Crete Sets New Record for Blue Flag Beach Awards

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

Crete has set a new record for Blue Flag beach awards, the internationally recognized certification given to beaches that meet strict standards for water quality, environmental management, safety equipment, and visitor services. The Blue Flag program, run by the Foundation for Environmental Education, evaluates beaches annually across dozens of criteria. Crete consistently ranks among the top regions in Greece and Europe for the number of certified beaches. For visitors, Blue Flag status is a reliable indicator that a beach offers clean water, organized facilities, lifeguard coverage during peak hours, and accessible infrastructure. When choosing where to swim during your stay, look for the blue flag displayed at the entrance of certified beaches across the island, particularly along the north coast and popular resort areas of Heraklion, Lasithi, Rethymno, and Chania.