The international environment protection organization gave out blue flags to 425 Greek beaches and 8 ports. This way the country ranked second after Spain in a rating, which includes 40 countries. Last year Greeks waved blue flags on 430 beaches and 8 ports. Among the recognized are the favorite relaxation places of Athenians – beaches Shinya and Karavi in Marathonas, Avlaki in Markopoulou, “Giabanaki” and “Do it” in Varkiza, the three municipal beaches in Lagonisi, Asteras and Asteras in Voliagmeni.

Eleven beaches in Thessaloniki, 47 in Khalkidhiki, 56 on Crete, 33 on Rhodes, 32 on Corfu, 10 on Lesbos, and 7 beaches on Kos will have blue flags this year. The awarded 8 ports are Porto Karas and Sani on Khalkidhiki, Olympic Marina and Flisphu near Athens, Xilokastro near Korinthos and the ports in Lefkada, Corfu, and Kos.

Blue flags are awarded based on three groups of criteria:

1.     The clarity of the sea water:

-       It is measured twice a month for the whole swimming period from June 1^st until October 31^st and the time between two measurements should not be more than 17 days. The samples are tested in specialized laboratories.

-       The lack of industrial waste and city waste near the beaches.

-       The availability of enough garbage cans, which are cleared regularly.