beach must be controlled.
  • Parking vehicles should not be carried out in the beach area.

4. Security and services

  • A sufficient number of lifeguards and life-saving equipment must be available on the beach.
  • First aid equipment medical care should be available on the beach.
  • There must be plans for emergency measures and to combat the risk of environmental pollution.
  • The administration must take measures to prevent the occurrence of conflict situations and accidents with beach visitors.
  • There must be safety measures in place to protect beachgoers.
  • There must be drinking water available on the beach.
  • At least one of the Blue Flag beaches in each municipality must have wheelchairs and special equipment to accommodate disabled people.
  • At least one of the Blue Flag beaches in each municipality must be able to accommodate wheelchair users and people with disabilities.

Thus, a beach over which the blue flag flies guarantees holidaymakers that

  • access to the beach is free,
  • the water is clean and tested weekly,
  • garbage is collected and sand is cleaned,
  • on the beach there are showers, surveillance and rescue services,
  • if necessary, emergency assistance can be provided right on the beach,
  • there is no motorized transport on the beach,
  • there are no pets on the beach,
  • The beach has facilities for people with disabilities.

Beach holidays are perhaps one of the most popular types rest in peace. Many people prefer to relax in coastal cities so that they can enjoy the warm sun and gentle sea. But how not to make a mistake in choosing such a place? The beach quality mark, the Blue Flag award, will help in this matter.

This is an award that is given annually to beaches and marinas (piers) for meeting water quality and cleanliness standards designed for safe swimming. This status is a non-profit, non-state award, which is managed by the Environmental Education Foundation.

A little bit of history. France is considered the birthplace of the Blue Flag beach quality mark. It was here that the awards took place for the first time in 1985. And since 1987, it began to be awarded all over the world. Today, 48 countries are already participating in the award, and the number of participants is steadily growing every year.

The award takes place on June 5 for countries located in the Northern Hemisphere and November 1 for countries located in the Southern Hemisphere. This year, more than 3,700 beaches and piers in 48 countries received this status. In 2012, Spain became the leader in the number of beaches on which this flag flaunts, with 539 beaches and 83 berths; in the upcoming season, this number reaches 550 beaches and 97 berths.

Russia can also boast of having a “Blue Flag” on its beaches and piers on the Black Sea coast - there are five in Yalta, five in Yevpatoria, one each in Ilyichevsk and Sevastopol. And also “Tsarskaya Pristan” in Sevastopol also received a quality mark. Also, another berth of the Terijoki yacht club in St. Petersburg received a quality mark.

What guarantees this status? The beach on which this flag proudly flies guarantees vacationers:

  • free entry;
  • weekly testing of water for purity;
  • sand is periodically cleaned and debris is collected;
  • the beach has its own rescue and surveillance service;
  • if necessary, first aid can be provided directly on the beach;
  • availability of showers;
  • lack of motor transport;
  • pets use a private beach.

Today, the following countries can boast of having this beach quality mark: Canada, Croatia, Bahamas, Bulgaria, Brazil, Denmark, Cyprus, Dominican Republic, England, Wales, France, Finland, Greece, Germany, Italy, Poland, Norway, Turkey, Sweden, Latvia, Lithuania, Montenegro, Morocco, Malta, Tunisia, Belgium and many others.

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(1 ratings, average: 5,00 out of 5)

When you go abroad with a worthy mission - to get a nice bronze tan, you don’t immediately, but you pay attention to some strange flags hanging there. As it turns out, they are there not just for beauty (although they add brightness and festivity with their appearance). In fact, each color of the flag (on the beach) and even its shape has a certain
important for holidaymakers.

You can swim

  • Blue flag
  • Green flag
  • Yellow/orange flag.
  • White flag

Swimming is prohibited

  • Red flag
  • Purple/blue flag.

For the convenience of vacationers, the meaning of the same flags on the beaches different countries the same.

What flags can you swim under on the beach?

  • (can be with a picture)

Beaches marked with the Blue Flag are beaches that have passed 32 international criteria responsible for environmental cleanliness, meaning that the beach is well equipped and in free access for vacationers. The blue flag also comes with an additional white stripe pattern. This means that this beach is characterized by increased comfort.

There are almost no beaches approved by the Blue Flag award on the territory of Russia and Ukraine. The maximum that can be seen on the beaches of these countries is the Blue Flag with a pattern of shells (most often, three shells). This flag only means deluxe beach.

  • Green flag on the beach

Entry into the water is permitted. The water is calm, the wind is within normal limits. If a beach is equipped and clearly maintained, but has no visible flags, it is presumably worthy of a green flag.

  • Yellow/orange flag.

There will be waves or strong currents in the sea today. The lifeguards present on the beach may (at their discretion) prevent vacationers from entering the water.

  • White flag

You can swim in the waters of the beach where such a flag stands.

Under what flags is swimming in the sea prohibited?

  • Red flag

Swimming is prohibited today.

  • Purple/blue flag.

Animals or other living creatures (sharks, stingrays, jellyfish, snakes, etc.) that are dangerous to life and health have appeared off the coast.

  • Brown (sometimes orange) flag.

The local beach or coastal area is polluted. For example, an oil slick was discovered off the coast of a beach.

  • Double red flag

Increased degree of danger. Entry into the water is prohibited.

Variants of danger for which a red flag may be raised:

  • Dangerous flora or fauna in the water near the beach (sharks, dangerous jellyfish, crocodiles, etc.).
  • The beginning of the hunting season for the local marine fauna: sharks hunt fur seals and so on.
  • The period of ebb and flow, which can drag a swimmer far from the shore.
  • The appearance of quicksand on the beach.
  • Formation of whirlpools or whirlpools in the water near the shore.

  • Black flag or ball

Shark attacks on humans have been recorded in the waters of this beach. It is strictly prohibited to enter the water.

Information flags on the beaches

This is how surfing spots are marked. It is not advisable to swim in the area limited by such flags in ordinary swimming trunks - you may run into a surfer.

  • Flag with a black circle on a yellow background.

On US beaches within the area marked by these flags, riding heavy boards (surfing) is prohibited.

  • Red-yellow flag.

These flags on the beaches of the USA and Australia mark the area controlled by lifeguards. Outside the area marked with red and yellow flags, vacationers in the water are responsible for themselves.

  • Blue triangular flag.

Similar flags are common on beaches. They indicate that there is a certain danger in the waters of the designated beach: strong waves or currents.


In addition to the above colored flags, flags are also installed on beaches that indicate the degree of threat from sharks in coastal waters. The flag has an outline of a shark and a different color background: green, red, black and white.

All over the world, the Blue Flag is a symbol of the impeccability and cleanliness of beaches. This international award was first presented in 1985 and has been held annually since 1987. If a beach is marked with the Blue Flag, you can be sure: it is safe to swim here, and the coastline meets international standards. In 2018, 3,687 beaches in the world received the highest award and many of them are located on the Greek island of Crete - one of the most popular summer destinations in Europe.

Greece has long and deservedly occupied the highest places in the list of countries whose beaches receive the Blue Flag. In 2018, it ranked second out of 47 possible, beating “competitors” from a seventh of the entire world. In Greece, 519 beaches have received the Blue Flag, with dozens of them located in Crete. This is the largest greek island- a real mecca for tourists and the pearl of Greece with clean ecology, sights of different eras and, of course, an immaculate coastline. In Chania, 34 beaches received the Blue Flag, in Rethymnon - 16, in Heraklion - 22 and in the Lassithi region 41 beaches were awarded.

To receive the Blue Flag, the beaches of Crete must not only be clean, but also earn top marks in more than 30 categories. This includes taking into account the safety of swimmers, the availability of information stands and convenient access to the beach, chemical indicators of water and the protection of the coastal environment.

Crete beaches with Blue Flag for 2018 - full list:

(The list of beaches is divided by regions of Crete, within the regions there is a division by districts. Links are provided to more detailed information for specific beaches and hotels.)

Chania region - 34 Blue Flag beaches

Chania - region with amazing nature, ancient ruins, picturesque gorges, monasteries and villages lost in the mountains. Chania itself, the center of the region, is considered one of the most beautiful cities in Greece. The eras are mixed here: you can see houses from the Venetian and Turkish periods, and it is forbidden to change their historical appearance. The main wealth of Chania is its beaches, including the world-famous Elafonisi.

Kandanos-Selinos:

This area of ​​Chania features mainly pebble beaches. Kandanos Selinos is an ideal choice for those looking for a relaxing holiday, although the number of hotels is limited. Among the famous beaches in this area is Halikya, which is worth the trip through the mountains and deservedly receives the Blue Flag year after year for its cleanliness, beautiful scenery and excellent infrastructure.

  • Vulizmeni
  • Grammeno
  • Pachya Ammos
  • Halikya (Paleochora)

Kissamos:

In this area there are many clean and equipped beaches, each of which is equipped with sun loungers and everything necessary for a decent holiday. But Kissamos became famous, first of all, for the famous beaches of Falasarna and Elafonisi. The latter not only earned the Blue Flag, but is also among the most paradise beaches peace.

  • Kasteli/Mavros Molos-Plaka
  • Falasarna/Pahya Ammos 1
  • Falasarna/Pahya Ammos 2

Platanias

Platanias is famous for its long beaches, which stretch for several kilometers and deservedly receive the Blue Flag. Among them, the most famous is Kolymvari, where in addition to beach holiday You can enjoy lunch in the best taverns in the Chania region. The beaches of the lively city of Platanias are incredibly popular in summer, also because the resort has a developed infrastructure.

  • Platanias/ Hotel Porto Platanias Beach
  • Platanias/Hotel Geraniotis
  • Rapagna/Hotel Cavo Spada

Chania

The beaches around the city of Chania also did not stand aside and were noted for their cleanliness. The sandy beaches are especially worth highlighting three peninsulas Agia Apostoli, the endless sandy line of the Agia Marina resort, next to which there is everything - from clubs to shops. You can’t drive past Chrysi Akti, whose name literally translates as “Golden Coast”.

  • Agii Apostoli 1
  • Agii Apostoli 2
  • Agios OnoufriosAgios Onoufrios
  • Galatas
  • Marathi
  • Nea Hora
  • Stavros
  • Chrissi Akti

Apokoronas

This area is considered one of the greenest in Chania. For a family and relaxing holiday, you can choose Kalyves beach. Another calm and picturesque beach- Almyrida in the village of the same name, where there are excellent taverns and hotels of different categories.

  • Kavros (Georgioupolis)/ Anemos Hotel
  • Kavros/ Hotel Eliros Mare
  • Kavros/ Georgioupolis Resort Hotel
  • Kavros/ Mythos Palace Hotel
  • Kiani
  • Maistrali
  • Perastikos/ Mare Monte Hotel
  • Perastikos/ Pilot Beach Hotel

Rethymno Region - 16 Blue Flag Beaches

Rethymno is rightly considered the best area of ​​Crete for relaxation. Nearby are the most famous attractions of the island for day trips and the Chania region, and finally, the city of Rethymnon - the “Venice of Crete”. What else attracts the Rethymno region is the longest beaches in Crete, many of which have received the Blue Flag for several years.

Rethymno

In the area of ​​Rethymnon there is a concentration of excellent sandy beaches. Many of them are located a few meters from first-class hotels and are equipped with sports fields. The beaches of Rethymnon are not crowded due to their long length, and there are numerous taverns, souvenir shops and supermarkets nearby.

  • Adelianos Kambos A/ Aquila Rithymna Beach Hotel
  • Piyanos Kambos / Grecotel White Palace Hotel
  • Platanias B/ Minos Mare Resort Hotel
  • Rethymno 1/ Hotel Aquila Porto Rethymno
  • Rethymno 1/ Ilios Beach Hotel
  • Rethymnon 1/ Kriti Beach Hotel
  • Rethymnon 2/Pearl Beach Hotel
  • Rethymno 3/ Steris Beach Hotel
  • Rethymnon 4-Missirya/ Creta Palace Hotel
  • Skaleta/ Hotel Creta Star

Mylopotamos

The beaches of the Mylopotamos area are a place for a relaxing holiday in the atmosphere of a Cretan village, which is rapidly developing without losing its traditional spirit. The beaches of Mylopotamos are protected from waves and well organized. In this area, Panormo Beach is especially famous, which is safe for families with children and offers water activities for every taste.

  • Lianos Kavos Lavris/ Iberostar Creta Panorama Hotel
  • Panormo/ Hotel Grecotel Club Marine Palace

Agios Vasilios

The beaches of Agios Vasilios area are surprisingly varied. This is not the first year that the Blue Flag has been given to the beaches of the picturesque village of Agia Galini - they are covered with a sand and pebble mixture and “look” at the slopes of Mount Psiloritis. Plakias is one of the most famous beaches The Libyan coast of Crete, near which the sea always remains calm.

  • Agia Galini/Istero Varkotopi
  • Plakias
  • Rodakino (Korakas)

Heraklion region - 22 Blue Flag beaches

Heraklion region is the closest region to international airport, the main attractions of the island (Knossos Palace, Crete Aquarium) and numerous resorts that are concentrated around the capital of Crete. Heraklion itself - lively city with clubs, shops and architectural monuments from different eras.

Malevizi

The beaches of the Malevizi region extend from the borders of the city of Heraklion to the municipality of Rethymnon. These are some of the cleanest and most comfortable beaches in Crete. Only one sandy beach Ammudara stretches for 5 km - open to the winds, it is especially loved by fans of windsurfing. Fodele is another popular Malevizi beach, which, unlike Ammudara, is reliably protected from waves.

  • Ammudara 1/ Agapi Beach Hotel
  • Ammudara 4/ Hotel Candia Maris
  • Ammudara 5/ Hotel Santa Marina
  • Ammudara / Hotel Atlantica Akti Zeus
  • Ellinoperamata/ Apollonia Beach Hotel
  • Made / Athina Palace Hotel
  • Fodele/ Fodele Beach Hotel

Hersonissos

The beaches of Hersonissos are always popular with tourists. In addition to cleanliness and quality rest There's plenty of entertainment to be had here. A holiday in Hersonissos means non-stop fun, including in the beach bars scattered along the entire coastline.

  • Agios Georgios 1/ Aldemar Knossos Royal Village Hotel
  • Agios Georgios 2-Panagia Risi/ AKS Annabelle Village Hotel
  • Agios Georgios 3/ Aldemar Royal Mare Hotel and Cretan Village
  • Agia Pelagia-Menopetra/ Akrogiali Beach Hotel
  • Anissaras/Lyttos Beach Hotel
  • Anissaras/ Mitsis Laguna Resort
  • Drapanos/ Nana Beach Hotel
  • Castries/Hotel Creta Maris
  • Clonzani/ Sirens Hotels
  • Kokkini Hani/ Knossos Beach Hotel
  • Kokkini Hani/ Hotel Rinela
  • Kokkini Hani/ Themis Beach Hotel
  • Hersonissos 5/ Silva Beach Hotel
  • Potamos/ Cretan Malia Park Hotel

Phaistos

The area of ​​Phaistos is associated with archaeological sites and famous beach Matala. It has long been a haven for hippies. Today this coastline is immaculately clean for a relaxing holiday.

  • Matala

Lassithi region - 41 Blue Flag beaches

Lassithi is an area unrivaled in natural beauty. This is a region of green valleys, olive groves, first-class resorts and the famous plateau that gives the name to the entire area. The beaches in Lasithi are varied: some are lively, and some are hidden gems that have not been reached by mass tourism.

Agios Nikolaos

The Agios Nikolaos area is a whole scattering of beaches. The coast near the capital of Nome is overcrowded with tourists, but there is no shortage of entertainment and infrastructure, and has received the highest award for cleanliness. This area also contains the beaches of the famous Elounda, one of the most fashionable resorts in Europe.

  • Agios Nikolaos 1/ Saint Nicolas Bay Hotel
  • Agios Nikolaos 2/ Minos Palace Hotel
  • Agios Nikolaos 3/ Minos Beach Hotel
  • Agios Pantelemonas
  • Almiros
  • Ammos/ Marina
  • Ammos/ city beach
  • Ammoudara
  • Ammoudi/ Hermes Coral Hotel
  • Vulisma
  • Driros/ Domes of Elounda Hotel
  • Elounda/ Porto Elounda Hotel
  • Elounda 1/ Elounda Blu Hotel
  • Elounda/ Hotel Elounda Mare
  • Karavostasi
  • Kitroplatia
  • Mirabello/ Mirabello Beach & Village Hotel
  • Pigaidakya Eloundas/ Elounda Village Hotel
  • Pylos/ Istron Bay Hotel
  • Plaka/Blue Palace Hotel
  • Poros 1/Elounda Bay Palace Hotel
  • Poros 2/ Elounda Beach Hotel
  • Spiliada/ Hotel Kalimera Kriti
  • Schism
  • Havanya 1/ Candia Park Village Hotel
  • Havanya 2
  • Khione

Sitia

The coast of Sitia - beaches for families and romantics. Silence reigns here, and the sand and pebble shores are washed by a clean, calm sea. Sitia is worth visiting at least for the palm-lined beach of Vai - the most exotic place in Crete, recognized as a protected area.

  • Analipsi
  • Vai/Palm Forest
  • Kato Zakros
  • Kuremanos
  • Lagufa/ Hotel Mikri Poli Creta
  • Makrigialos Lagoofa/ Sunwing Makrigialos Beach Hotel
  • Sitia 1/ Gallico
  • Khione

Ierapetra

Foreign tourists have not yet discovered the beaches of Ierapetra - the most southern city in Greece. It is not crowded or noisy here, and the infrastructure is at a decent level. A feature of many beaches in the Ierapetra area is dark sand and small pebbles.

  • Agia Fotia
  • Ahlia Schinokapsalon
  • Ierapetra 1/ City Beach
  • Koutsunari 2/ Kakkos Bay Hotel
  • Koutsounari-Agios Ioannis/ Hotel Sunshine Kreta & Sunshine Crete Village
  • Myrtos

All articles about Chania and Western Crete. Complete encyclopedia: beaches, hotels, resorts, attractions, tourist routes, museums, transport and much more.

Heraklion and Rethymno, cities and mountains, nature and culture, on foot and by car.

 

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