Long-term observations show that people prefer to relax on clean sand and swim in clean water... This feature was first appreciated by the French and in 1985 they established a certain certificate. quality of beaches as blue flag ... It was named so -.

Since 1987, Europe represented by the EU once again failed to resist French fashion and joined the program Blue flag.
In 2001, the whole world followed Europe and now about 50 countries are participating in the program as of December 2017. Of these, 45 countries have Blue Flag properties.
except beaches the program evaluates marinas (boats and yachts) and ships.

The program is conducted by the International Federation environmental education- FEO (Foundation for Environmental Education - FEE). Only she has the right to extradite. The marina or boat receives a flag for one year, and the beach for the swimming season that year. After a year, all of them must reaffirm their right to fly the blue flag. Update time blue flag certificates in the Northern Hemisphere every year in late May - early June. For the Southern Hemisphere and the Caribbean, this occurs around November 1st.

Beach over which flutters blue flag, guarantees vacationers that

• free access to the beach
• the water is clean and tested weekly
• garbage is collected and sand is cleaned
• there is a surveillance and rescue service on the beach
• if necessary, emergency assistance can be provided right on the beach
• showers available
• motor vehicles do not run on the beach
• pets use a different beach

This list can be continued since in total there are 29 criteria for evaluating beaches... The norms laid down in them are very strict and tend to become even more stringent over time. Comprehensive information about the program can be found on the website of the Blue Flag program.

For us, ordinary vacationers, there is no need to learn all the subtleties of the program. It's enough to know that Blue flag on the beach it is a reliable indicator and guarantor highest quality beach holiday.

Unfortunately, Russia's position in the Blue Flag is not yet as strong as we would like it to be. But in 2016, it finally appeared the first Russian beach with the Blue Flag... The beach is located in Kaliningrad region, in the village of Yantarny. The certificate was issued from June 1, 2016 to September 1, 2016.

Number of Blue Flags by country.

So that you can navigate the state of affairs with the quality of beaches in different countries I give you a table with the number of Blue Flags by country. Using the buttons, you can select the year for which you want to view the data. Columns with "+ -" signs reflect the change in the number of flags in relation to the previous year.

Unfortunately, the site of the Blue Flag program does not differ in quality and convenience, in addition, it is constantly "refined" and not always for the better. Therefore, some years are missing from my database, sorry ...

Blue Flag 2017

And in conclusion of this completely non-commercial topic, I would like to say the following. Friends, believe me, the French are not to blame for the fact that there are no blue flags... If it is in your power, try to make them appear with us. And if you are lucky and you will rest on the beach already awarded blue flag, try to leave him as clean as he met you!

The Blue Flag is a certificate that is awarded annually the best beaches and berths around the world. The presence of such a flag means that the 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 sign "Blue Flag". Photo: RIA Novosti / Igor Zarembo

Who evaluates the safety of beaches?

Beach safety is assessed by experts from the Federation of Environmental Education - FEE (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 in the current year. In a year, the coastal area must prove again high quality services provided.

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

What are the criteria for evaluating beaches?

The beaches are assessed on the basis of compliance with 32 criteria, which reflect 4 main aspects:

1. Environmental education and information

• The territory must display information about the "Blue Flag".
• Environmental education activities should be conducted with visitors to this beach.
• Bathing water quality information should be displayed.
• Information on the local ecosystem and environmental phenomena should be displayed.
• There should be a beach map with existing objects marked on it.
• Information about the rules of conduct and stay on the beach and surrounding areas in accordance with applicable laws.

2. Water quality

• The beach must fully comply with the requirements for the frequency of sampling for water quality.
• The beach must fully comply with the water quality standards for the analysis of the samples taken.
• No industrial and waste water discharges affecting the beach area.
• The beach must meet the requirements of the "Blue Flag" for microbiological parameters of the content colibacillus(E. coli) and intestinal enterococci / streptococci.
• The beach must meet the requirements of the "Blue Flag" in terms of physical and chemical parameters.

3. Environmental management

• Local beach managers or owners must have a beach management committee (administration).
• Local beach managers or owners are required to comply with all regulations for the construction and operation of the beach.
• The beach must be clean.
• Algae, vegetation or other natural debris should not remain on the beach.
• Waste bins / containers should be available on the beach in sufficient quantity and should be regularly serviced.
• The beach should have containers for separate collection of garbage for subsequent recycling.
• There must be a sufficient number of toilets on the beach.
• Toilets or restrooms must be kept clean.
• Toilets or lavatories must be equipped with a sewerage system.
• There should be no unauthorized dumping or dumping of waste on the beach.
• All buildings and beach equipment must be kept in good order.
• Coral reefs in the vicinity of the beach must be controlled.
• Parking Vehicle should not be carried out in the beach area.

4. Security and services

• A sufficient number of lifeguards and life-saving equipment should be available on the beach.
• First aid equipment should be available at the beach.
• There should be contingency plans and plans to deal with the risk of environmental contamination.
• The administration should take measures to prevent and occurrence of conflicts and accidents with beach visitors.
• There should be security measures to protect beach visitors.
• 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 people with disabilities.
• At least one of the Blue Flag beaches in each municipality should be able to accommodate wheelchair users and people with disabilities.

Thus, the beach, over which the blue flag flies, ensures that vacationers

• free access to the beach,
• the water is clean and tested weekly,
• the debris is collected and the sand is cleared,
• there are showers on the beach, a surveillance and rescue service,
• if necessary, emergency assistance can be provided right on the beach,
• there is no motor transport on the beach,
• there are no pets on the beach,
• there are conditions for the recreation of people with disabilities on the beach.

How many people have met the Blue Flag on the beach? What does it mean? Apparently, not so many people know this. Therefore, it is worthwhile to figure out what the special flag means and whether it makes sense to search in advance for the beaches marked in this way.

Beach vacation

Many people cannot imagine their vacation without the gentle sun and sea. Therefore, annually warm southern resorts accept a huge number of tourists who tend to the beaches. But their requests are different: some like the calm sea, while others like small waves and wind. For some, it is a pebble beach or a sandy one that is critical, but there are people with special needs in general. But be that as it may, everyone understands that you need to rest on that bank, which is completely safe, where there is all the necessary equipment.

Many beaches around the world have a special system of colored flags, which shows that, for example, there are creatures dangerous for people in the sea, or the waves are too large, and therefore swimming is prohibited. But the same colors are not always used, so it can be easy to get confused in the notation. But there is also an international sign - the Blue Flag on the beach. What does it mean?

Blue flags

The problem of assessing the quality of beaches has become relevant for a long time, and already in 1985 a special system began its work. Initially, it operated only within Europe, but in 2001, the organization dealing with certification of seaside recreation sites became worldwide. Today it has about 50 member countries in Eurasia, Africa, Oceania, Northern and South America... Initially, the blue flag on the beach meant high quality sea water (in several ways), today it is awarded only to those places that meet almost 30 different criteria. Obviously, this sign is very prestigious, and such beaches attract more tourists... That is why the requirements become more stringent every year, but more and more recreation areas receive these awards, and more and more countries are joining this kind of club. Certification of beaches in the Eastern Hemisphere is carried out in May-June, and at the beginning of November.

Award criteria

Before each season, the beaches of the countries participating in the project are certified. Many parameters are taken into account, divided into the following categories.

1. Water quality:

• Compliance with the requirements of the EU Directive.
• No discharge of industrial wastewater.
• Local or regional contingency plans in place for contamination from accidents.
• Preventing the accumulation of algae in resting areas.
• Compliance with the requirements of urban wastewater treatment.

2. Environmental awareness:

• Availability of at least 5 educational programs.
• Timely informing about the accomplished or suspected pollution of the beach.
• Providing visitors with information about applicable laws and codes, as well as rules of conduct.
• Informing about dangerous areas near the coast, including habitats of local flora and fauna, representatives of which may harm humans.
• The presence of a special educational center.
• Timely updating and updating of all information provided.

3. Environmental management:

• The presence of a sufficient number of garbage cans, which are regularly serviced and emptied.
• Carrying out regular, and, if necessary, daily cleaning of the beach area.
• Availability of land use and coastal development plan separately or on a regional scale.
• Full transport without special permission, unauthorized camping, dumping and auto or motorcycle races on the beach.
• Secure access.
• Actively promoting the use of environmentally safe species transport to visit the coastal area.

4. Security:

• All first aid equipment available on the beach.
• Strict observance of state laws regarding the stay of various animals in the recreation area.
• Lifeguards on the beach and necessary equipment and / or another way to ensure safety and prevent accidents.
• Access to a source of drinking water.
• Availability of a working phone if lifeguards are not working on the beach.
• All buildings and structures must be kept in order and cleanliness.

Not all of the above criteria are mandatory, some of them are advisory in nature. And yet, in order to get the highest rating - the blue flag - every year the authorities try to make the beaches better and better. And many succeed: in 2015, there were 4159 places on the world map that were awarded this quality mark. The beaches marked with the Blue Flag have received a huge number of tourists over the summer, without forgetting to maintain the required level of safety and cleanliness. The prestige of this award is so high that many people even plan their vacations focusing on the most highly rated recreation areas. So where are most of them located?

Spain

A huge number of beaches are awarded the Blue Flag every year. In 2015, Spain became the first in terms of the number of such places, with 577 certified coastal areas on its map. Most of the beaches, the ecological purity and safety of which have been confirmed, are located in Galicia. In second place was Valencia, and in third - Catalonia. Let's see if Spain will be able to retain its leadership in 2016 and, possibly, improve the result? In the meantime, it is much more difficult for an inexperienced tourist to get to a beach that is not marked with a flag, and soon it will probably be completely impossible.

Turkey

In the spring of 2015, it turned out that another popular southern country received "silver" in the competition for the number of certified beaches. It was Turkey with a score of 436. Most of of the noted beaches is located in the regions traditionally popular among Russians - Bodrum, Kemer, Antalya, Marmaris. And it is hoped that next year even more places will receive the Blue Flag badge.

Greece

Hellas moved to third place from last year's second, with a result of 395 recreation areas, having lost as many as 13 marked coasts. Obviously, the crisis affecting Greece was the reason, among other things, that the government focused on more pressing topics. Most of local beaches, over which the Blue Flag flies, is concentrated in traditional resort places - in Crete and the Halkidiki peninsula.

France

The country that spawned the Blue Flags movement ranked fourth in terms of their number in 2015. France lagged behind Greece quite a bit - on its territory there are 379 beaches that meet all the criteria of environmental friendliness and safety. The Blue Flag holiday destinations are fairly evenly spaced along the coast. A sufficient number of them are located both at the English Channel and at Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean.

Cyprus

Another country that is always loved by the inhabitants of the northern latitudes, in 2015 received 57 awards, as in the previous year, and almost all of them are concentrated in the southern part of the island. It may seem like a little compared to hundreds in previous countries. However, let's not forget about the small size of the island. It is worth mentioning, by the way, that Cyprus is a kind of record holder: firstly, there are marked holiday destinations in per capita terms, and secondly, the largest number of them per unit length coastline... They are mainly located in the areas of Limassol, Larnaca, Ayia Napa and Famagusta with the Blue Flag.

Russia

Despite the fact that the Russian Federation does not have many warm places with beaches, it has been participating in the Blue Flags program for several years. Unfortunately, during all this time, only a couple of yacht clubs have been awarded the prestigious award, but not a single beach has been certified for compliance with European standards. However, let's not lose heart: the situation may change for the better in the coming years.

In everything that concerns a beach holiday, one can argue about tastes for a very long time: someone loves to bask on the sand, and someone sincerely loves pebbles, someone only visits the closed beaches of five-star hotels, and someone even goes to nudist ... But there is one single criterion that is important for everyone - the purity of the water and the coast.

How to find a truly sustainable beach? Loyal assistants in this matter are international certificates. Since 1987, the "Blue Flag" has been the main marker of purity in this matter. Blue Flag on the Beach: What It Means The Blue Flag is a prestigious international award that confirms that a beach, harbor or pier meets the highest quality standards.

The initiative belongs to France and is managed by the non-profit non-governmental organization Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE). European beaches are annually certified before the start of the bathing season, the award is held on June 5. In total, 3,600 beaches and 677 harbors in 45 countries boast Blue Flags in the world, including such popular tourist destinations as Cyprus, Tunisia, Israel, and others.

In 2018, only one beach in Russia was awarded the prestigious mark. It is located in the village of Yantarny in the Kaliningrad Region and has received the award for the third time in a row. Nevertheless, the beaches of Yalta have already got into the nomination, and last year they joined the fight beach areas Sochi. Blue flag beaches have been certified for 27 points, including water quality, safety level, environmental management, ramps and wheelchair toilets, etc.

Other flags on the beach: to avoid confusion

Flags of other colors are used to indicate the degree of danger on the water. The International Safety Alert System is adopted in all countries of the world.

✔ Red color, as it is not difficult to guess, indicate a danger - swimming is prohibited for one reason or another. A double red flag signals an increased danger. These include not only sharks and all kinds of fauna, but also powerful ebb currents that can carry away to the open sea, quicksand, whirlpools.

All over the world, the Blue Flag is a symbol of the flawlessness and cleanliness of the beaches. This international award was first presented in 1985 and has been held annually since 1987. If the beach is marked with the Blue Flag, you can be sure that it is safe to swim here, and the coast meets international standards. In 2018, 3,687 beaches in the world were awarded 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, the beaches of which receive the Blue Flag. In 2018, it took the second place out of 47 possible, surpassing “competitors” from the seventh part of the whole world. In Greece, 519 beaches have received the Blue Flag, and dozens of them are located in Crete. This largest greek island- a real mecca for tourists and a pearl of Greece with a clean ecology, attractions different eras and, of course, the immaculate coastline. In Chania, 34 beaches have received the Blue Flag, in Rethymno - 16, in Heraklion - 22 and in the Lassithi region 41 beaches.

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

Crete Blue Flag beaches for 2018 - full list:

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 nome, is considered one of the most beautiful cities Greece. Eras are mixed here: you can see houses of the Venetian and Turkish periods, and their historical appearance is forbidden to change. The main wealth of Chania is its beaches, including the world famous Elafonisi.

Kandanos-Selinos:

In this area of ​​Chania, there are mainly pebble beaches. Kandanos Selinos is an ideal choice for those looking for a relaxing getaway despite the limited availability of hotels. Among the famous beaches of this area is Halikya, which is worth a trip through the mountains and deservedly receives the Blue Flag from year to year for its cleanliness, beauty of landscapes and excellent infrastructure.

• Woolizmeni
• Grammeno
• Pahya Ammos
• Halikia (Paleochora)

Kissamos:

In this area, there are many clean and well-equipped beaches, each of which is equipped with sun loungers and everything you need for a decent rest. 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 one of the most heavenly beaches in the world.

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

Platanias

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

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

Chania

The beaches in the area of ​​the city of Chania also did not stand aside and were noted for their cleanliness. Especially worth highlighting are the sandy beaches of three the peninsulas of Agia Apostoli, the endless sandy line of the resort of Agia Marina, near which there is everything from clubs to shops. You cannot drive past Chrisi Akti, whose name literally translates as "Gold Coast".

• Agii Apostoli 1
• Agii Apostoli 2
• Agios OnufriosAgios Onufrios
• Galatas
• Marathi
• Nope Hora
• Stavros
• Chrisi Akti

Apokoronas

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

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

Rethymno Region - 16 Blue Flag Beaches

Rethymno is rightly considered the best area of ​​Crete for relaxation. Nearby are the island's most famous day-trip attractions and the Chania region, and finally the city of Rethymno - the "Venice of Crete". What else attracts the Rethymno region is the longest beaches in Crete, many of which have been awarded the Blue Flag for several years.

Rethymno

In the region of the city of Rethymno 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 Rethymno are not overcrowded due to their long length, and next to them there are numerous taverns, souvenir shops and supermarkets.

• Adellanos Kampos A / Aquila Rithymna Beach Hotel
• Pianos Kampos / Grecotel White Palace Hotel
• Platanias B / Hotel Minos Mare Resort
• Rethymno 1 / hotel Aquila Porto Rethymno
• Rethymno 1 / Ilios Beach hotel
• Rethymno 1 / Kriti Beach hotel
• Rethymno 2 / Pearl Beach hotel
• Rethymno 3 / Steris Beach hotel
• Rethymno 4-Missiria / Creta Palace Hotel
• Skaleta / Creta Star Hotel

Mylopotamos

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

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

Agios Vasilios

The beaches of the Agios Vasilios area are surprisingly diverse. It is not the first year that the Blue Flag has been given to the beach 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 on the Libyan coast of Crete, near which the sea always remains calm.

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

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 the numerous resorts that are concentrated around the capital of Crete. Heraklion itself - lively city with clubs, shops and monuments of architecture from different eras.

Malevizi

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

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

Hersonissos

The beaches of Hersonissos are invariably popular with tourists. Besides cleanliness and quality rest a lot of entertainment awaits here. Holidays in Hersonissos are non-stop fun, including at the beach bars dotted along the coast.

• Agios Georgios 1 / Hotel Aldemar Knossos Royal Village
• Agios Georgios 2-Panagia Risi / AKS Annabelle Village
• 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 / Creta Maris Hotel
• Klondzani / 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

Phastos

The Phastos area is associated with archaeological sites and the famous Matala beach. It has long been a hippie haven. Today it is a coastline of impeccable cleanliness for a relaxing holiday.

• Matala

Lassithi Region - 41 Blue Flag beaches

Lassithi is an area that has no equal in natural beauty. It is a region of green valleys, olive groves, first-class resorts and the famous plateau that has given its name to the entire area. The beaches in Lassithi are varied: there are lively ones, and there are hidden gems that mass tourism has not reached.

Agios Nikolaos

The area of ​​Agios Nikolaos is a whole scattering of beaches. The coast near the capital of the nome is overcrowded with tourists, but does not know the lack of entertainment and infrastructure, and was awarded the highest award for its cleanliness. The area is also home to 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
• Vulism
• Driros / Hotel Domes of Elounda
• Elounda / Hotel Porto Elounda
• Elounda 1 / hotel Elounda Blu
• Elounda / Hotel Elounda Mare
• Caravostasi
• Kitroplatia
• Mirabello / hotel Mirabello Beach & Village
• Pigaidakya Eloundas / Hotel Elounda Village
• Pylos / Istron Bay Hotel
• Plaka / Hotel Blue Palace
• Poros 1 / Elounda Bay Palace hotel
• Poros 2 / Elounda Beach hotel
• Spiliada / Kalimera Kriti Hotel
• Schism
• Hawanya 1 / Candia Park Village hotel
• Havanya 2
• Hiona

Sitia

Sitia coastline - beaches for families and romantics. Silence reigns here, and sandy and pebble shores are washed with clean calm sea... Sitia is worth a visit for at least one palm beach of Vai - the most exotic place in Crete, recognized as a protected area.

• Analipsi
• Vai / Palm forest
• Kato Zakros
• Kuremenos
• Lagufa / Mikri Poli Creta Hotel
• Makrigialos Lagoufa / Sunwing Makrigialos Beach Hotel
• Sitia 1 / Gallico
• Hiona

Ierapetra

Foreign tourists have yet to discover the beaches of Ierapetra, the southernmost city in Greece. It is not crowded or noisy here, while the infrastructure is at a decent level. Many beaches in the Ierapetra area are characterized by dark sand and small pebbles.

• Agia Fotia
• Ahliya Shinokapsalon
• Ierapetra 1 / City Beach
• Kutsunari 2 / Kakkos Bay hotel
• Kutsunari-Agios Ioannis / Sunshine Kreta & Sunshine Crete Village
• Myrtos

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

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