Twelve beaches in Greece have officially been removed from both the national and international Blue Flag lists for 2025, as announced in July. These sites lost their prestigious eco-award under the International Environmental Education and Awareness Program “Blue Flag” due to non-compliance with program criteria.
According to the assessment, the affected beaches either remained unorganized during the 2025 bathing season or failed to meet the program’s strict standards. While the water quality remains pristine, the withdrawal of the Blue Flag was attributed to organizational shortcomings.
Program evaluation and criteria
As part of the program’s standard procedures, both national evaluators from the Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature (HSPN) and international inspectors carried out unannounced site visits. These inspections identified failures to meet essential requirements, particularly in:
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Providing services for beachgoers, including accessibility for people with disabilities (PwDs)
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Ensuring swimmer and visitor safety
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Offering clear and accurate public information
The deadline for flying the Blue Flag this season was July 1. Following the inspections, the National Decision Committee and the Program Coordination Committee decided to revoke the awards in accordance with established rules—a move intended to safeguard the program’s credibility and international standing.
Beaches that lost the Blue Flag in 2025
The following 12 beaches have been removed from the Blue Flag list:
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Plaka Beach, Municipality of Nafplio, Argolida
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Kondyli Beach, Municipality of Nafplio, Argolida
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Karathona Beach, Municipality of Nafplio, Argolida
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Tolo Beach, Municipality of Nafplio, Argolida
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Lichnos Beach, Municipality of Parga, Preveza
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Georgioupoli/Fereniki Beach, Municipality of Apokoronas, Chania
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Vasilias Beach, Municipality of Skiathos, Sporades
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Kanapitsa Beach, Municipality of Skiathos, Sporades
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Aselinos Beach, Municipality of Skiathos, Sporades
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Gournes Elia Beach, Municipality of Skiathos, Sporades
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Ampelakia/Elivi Beach, Municipality of Skiathos, Sporades
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Fanari/Camping Beach, Municipality of Komotini, Rhodope
How the Blue Flag program works
The Blue Flag program sets high standards for water quality, environmental management, education, safety, and accessibility. To receive this prestigious recognition, municipalities must apply through their country’s national operator.
Applications are first reviewed by a National Jury, which assesses whether the beaches or marinas meet the established criteria. Those that are approved—along with any special cases—are then forwarded to the International Jury for final evaluation.
The International Jury includes distinguished representatives from global organizations such as the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), UNESCO, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), the European Union for Coastal Conservation (EUCC), and the European Network for Accessible Tourism (ENAT).
Blue Flags are granted for a single bathing or sailing season, typically running from June 1 to September 15. This seasonal award system ensures that all certified sites continue to meet the program’s rigorous standards year after year. If, during the season, a site is found to be non-compliant with the Blue Flag criteria, inspectors have the authority to revoke the award immediately.
