Greece has once again secured the second-highest number of Blue Flag awards worldwide for 2025, with 657 recognized sites, including 623 beaches, 17 marinas, and 17 sustainable tourism boats.

The awards were announced by the Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature (EEPF), the national operator of the international Blue Flag program, during a formal event held at Glyfada Golf Gardens on May 15, 2025.

The Blue Flag program, managed internationally by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) based in Denmark, recognized a total of 4,302 beaches, 736 marinas, and 158 boats globally. Greece, participating among 52 countries, accounts for 15% of all awarded beaches.

Crete leads among Greek regions with 153 flags, and Halkidiki ranks first among Greek prefectures with 93 awarded beaches. This year’s awards reflect a steady upward trend in Greece’s environmental quality standards, with the number of awarded sites exceeding 600 for another consecutive year.

To earn a Blue Flag, beaches must meet 33 strict criteria—including “Excellent” water quality, organization, information, safety, environmental protection and awareness.

Marinas and boats are judged on 38 and 51 criteria respectively. The Blue Flag awards are valid for one year and subject to on-site verification and unannounced inspections.

The awards event also included educational workshops and environmental awareness activities involving more than 100 local students from schools in Athens’ southern suburbs.

Download the full Greek Blue Flag 2025 list here or visit the interactive map.