The international environment protection organization gave out blue flags to 425 Greek beaches and 8 ports. This way the country ranked second after Spain in a rating, which includes 40 countries. Last year Greeks waved blue flags on 430 beaches and 8 ports. Among the recognized are the favorite relaxation places of Athenians – beaches Shinya and Karavi in Marathonas, Avlaki in Markopoulou, “Giabanaki” and “Do it” in Varkiza, the three municipal beaches in Lagonisi, Asteras and Asteras in Voliagmeni.

Eleven beaches in Thessaloniki, 47 in Khalkidhiki, 56 on Crete, 33 on Rhodes, 32 on Corfu, 10 on Lesbos, and 7 beaches on Kos will have blue flags this year. The awarded 8 ports are Porto Karas and Sani on Khalkidhiki, Olympic Marina and Flisphu near Athens, Xilokastro near Korinthos and the ports in Lefkada, Corfu, and Kos.

Blue flags are awarded based on three groups of criteria:

1.     The clarity of the sea water:

-       It is measured twice a month for the whole swimming period from June 1^st until October 31^st and the time between two measurements should not be more than 17 days. The samples are tested in specialized laboratories.

-       The lack of industrial waste and city waste near the beaches.

-       The availability of enough garbage cans, which are cleared regularly.

-       The regular cleaning of the beaches from fags, empty bottles and food wastes.

2.     Beach organization:

-       Regularly informing visitors of the clarity of the water and placing microbiological test results on the information board of the beach

-       Tracking accidental floods, which pollute the sea water and quick reaction when such accidents occur.

-       Prohibition for cars and motorcycles on the beach.

-       Prohibition for camping outside of the designated areas.

-       The presence of enough showers and restrooms, which should be kept clean and should have sewerage.

3.     Beach safety:

-       Enough well trained lifeguards in compliance of the regulations by the Ministry of Commercial Fleet.

-       Presence of a phone in case of an emergency occurs.

-       Presence of life vests and all necessary means for giving first aid.

-       Access for disabled people.

-       Protection of the environment.