Greece was awarded with 394 Blue Flags by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) for their beaches including 9 Marinas. The total puts Greece 2nd in the world’s top 48 countries taking part in the scheme.
Blue Flags have been flying at beaches and marinas throughout Europe since the campaign was started in 1987. Over the years the program has been expanded and it currently provides a comparison with coastal resorts and marinas over 48 countries on several continents.
Top ranged Greek beaches to successfully meet the strict environmental and management standards are as follows: Lasithi on Crete was awarded with the majority of Blue Flags (40), followed by Halkidiki and Corfu (35) each. Rhodes (32), Chania (25), Rethymno (18), Heraklion (14) and Kefalonia (11). Blue Flag awarded Marinas are: Chalkidiki (2), Korinthia (1), Lefkada (1), Corfu (1), Lasithi (1) and Kos (1).
With respect to the island of Rhodes the (32) flags were distributed as follows:-
24 to the Municipality of Kallithea, 3 to the Municipality of Afandou, 2 to the Municipality of Lindos, 1 in South Rhodes Municipality, 1 in Ialyssos and 1 in the Municipality of Rhodes.