home Citizenship The best beaches in the world: we focus on the Blue Flag! "Blue Flag": where are the cleanest beaches? What is a blue flag on the beach.

The best beaches in the world: we focus on the Blue Flag! "Blue Flag": where are the cleanest beaches? What is a blue flag on the beach.

Long-term observations show that people prefer to relax on clean sand and swim in clean water. The French were the first to appreciate this feature and in 1985 they established a certain certificate beach quality as blue flag. That's what they called him - .

Since 1987, Europe, represented by the EU, was once again unable to resist French fashion and joined the program Blue Flag.
In 2001, the whole world followed Europe and now about 50 countries participate in the program as of December 2017. Of these, 45 countries have Blue Flag facilities.
Except beaches the program evaluates marinas (moorings for boats and yachts) and ships.

The program is conducted by the International Federation of Environmental Education - FEO (Foundation for Environmental Education - FEE). Only she has the right to issue. The marina or ship receives a flag for one year, and the beach for the swimming season in the current year. After a year, they must all reaffirm their right to fly the blue flag. Update time blue flag certificates in the Northern Hemisphere annually in late May - early June. For the Southern Hemisphere and Caribbean, this occurs around November 1st.

Beach, over which flutters blue flag, guarantees vacationers that

access to the beach is free
the water is clean and tested weekly
garbage is collected and sand is cleaned
there is a surveillance and rescue service on the beach
if necessary, emergency assistance can be provided right on the beach
showers are available
motorized vehicles do not drive on the beach
pets use another beach

This list can be continued because in total there are 29 criteria for evaluating beaches. The standards contained in them are very strict and tend to become even more stringent over time. You can get comprehensive information about the program on the Blue Flag program website.

We, ordinary vacationers, do not need to study all the intricacies of the program. It is enough to know that Blue flag on the beach this is a reliable indicator and guarantor highest quality beach holiday.

Unfortunately, Russia’s position in the Blue Flag is not yet as strong as we would like. But in 2016, it finally appeared the first Russian beach with the Blue Flag. The beach is located at Kaliningrad region, in the village of Yantarny. The certificate was issued from June 1, 2016 to September 1, 2016.

Number of Blue Flags by country.

In order for you to be able to navigate the situation with the quality of beaches in different countries I give you a table with the number of Blue Flags by country. Using the buttons you can select the year for which you want to view data. Columns with "+-" signs reflect the change in the number of flags compared to the previous year.

Unfortunately, the website of the Blue Flag program does not differ in quality and convenience; in addition, it is constantly being “refined” and is not always up to date. better side. Therefore, some years are missing from my database, sorry...

Blue Flag 2017


Bahamas			2	0
Belgium	12	0	9	0
Brazil	6	1	4	1
Bulgaria	11	1	1	0
Canada	27	1	8	1
Croatia	99	8	19	-1
Cyprus	60	1	1
Denmark	224	6	29	-8
Dominican Republic	30	1
Estonia	3	1
France	389	-6	102	5
Germany	41	-2	101	-8
Greece	466	37	12	3
Iceland	4	0	6	0
Ireland	81	4	7	1
Israel	47	11	2	0
Italy	342	61	67	2
Japan	2	0
Jordan	5	0
Latvia	18	1	3	1
Lithuania	4	1
Malta	12	2
Mexico	35	10	2	1
Montenegro	24	-1	1
Morocco	24	2	1
Netherlands	61	-1	122	9
New Zealand	1		3	1
Norway	16	3	5	0
Poland	31	1	8	1
Portugal	320	5	14	-3
Puerto Rico	7	-4	1	0
Romania	3	1
Russia	1	0
Serbia	1	0
Slovenia	12	-1	3	0
South Africa	45	5	7	2
Spain	579	-7	100	0
Sweden	8	-2	11	0
Türkiye	446	32	22	1
Ukraine	10	4
Great Britain	68	0
Virgin Islands (USA)	4	0	2	0
North Ireland (UK)	8	-2	2	0
Wales (UK)	45	2	3	0
Sint Maarten	1	0	1	0

And in conclusion of this completely non-commercial topic, I would like to say this. Friends, believe me, the French are not to blame for the fact that there are no blue flags. If it is within your power, try to make sure that we have them. And if you are lucky and you will rest on beach, already awarded blue flag, try to leave him as clean as he greeted you!

In everything related to a beach holiday, one can argue about tastes for a very long time: someone likes to bask on the sand, and someone sincerely loves pebbles, someone only visits closed beaches five-star hotels, and some even go to nudist ones. But there is one single criterion that is important for everyone - the cleanliness of the water and coastline.

How to find a truly eco-friendly beach? International certificates are faithful assistants in this matter. The main marker of purity in this matter since 1987 has been the Blue Flag. Blue Flag on the Beach: What does it mean? The Blue Flag is a prestigious international award confirming that a beach, harbor or marina meets the highest standards of quality.

The initiative belongs to France, and the procedure is managed by the non-profit non-governmental organization Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE). European beaches are annually certified before the start of the swimming season, and the awards are given on June 5. In total, 3.6 thousand beaches and 677 harbors in 45 countries can boast “Blue Flags” in the world, including such popular tourist destinations, like Cyprus, Tunisia, Israel, etc.

In 2018, only one beach in Russia received the prestigious mark. It is located in the village of Yantarny, Kaliningrad region, and has received the award for the third time in a row. However, the beaches of Yalta have already been included in the nomination, and last year the beach areas of Sochi joined the competition. Beaches marked blue flag, were certified on 27 points, including water quality, safety level, environmental management, availability of ramps and toilets for wheelchair users, etc.

Other flags on the beach: to avoid confusion

Flags of other colors usually indicate the degree of danger on the water. The International Safety Alert System is adopted in all countries of the world.

✔ Red the color, as you might guess, indicates danger - swimming is prohibited for one reason or another. A double red flag indicates increased danger. These include not only sharks and all kinds of fauna, but also powerful tidal currents that can carry them into the open sea, quicksand, and whirlpools.

It's time to find out which beaches in the world received the prestigious international Blue Flag award this year. Where will we sunbathe and swim in the most environmentally friendly and comfortable environment?

So... Drum roll!

Spain was simply overwhelmed with “Blue Flags” for the 2018 season - it is in first place, and it has 590 awards. In Greece, 519 ideal beaches were noted. Türkiye also broke into the top three with 459 beaches. In fourth place is France, and 399 Blue Flags are now flying here. Closes the TOP 5 countries with best beaches Italy (368 beaches). Next come Portugal, Denmark, Croatia, Ireland, Great Britain, the Netherlands, Cyprus, Mexico, Israel, South Africa, Dominican Republic, Montenegro... In Russia, only 7 beaches were awarded, and in Ukraine - 14.

Beaches with Blue Flags are not only distinguished by the cleanliness of their sand and water, which are constantly checked until the end of the season (until September 1 - 30, depending on the resort). They are equipped with changing cabins, showers, sun loungers and umbrellas, and rescue stations. There are no industrial enterprises nearby, only natural beauty, parks, cafes, parking lots and great hotels. Ideal for the whole family! Which ones deserve special attention? We have compiled the TOP 10 eco-beaches in the world with recommended hotels. Choose!

Playa de Muro on the island. Majorca

Scenic, long spanish Beach Playa de Muro in the north of Mallorca is a true paradise for families with small children. There is soft snow-white sand, a clean and warm Mediterranean Sea, and a gentle entrance to the water. In the morning there is calm, and after 16 o'clock there are waves with which you can play. To get to the depths of the sea, you have to walk about 50 meters. The beach has showers, toilets, cafes, sun loungers and umbrellas. You can roast under the sun, or you can wonderfully relax in the shade of spreading pine trees. Well, on the streets along this beach you will find restaurants, shops, attractions for children - trampolines, electric motorcycles, carousels.

Nikolina Beach (Nikolina Beach) in Croatia

Nikolina Beach, in the municipality of Baska Voda (Makarska Riviera), is not only the most popular beach in the resort, but also in almost all of Croatia. The small pebble coast is surrounded by majestic mountain range Biokovo, palm trees and lush pine trees and washed by the cool waters of the purest Adriatic Sea. Rescuers work here ambulance, there are changing cabins, showers, toilets, sun loungers and umbrellas, a water entertainment center, a beach bar, fruit and ice cream shops. Along the beach you can find cafes, pizzerias and restaurants, a playground with trampolines, and bicycle rentals.

Vale de Centeanes beach in Portugal

Vale de Centeanes, one of the best urban beaches in Portugal, awarded this season with a Blue Flag, is located on the sandy ocean coast of Carvoeiro.

On one side it is surrounded by the blue waters of the Atlantic, and on the other by high rocks, sharpened by the sea and wind, with natural grottoes and arches. Its advantage is that there are no constant landings of tourists on boats next to it. The water is very clean, suitable for small children. The downside is that during peak season there can be a lot of tourists.

The cliffs offer incredible views of the ocean. At the entrance to the beach there is a restaurant, a kiosk with drinks and ice cream, toilets, parking, and a gentle slope to the coast for people with disabilities.

Vai Beach on the island. Crete

In every region of the island of Crete, in Chania, Rethymno, Heraklion, there are magnificent, clean beaches, awarded with Blue Flags. It’s worth visiting the pink coast of Elafonisi (with the obligatory annual eco-award) at least once, as well as the incredibly beautiful Balos Lagoon.

The beautiful Matala beach is located in a cozy bay of the Libyan Sea, in the south of the island. It is surrounded by cliffs with numerous caves where hippies once lived. The Rolling Stones performed here.

The favorite of all holidaymakers on the island of Crete is the palm-lined beach of Vai, with golden sand and a grove of green date palms. This year he is again with the Blue Flag. Although it is located in the very east of the island, where, for example, it takes a very long time to get to it from the other end of Crete. The beach is equipped with sun loungers and umbrellas, changing cabins and showers. There are bars and taverns, parking.

"Massandra" beach in Yalta

For the first time, “Massandra” beach, located on South Coast Crimea, was awarded the Blue Flag in 2010. The certificate was confirmed in 2016, 2017 and now in 2018. This means that the cleanliness of the water and the quality of services on the Yalta coast are invariably above all praise.

The length of the Massandra beach is about 500 meters. 6 breakwaters divide it into six well-maintained, comfortable sectors. To the beach free entry, there is a rental of sun loungers and umbrellas, as well as personal bungalows, many cafes, restaurants from the simplest to the most sophisticated, a children's pool and playground, shower, toilet. Frequent guests of the coastal zone are Black Sea dolphins. Many people call this beach “Little Europe”. Recommended for holidays with children.

Kumburnu Beach in Oludeniz, Türkiye

The Turkish village of Oludeniz, 15 km from Fethiye, is famous not only for its unforgettable landscapes over which paragliders fly, but also for its wonderful beaches with Blue Flags.

The Kumburnu sand spit (a continuation of Belcekiz beach), a peninsula cutting into the sea, was awarded the Blue Flag and belongs to the Blue Lagoon National Natural Park. The left side of the braid is washed Mediterranean Sea, with free entry and sun lounger rental. The right side embraces a shallow bay with warm water, and this is already the territory natural park with paid entrance. The place is ideal for a holiday with small children. Here you can rent a catamaran, see fish and Caretta-Caretta turtles.

There are many quality beaches in Oludeniz! Choose depending on your preferences and budget.

Canal d'Amour beach on the island. Corfu, Greece

Canal d'Amour is a famous landmark of the Greek island of Corfu with the prestigious Blue Flag award. The Love Channel is definitely worth a visit. Especially if you are looking for your soulmate or want to perpetuate your existing love.

It is located in the resort town of Sidari and is a narrow sea strait surrounded by wild steep cliffs. Thanks to the sea, caves and tunnels formed in the rocks. The bank of the canal has golden soft sand and a small grove. Due to the influx of tourists, it is well equipped - it has sun loungers, beach umbrellas and other amenities. Nearby are taverns and bars where you will be offered delicious traditional Greek dishes and drinks. You can also sunbathe on the rocks themselves.

Here you can meet families with children, because... The entry into the sea is shallow and gentle, there are never waves, and the water is warm.

Blue Beach in Budva Riviera, Montenegro

Of all the beaches in Montenegro, the Budva Riviera received the most awards. Among those awarded are certain sections of the picturesque Jaz Bay, which is about as popular as Copacabana in Brazil, and is considered almost the most beautiful in Montenegro. Madonna and the Rolling Stones performed at the concert venue here, and there is an atmosphere of endless celebration. Despite the distance from Budva, there are always plenty of vacationers here.

Plavo Plaza or Blue Beach- a well-equipped section of the wide sandy beach of Jaz. The beach has modest parameters (only about 150 meters in length), but it has been awarded the Blue Flag for many years now. Equipped with sun loungers and umbrellas, changing rooms, showers, rescue station, and parking. There is a children's playground and a cafe. The entrance to the sea is sandy and gently sloping.

Together with Blue Beach, the neighboring beaches Escarella Beach and C&I Beach Life received Blue Flags.

Baia Blu beach in Lerici (Liguria), Italy

The Italian beach Spiaggia Baia Blu in the San Terenzo area is incredibly picturesque! It is located between the capes of Punta Santa Teresa and Punta Galera. Transparent, sparkling waters the clearest sea washed by a beautiful curve of sandy coastline, framed by ancient oak trees and olive groves. No wonder there are so many positive reviews about it!

The beach is small, only 200 meters long, but well equipped: there are sun loungers and umbrellas for rent, free showers, toilets, changing rooms, 3 bars, a restaurant, 2 parking lots and even a compressor for inflating mattresses and balls.

If you go from San Terenzo towards Lerici, you will find several more beaches awarded the Blue Flag. For example, Venere Azzura Beach (Blue Venus Beach). It is equipped with rental of umbrellas and sun loungers, pedal boats, animation and cafes. Moving further towards Fiascherino, you will find the exclusive beach with the Blue Flag Eco del Mare.

Beach Shakhta Anna, in Yantarny, Kaliningrad

The pride of the Kaliningrad region is the Anna Mine beach in the village of Yantarny, winner of the Blue Flag 2018. A wide beach strip 300 meters long is strewn with soft white sand. The entrance to the water is gentle, the Baltic Sea is almost always calm.

The beach has wooden decks for easy movement, there are showers and drinking fountains, changing rooms and benches, a children's playground, and areas for beach sports. You can sunbathe on the sand, or you can rent a sun lounger, which comes with an umbrella and towel. Families should try out the unusual “soft baskets” for sunbathing, which can fit two or even three people.

Near this wonderful beach you will find parking and a cafe, a lake and the chic green park of Maurice Becker.

All over the world, the Blue Flag is a symbol of the impeccability and cleanliness of beaches. This international award was first presented in 1985 and has been held annually since 1987. If a beach is marked with the Blue Flag, you can be sure: it is safe to swim here, and the coastline meets international standards. In 2018, 3,687 beaches in the world received the highest award and many of them are located on the Greek island of Crete - one of the most popular summer destinations in Europe.

Greece has long and deservedly occupied the most high places on the list of countries whose beaches receive the Blue Flag. In 2018, it ranked second out of 47 possible, beating “competitors” from a seventh of the entire world. In Greece, 519 beaches have received the Blue Flag, with dozens of them located in Crete. This is the largest greek island- a real mecca for tourists and the pearl of Greece with clean ecology and attractions different eras and, of course, the immaculate coastline. In Chania, 34 beaches received the Blue Flag, in Rethymnon - 16, in Heraklion - 22 and in the Lassithi region 41 beaches were awarded.

To receive the Blue Flag, the beaches of Crete must not only be clean, but also earn top marks in more than 30 categories. This includes taking into account the safety of swimmers, the availability of information stands and convenient access to the beach, chemical indicators of water and the protection of the coastal environment.

Crete beaches with Blue Flag for 2018 - full list:

(The list of beaches is divided by regions of Crete, within the regions there is a division by districts. Links are provided to more detailed information for specific beaches and hotels.)

Chania region - 34 Blue Flag beaches

Chania - region with amazing nature, ancient ruins, picturesque gorges, monasteries and villages lost in the mountains. Chania itself, the center of the region, is considered one of the most beautiful cities Greece. The eras are mixed here: you can see houses from the Venetian and Turkish periods, and their historical appearance prohibited from changing. The main wealth of Chania is its beaches, including the world-famous Elafonisi.

Kandanos-Selinos:

This area of Chania features mainly pebble beaches. Kandanos Selinos is the ideal choice for those looking for a place to have a relaxing holiday, despite the fact that the number of hotels here is limited. Among the famous beaches in this area is Halikya, which is worth the trip through the mountains and deservedly receives the Blue Flag year after year for its cleanliness, beautiful scenery and excellent infrastructure.

Vulizmeni
Grammeno
Pachya Ammos
Halikya (Paleochora)

Kissamos:

In this area there are many clean and equipped beaches, each of which is equipped with sun loungers and everything necessary for a decent holiday. But Kissamos became famous, first of all, for the famous beaches of Falasarna and Elafonisi. The latter not only earned the Blue Flag, but is also among the most paradise beaches peace.

Kasteli/Mavros Molos-Plaka
Falasarna/Pahya Ammos 1
Falasarna/Pahya Ammos 2

Platanias

Platanias is famous for its long beaches, which stretch for several kilometers and deservedly receive the Blue Flag. Among them, the most famous is Kolymvari, where in addition to a beach holiday you can enjoy lunch in the best taverns of the Chania region. The beaches of the lively city of Platanias are incredibly popular in summer, also because the resort has a developed infrastructure.

Platanias/ Hotel Porto Platanias Beach
Platanias/Hotel Geraniotis
Rapagna/Hotel Cavo Spada

Chania

The beaches around the city of Chania also did not stand aside and were noted for their cleanliness. Particularly worth highlighting are the sandy beaches of the three peninsulas of Agia Apostoli, the endless sandy line of the resort of Agia Marina, next to which there is everything - from clubs to shops. You can’t drive past Chrysi Akti, whose name literally translates as “Golden Coast”.

Agii Apostoli 1
Agii Apostoli 2
Agios OnoufriosAgios Onoufrios
Galatas
Marathi
Nea Hora
Stavros
Chrissi Akti

Apokoronas

This area is considered one of the greenest in Chania. For a family and relaxing holiday, you can choose Kalyves beach. Another calm and picturesque beach- Almyrida in the village of the same name, where there are excellent taverns and hotels of different categories.

Kavros (Georgioupolis)/ Anemos Hotel
Kavros/ Hotel Eliros Mare
Kavros/ Georgioupolis Resort Hotel
Kavros/ Mythos Palace Hotel
Kiani
Maistrali
Perastikos/ Mare Monte Hotel
Perastikos/ Pilot Beach Hotel

Rethymno Region - 16 Blue Flag Beaches

Rethymno is rightly considered best area Crete for holidays. Nearby are the most famous attractions of the island for day trips and the Chania region, and finally, the city of Rethymnon - the “Venice of Crete”. What else attracts the Rethymnon region is the longest beaches in Crete, many of which have received the Blue Flag for several years.

Rethymno

In the area of Rethymnon there is a concentration of excellent sandy beaches. Many of them are located a few meters from first-class hotels and are equipped with sports fields. The beaches of Rethymnon are not crowded due to their long length, and there are numerous taverns, souvenir shops and supermarkets nearby.

Adelianos Kambos A/ Aquila Rithymna Beach Hotel
Piyanos Kambos / Grecotel White Palace Hotel
Platanias B/ Minos Mare Resort Hotel
Rethymno 1/ Hotel Aquila Porto Rethymno
Rethymno 1/ Ilios Beach Hotel
Rethymnon 1/ Kriti Beach Hotel
Rethymnon 2/Pearl Beach Hotel
Rethymno 3/ Steris Beach Hotel
Rethymnon 4-Missirya/ Creta Palace Hotel
Skaleta/ Hotel Creta Star

Mylopotamos

The beaches of the Mylopotamos area are a place for a relaxing holiday in the atmosphere of a Cretan village, which is rapidly developing without losing its traditional spirit. The beaches of Mylopotamos are protected from waves and well organized. In this area, Panormo Beach is especially famous, which is safe for families with children and offers water activities for every taste.

Lianos Kavos Lavris/ Iberostar Creta Panorama Hotel
Panormo/ Hotel Grecotel Club Marine Palace

Agios Vasilios

The beaches of Agios Vasilios area are surprisingly varied. This is not the first year that the Blue Flag has been given to the beaches of the picturesque village of Agia Galini - they are covered with a sand and pebble mixture and “look” at the slopes of Mount Psiloritis. Plakias is one of the most famous beaches on the Libyan coast of Crete, near which the sea always remains calm.

Agia Galini/Istero Varkotopi
Plakias
Rodakino (Korakas)

Heraklion region - 22 Blue Flag beaches

Heraklion region is the closest region to international airport, the main attractions of the island (Knossos Palace, Crete Aquarium) and numerous resorts that are concentrated around the capital of Crete. Heraklion itself is a lively city with clubs, shops and architectural monuments from different eras.

Malevizi

The beaches of the Malevizi region extend from the borders of the city of Heraklion to the municipality of Rethymnon. These are some of the cleanest and most comfortable beaches in Crete. Only one sand beach Ammudara stretches for 5 km - open to the winds, it is especially loved by fans of windsurfing. Fodele is another popular Malevizi beach, which, unlike Ammudara, is reliably protected from waves.

Ammudara 1/ Agapi Beach Hotel
Ammudara 4/ Hotel Candia Maris
Ammudara 5/ Hotel Santa Marina
Ammudara / Hotel Atlantica Akti Zeus
Ellinoperamata/ Hotel Apollonia Beach
Made / Athina Palace Hotel
Fodele/ Fodele Beach Hotel

Hersonissos

The beaches of Hersonissos are always popular with tourists. In addition to cleanliness and quality relaxation, there is a lot of entertainment here. A holiday in Hersonissos means non-stop fun, including in the beach bars scattered along the entire coastline.

Agios Georgios 1/ Aldemar Knossos Royal Village Hotel
Agios Georgios 2-Panagia Risi/ AKS Annabelle Village Hotel
Agios Georgios 3/ Aldemar Royal Mare Hotel and Cretan Village
Agia Pelagia-Menopetra/ Akrogiali Beach Hotel
Anissaras/Lyttos Beach Hotel
Anissaras/ Mitsis Laguna Resort
Drapanos/ Nana Beach Hotel
Castries/Hotel Creta Maris
Clonzani/ Sirens Hotels
Kokkini Hani/ Knossos Beach Hotel
Kokkini Hani/ Hotel Rinela
Kokkini Hani/ Themis Beach Hotel
Hersonissos 5/ Silva Beach Hotel
Potamos/ Cretan Malia Park Hotel

Phaistos

The area of Phaistos is associated with archaeological sites And famous beach Matala. It has long been a haven for hippies. Today this coastline is immaculately clean for a relaxing holiday.

Matala

Lassithi region - 41 Blue Flag beaches

Lassithi is an area unrivaled in natural beauty. This is a region of green valleys, olive groves, first-class resorts and the famous plateau that gives the name to the entire area. The beaches in Lasithi are varied: some are lively, and some are hidden gems that have not been reached by mass tourism.

Agios Nikolaos

The Agios Nikolaos area is a whole scattering of beaches. The coast near the capital of Nome is overcrowded with tourists, but there is no shortage of entertainment and infrastructure, and has received the highest award for cleanliness. This area also contains the beaches of the famous Elounda, one of the most fashionable resorts in Europe.

Agios Nikolaos 1/ Saint Nicolas Bay Hotel
Agios Nikolaos 2/ Minos Palace Hotel
Agios Nikolaos 3/ Minos Beach Hotel
Agios Pantelemonas
Almiros
Ammos/Marina
Ammos/ city beach
Ammoudara
Ammoudi/ Hermes Coral Hotel
Vulisma
Driros/ Domes of Elounda Hotel
Elounda/ Porto Elounda Hotel
Elounda 1/ Elounda Blu Hotel
Elounda/ Hotel Elounda Mare
Karavostasi
Kitroplatia
Mirabello/ Mirabello Beach & Village Hotel
Pigaidakya Eloundas/ Elounda Village Hotel
Pylos/ Istron Bay Hotel
Plaka/Blue Palace Hotel
Poros 1/Elounda Bay Palace Hotel
Poros 2/ Elounda Beach Hotel
Spiliada/ Hotel Kalimera Kriti
Schism
Havanya 1/ Candia Park Village Hotel
Havanya 2
Khione

Sitia

The coast of Sitia - beaches for families and romantics. Silence reigns here, and the sand and pebble shores are washed by a clean, calm sea. Sitia is worth visiting at least for the palm-lined beach of Vai - the most exotic place in Crete, recognized as a protected area.

Analipsi
Vai/Palm Forest
Kato Zakros
Kuremanos
Lagufa/ Hotel Mikri Poli Creta
Makrigialos Lagoofa/ Sunwing Makrigialos Beach Hotel
Sitia 1/ Gallico
Khione

Ierapetra

Foreign tourists have not yet discovered the beaches of Ierapetra - the most southern city in Greece. It is not crowded or noisy here, and the infrastructure is at a decent level. A feature of many beaches in the Ierapetra area is dark sand and small pebbles.

Agia Fotia
Ahlia Schinokapsalon
Ierapetra 1/ City Beach
Koutsunari 2/ Kakkos Bay Hotel
Koutsounari-Agios Ioannis/ Hotel Sunshine Kreta & Sunshine Crete Village
Myrtos

All articles about Chania and Western Crete. Complete encyclopedia: beaches, hotels, resorts, attractions, tourist routes, museums, transport and much more.

Heraklion and Rethymno, cities and mountains, nature and culture, on foot and by car.

Yantarny and Massandra are where you should go to relax on the beach. It is there, according to international experts of the Blue Flag award, that the best beach areas in Russia are located. The rest of the Russian beaches, it turns out, g***o?
Looking at the rating and the number of world-class beaches in other countries, it is striking that there are such a small number of them in Russia. Even in Ukraine there are already 10 such beaches (!!!).

By the way, according to the official data of the award, the beach in the village of Yantarny (Kalingrad region) is generally the only one in Russia awarded this prestigious quality mark, because Massandra in Europe is considered Ukrainian (the Massandra beach in Yalta received its first Blue Flag back in 2010, and in this he once again confirmed it).

The top three global beach top countries are: Spain (579 beaches), Greece (485 beaches) and Turkey (454 beaches). The top 10 also included France (390), Italy (342), Portugal (320), Denmark (225), Croatia (99), Ireland (81) and England (68). In total, there are 43 countries in the top with 3,662 beaches. Yacht marinas and boat stations are evaluated separately—Russia is not yet on these lists. For comparison: in Ukraine there are 10 beaches with the Blue Flag - in Kyiv and Odessa.

Blue Flag is the highest quality standard for beaches. To raise it above the coastal zone, one desire and clean water— infrastructure is needed. The international commission certifies a place according to 33 criteria, and the requirements are growing every year. The main ones are:
access to the beach is free;
the water is clean and tested weekly;
garbage is collected and sand is cleared at the end of the day;
There are lifeguards on the beach;
emergency assistance is provided on site;
there are showers;
motorized vehicles do not drive on the beach;
pets use a different beach.
In fact, Blue Flag is an environmental program based on respect and conservation of the surrounding ecosystem, natural phenomena and biological diversity.

As for Massandra beach.
It was he who became the first owner of the Blue Flag in “Russian-speaking” countries former USSR"(phrase from Blue Flag release). In addition, it is considered the best equipped beach in Yalta and the entire South Coast for the disabled.
The length of the Massandrovsky beach complex is 460 m. It is divided by concrete breakwaters into seven sectors: with free access and VIP areas from 8 to 10 euros. The beach is equipped with several cafes and restaurants, a sports club, a children's playground, a swimming pool with running water, a shower and a toilet.
The useful area of the beach has been expanded through the use of so-called “terraces” - special buildings located above the groins. Some are given over to sunbathing areas, some for walking, and some provide services for cafe visitors.

The beach is pebble, but you can reach the water along specially equipped wooden paths. Entrance to the territory is free. Sun loungers, umbrellas and other equipment are available for rent at an additional cost. There are designated areas for smokers

By the way, Massandrovsky is not the only one in Crimea who raised the Blue Flag to the flagpole. The beach of the Aquamarine Hotel in Sevastopol received a similar award in 2013 and 2014, but...everything flows, everything changes, someone loses and someone gains, and the flags are passed on to the best of the best.

Officially, the first Blue Flag award in Russia in 2016 was received (and confirmed) by the coastal zone in the village of Yantarny, Kaliningrad region - the sandy beach “Shakhta Anna”.

A wooden bridge leads to it observation decks. The length of the beach complex is about 500 m. The recreation area has electricity, water supply, sewerage, changing cabins and toilets.

The beach is equipped with showers and drinking water taps. In addition, children's and sports grounds have been installed. Behind the dunes on the lake, there is a separate swimming area for children. For an additional fee you can rent umbrellas and comfortable sun loungers. different types and price categories. There are several cafes and a restaurant on the beach. The rescue post is equipped with communications with the police, ambulance and village administration.

And what happens, in all of Russia there is no one else and there is no money to equip resorts for NORMAL holidays? After all, on these beaches, diamonds are not handed out or a UFO lands - people are just relaxing, but they are relaxing, and not running around in search of water or a toilet...

The Blue Flag is an international award presented annually since 1987 by the non-profit organization Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE). France is considered the birthplace of the award, where the first award took place in 1985.
The Blue Flag is awarded to a beach for one swimming season in the current year. In a year, the coastal area must re-prove high quality services provided. The time for renewal of Blue Flag certificates in the Northern Hemisphere is annually in late May - early June.

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