The beach season is in full swing. To make it easier for tourists to choose a vacation spot, the Copenhagen Foundation for Environmental Education annually organizes the Blue Flag program. Find out more about the top 10 countries with the most beaches with this distinction

The Blue Flag program was initiated by the Copenhagen Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE). This program is voluntary and evaluates beaches, marinas and tourist boats according to strict environmental, educational and water criteria. Places that have received this award are recognized for their exceptional cleanliness, safety and environmental friendliness.

For tourists, the Blue Flag means that the place offers incredible beauty and high environmental friendliness, as well as excellent recreational facilities.

Blue Flag awards are granted for one swimming season, which usually lasts from June to mid-September, and are withdrawn at the end of the season. This guarantees continued compliance with important environmental standards.

Earlier, we talked about the best nudist beaches in the world according to CNN Travel.

Top 10 countries with the largest number of Blue Flag beaches

The BeCause travel company recognized the beaches awarded the Blue Flag from May 2023 to April 2024, which indicates their cleanliness and safety. The compilers of the rating took into account positive reviews with terms such as “environmentally friendly”, “ecotourism” and “clean water”:

1. Spain - 628 beaches;

2. Greece - 596 beaches;

3. Turkey - 551 beaches;

4. Italy - 457 beaches;

5. France - 403 beaches;

6. Portugal - 394 beaches;

7. Denmark - 153 beaches;

8. Ireland - 85 beaches;

9. England - 77 beaches;

10. Cyprus - 77 beaches.

Today, 5,038 beaches, marinas and boats in 51 countries are certified in the world. One of the cleanest and most beautiful beaches in Spain is Burriana, located in the southern resort town of Nerja. In Greece, the leader is Campudi Beach, which has been awarded the Blue Flag every year since 1951. In Turkey, almost half of the nominees are located in the province of Antalya, including the almost five-mile-long Lara Beach. Seven out of the top ten beaches in the ranking are from European countries.

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Sandbanks Beach in the UK

The first place among the most environmentally friendly beaches was taken by this British location. The beach has retained the Blue Flag award for over 30 years, which is a record for the country. The European Commission has repeatedly recognized this region for its high standards of cleanliness. Tourists describe this beach as very clean and well maintained, and a team of volunteers regularly cleans the coast from debris.

This beach is ideal for families with small children, who can build sand castles without the risk of finding garbage. Behind the beach is a children's playground where children can have fun.

Sandbanks Beach is located on a small peninsula that crosses the mouth of Poole Harbor. From London it can be reached by train in 4 hours, and there are also options for traveling by bus or ferry.

Vacationing in this beautiful natural location is available all year round, although the largest influx of tourists is observed in the summer, when you can enjoy sunbathing.

Galissas Beach in Greece

A cozy bay on the west coast of the Greek island of Syros was ranked fifth in the Tripadvisor rating. The beach, located among high cliffs, is an ideal place for scuba diving. The shallow water here is calm and allows you to stay waist-deep at a great distance from the shore.

Tourists note the crystal clear water and good accessibility for people with disabilities. After relaxing on the beach, you can visit the local taverns in the village and taste traditional dishes. A great view opens from the chapel of Agia Pakou, and it is also worth visiting the ancient ruins of Galissas.

Galissas Beach can be reached by bus from Ermoupolis, the island's capital. The trip takes approximately 30 minutes.

Nissi Beach in Cyprus

The famous sandy beach of Nissi, 500 meters long, is located in the resort of Ayia Napa in Cyprus. The beach has received the Blue Flag award for its cleanliness. Nearby is the islet of Nissi, which can be reached on foot through shallow water. The beach is ranked sixth on Tripadvisor.

Nissi Beach is famous as one of the most beautiful beaches in Cyprus. Its eastern part is calm and quiet, while the western part is known for its active nightlife.

You can get to the beach from Larnaca Airport by bus, covering a distance of about 35 km, or by bus from Ayia Napa.

What other beaches are in the top 10 cleanest?

Seven of the ten most environmentally friendly beaches are located in Europe: in the UK, Greece, Cyprus, Malta, and Spain. Saundersfoot Beach in Wales is in third place, Mellieħa in Malta is ranked 7th, followed by Myrtos Beach in Greece (8th place) and Playa Blanca in Lanzarote, Spain (9th place).

Outside of Europe, the ranking includes Radhanagar Beach in India, which is ranked second, Corniche Beach in the United Arab Emirates (4th place) and Camps Bay Beach in South Africa, which is ranked 9th.

We remind you! Can't wait for your summer vacation and counting the days until your dream vacation? There are many cities by the sea in Europe where you can spend an unforgettable vacation. Read more about the top 10 best beach resorts in Europe.

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