Back to newsGreece has secured a world-leading position in the 2026 Blue Flag awards, earning 624 certified beaches and marinas across the country. Crete leads all Greek regions with 154 Blue Flag beaches, making it the top-ranked destination nationally for beach quality.
The Blue Flag is an internationally recognized eco-label awarded annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education. Beaches must meet strict standards for water quality, environmental management, safety, and facilities including lifeguards, clean facilities, and accessibility.
For visitors to Crete, the Blue Flag designation is a reliable indicator of clean, safe, and well-maintained beaches. When choosing where to swim, look for the blue flag flying at the entrance to the beach. Popular areas such as Elounda, Rethymno, Chania, and Ierapetra typically concentrate the highest numbers of certified beaches on the island.
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Greece Tops World with 624 Blue Flag Beaches and Marinas
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Getting around Crete by bus
- Bus Agia Galini to Heraklion
- Bus Agia Galini to Matala
- Bus Agia Galini to Rethymno
- Bus Agios Nikolaos to Heraklion
- Bus Agios Nikolaos to Ierapetra
- Bus Agios Nikolaos to Siteia
- Bus Chania to Heraklion
- Bus Chania to Kissamos
- Bus Chania to Paleochora
- Bus Chania to Rethymno
- Bus Heraklion to Hersonisos
- Bus Heraklion to Ierapetra
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