Crete leads all Greek regions in 2026 with 154 Blue Flag beaches, the internationally recognized certification awarded for water quality, environmental standards, safety, and facilities. Greece as a whole ranked second in the world for Blue Flag beaches this year. The Blue Flag program, run by the Foundation for Environmental Education, evaluates beaches annually on strict criteria including clean water, lifeguard presence, waste management, and accessibility. For visitors, a Blue Flag designation is a reliable indicator of a well-maintained, safe beach with good amenities. Beaches across all four of Crete's regional units, including Rethymno, hold the award. Travelers can look for the distinctive blue flag displayed at certified beaches or check the official Blue Flag website before choosing a beach destination on the island.
