The beach is marked with a blue flag that. The best beaches in the world: focusing on the Blue Flag! Environmental Education Foundation

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 clean ecology, sights 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. The 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 beach holiday you can enjoy lunch in the best taverns in the Chania area. The beaches of the lively town of Platanias are incredibly popular in summer, also because the resort has a well-developed infrastructure.

• Platanias / Porto Platanias Beach Hotel
• 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. Sandy beaches of three the peninsulas of Agii 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 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 area 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 sandy beach of 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 / 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 / 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. This 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's coastline - beaches for families and romantics. Silence reigns here, and sandy and pebble shores are washed with clean calm sea... Sitia is worth visiting 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 not yet discovered 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.

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... He 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 run by the International Federation for Environmental Education - FEE (Foundation for Environmental Education - FEE). Only she has the right to extradite. The marina or ship 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 the 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 ah, 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, moreover, it is constantly "refined" and not always for the better. Therefore, some years are missing in 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!

Beach vacation is perhaps one of the most popular types of vacation in the world. Many people prefer to relax in the seaside towns so that they can enjoy the warm sun and gentle sea. But how not to be mistaken in choosing such a place? In this matter, the quality mark of the beaches, the Blue Flag award, will help.

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

A bit of history. France is considered the birthplace of the Blue Flag beach quality mark. It was here that the awarding ceremony took place for the first time in 1985. And since 1987, they began to present it 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 marinas in 48 countries have 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 coming season this number reaches 550 beaches and 97 berths.

Russia also boasts the presence of a "Blue Flag" on its beaches and piers on the Black Sea coast - five in Yalta, five in Yevpatoria, one each in Ilyichevsk and Sevastopol. And also "Tsarskaya Pristan" in Sevastopol also received a quality mark. Also, one more berth of the Terijoki yacht club in St. Petersburg received a quality mark.

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

• free entrance;
• 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;
• the presence of shower cabins;
• lack of motor transport;
• pets enjoy the private beach.

Today, the following countries can boast of this quality mark of beaches: 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.

Services for tourists that will allow you to save or get more for the same money:

• Insurance: the journey begins with choosing a profitable insurance company, allows you to choose the best way according to your requirements;
• Flight: Aviasales are looking for the best tickets, you can also find promotions and sales of airlines in Aviadiscounter;
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• Movements: you can book an inexpensive transfer to and from the airport, you can also rent a car on (Economybookings). In some countries, car rental can be cheaper than public transport(eg, in Portugal);
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When planning trips, many vacationers are guided by the Blue Flag ratings. It is an international award, presented annually since 1987 for beaches and marinas whose water meets high quality standards and is suitable for safe bathing. The Blue Flag nomination is administered by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE). More than 40 countries are participating in the program.

In 2013, Spain ranked first among the countries with the largest number of Blue Flag beaches (550 holiday destinations). The top five also includes Greece, Turkey, France and Portugal.

European countries are the leaders in the number of beaches marked with the "Blue Flag" BlueFlag.Org data (2013)

1. Spain

The Spanish coastline with a total length of 8,000 km attracts more than 43.5 million tourists annually. At the regional level, in terms of the number of clean beaches (127), the autonomous community of Galicia is in the lead, within which there are especially many Blue Flags in A Coruña. The beaches of Riazor and Orzan are widely known. However, for those who are used to swimming in the Mediterranean Sea, the water here may seem cold.

2. Greece

Among the Greek regions, the most Blue Flags (36) went to Lassithi, a large tourist center located in Crete. Clean beaches especially in the capital of this nome, the city of Agios Nikolaos. The best is Almiros, a long sandy beach with a cold current flowing into the warm sea. In windy weather, it is better to choose pebble beaches, which are abundant here.

3. Turkey

In 2013, 383 Turkish beaches were awarded the Blue Flag, of which more than half (197) are located in Antalya. Therefore, it is not surprising that this is the most popular region among Russian tourists... The most famous beaches are Konyaalti (in the west of Antalya city) and Lara (in the east). The latter is the focus of all-inclusive holidays in four and five star hotels.

4. France

In France, every day you can relax on a new beach marked with the "Blue Flag", because there are 365 of them. Provence - Alpes - Côte d'Azur region is especially rich in them (96 beaches with "Blue Flag"). West of Nice (Cannes, Antibes, Juan-les-Pins, Saint-Tropez) sandy beaches, in Nice itself and further in the direction of Italy they are pebble. The coast is not wide - about 30-40 m.

5. Portugal

The Algarve is the most sophisticated and sought-after region in Portugal. Of the 279 Blue Flags, a quarter went to the beaches of this particular area. The main resorts are Quinta do Lago and Vale do Lobo, as well as the Golden Triangle, which includes Goldra, Loule and Santa Barbara de Neche. The best beaches in Portugal are also located there. The coastline stretches for 150 km from east to west from Monte Gordo to Lagos. It is protected from northern winds mountain ranges. In the west there are rocky beaches, in the east there are sandy ones.

6.Italy

Italy has the most Blue Flag beaches in Liguria (35). The best resorts- Portofino, Rapallo and Santa Margherita Ligure. Walkers will love to walk along the "Via del Amore", or "road of love", a trail that winds along the coast of the Cinque Terre. Breathtaking sea views will make your trip unforgettable.

7. Denmark

Denmark has coastline 7,400 km long - about the same as in Brazil and longer than in India. There is a Blue Flag beach for every 180 km² of the country. There are especially many of them (71) in the south of Denmark, where there are many islets where city dwellers go to rest on weekends (which is why so many Danes have chocolate tan). The visiting card of this region is the marinas with yachts.

8. Croatia

Little Croatia, which is smaller than the Krasnodar Territory, has a coastline of about 2,000 km. At the same time, on average, every 20 km there is a beach marked with the "Blue Flag". The Istrian County is especially rich in clean shores - there are 43 such beaches. This region is located in the west of Croatia and includes most of the Istrian peninsula on the Adriatic Sea.

9.UK

Unlike, for example, Turkey or Croatia, Great Britain does not have a reputation as a resort country. However, even here there were 95 beaches worthy of the Blue Flag nomination. Among the regions, there are most of them in Wales (33 beaches). Compared to 2012, there are 10 fewer Blue Flags in this part of the UK - last year was too humid, which had a negative impact on water quality.

10. Ireland

Ireland is slightly behind the UK, with 70 Blue Flag beaches. Most of of them (19) are located in the west of the country, in the province of Connacht, only in two counties - Galway and Mayo. The local beaches are famous only on the scale of Ireland and are not in demand among wealthy foreigners, as, for example, in the case of Liguria and the Côte d'Azur.

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

Going abroad with a worthy mission - to get a pleasant bronze tan, not right away, but you pay attention to some incomprehensible flags hung there. As it turns out, they are there not just for beauty (although they add brightness and festivity with their appearance). In fact, every flag color (on the beach) and even its shape has a certain
essential for vacationers.

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 of different countries is the same.

What flags can you use to swim on the beach?

• (maybe with a picture)

Blue Flag beaches are beaches that have passed 32 international criteria for environmental friendliness, the fact that the beach is well equipped and freely accessible for holidaymakers. The blue flag comes with an additional pattern in the form of white stripes... This means that this beach is more comfortable.

On the territory of Russia and Ukraine, there are almost no beaches approved by the Blue Flag award. The maximum that can be seen on the beaches of these countries is the Blue Flag with a pattern of seashells (most often, three seashells). Such a flag means only luxury 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 well equipped and clearly maintained, but there are no flags visible on it, it is presumably worthy of the green flag.

• Yellow / orange flag.

There will be waves or strong currents in the sea today. Lifeguards present on the beach can (at their discretion) not let tourists into the water.

• White flag

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

Under what flags is it forbidden to swim in the sea?

• Red flag

Swimming is prohibited today.

• Purple / blue flag.

Animals or other animals (sharks, rays, jellyfish, snakes and others) that are dangerous to life and health have appeared near the coast.

• Brown (sometimes orange) flag.

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

• Double red flag

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

Options for the danger at which a red flag can be put:

• 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.
• A period of ebbs and flows, which can drag the swimmer away from the shore.
• The appearance of quicksand on the beach.
• Formation in water near the banks of whirlpools or whirlpools.

• Black flag or balloon

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

Information flags on the beaches

This is how surfing spots are marked. In the area limited by such flags, it is undesirable to swim with ordinary swimming trunks - you may run into a surfer.

• Flag with a black circle on a yellow background.

On US beaches within the zone marked with these flags, riding on heavy boards (for surfing) is prohibited.

• Red and yellow flag.

These flags on the beaches of the United States and Australia mark the area controlled by lifeguards. Outside the zone marked with red and yellow flags, those who have a rest in the water are responsible for themselves.

• Blue triangular flag.

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

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