Halkidiki’s Beaches Top the List of ‘Blue Flags’ in Greece

Armenistis Beach, Halkidiki

The Halkidiki peninsula is once again at the top of the “Blue Flags” list for 2017 in Greece, as 71 of its beaches were awarded in recognition of their cleanness, water quality, organization, safety and services, environmental management and protection.

Metamorfosi beach, Halkidiki

Ouranoupoli, Porto Carras, Armenistis, Marmaras, Kriopigi, Fourka, Nea Moudania and Sani are just some of the awarded beaches, while the Porto Carras, Sani and Miraggio marinas were also distinguished.

Halkidiki received the majority of Blue Flags in 2016, with 52 beaches awarded.

In line with the global “responsible tourism” practices, the Halkidiki Tourism Organization said its aim was to achieve the sustainable development of the area and underlined that today’s travelers seek for high environmental standards when planning their vacation.

A total of 486 beaches and 12 marinas were honored with the quality “Blue Flag” label in Greece for 2017, instead of 430 beaches and nine marinas last year. Greece ranked second among 47 countries, after Spain.

The “Blue Flag” is a voluntary eco-label awarded to beaches across the world and is run by the independent, non-profit organization Foundation for Environmental Education based in Copenhagen. The Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature is the program’s coordinator for Greece.

This year, which has been named the International Year of Sustainable Tourism Development by the United Nations World Tourism Organization, the Blue Flag celebrates its 30th anniversary.

To view the full list of Halkidiki’s Blue Flag beaches press here.