Crete Tops Greece with 154 Blue Flag Beaches, Ranks Second Worldwide

Thursday, 14 May 2026/Source: Google News/1 min read

Crete has once again topped Greece in the prestigious Blue Flag beach awards, earning the distinction for 154 beaches across the island. This places Crete second in the world for Blue Flag-certified coastlines. The Blue Flag program, run by the Foundation for Environmental Education, certifies beaches that meet strict standards for water quality, environmental management, safety, and facilities. For visitors, the award is a reliable indicator of clean swimming water, well-maintained amenities, and lifeguard presence. Blue Flag beaches are spread across all regions of Crete, from the popular northern coast resorts to quieter southern shores. Travelers can look for the distinctive blue flag displayed at certified beaches or check the official Blue Flag website for a full list of locations before planning their beach days on the island.