Greece has once again cemented its status as a global leader in coastal excellence, clinching 2nd place worldwide in the prestigious 2026 “Blue Flag” program. The results were announced on May 14, 2026, by the Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature (EEPF), during a special event marking the organization’s 75th anniversary.
Key Highlights from This Year’s Awards:
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A Sweep of Distinctions: Greece secured a grand total of 624 Blue Flags for its beaches, 17 for marinas, and 17 for tourism boats. Remarkably, Greece alone accounts for 14% of all awarded beaches globally across 51 participating countries.
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The Regional Champions:
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Halkidiki: Holds onto the top spot as the leading destination in Greece with 93 flags.
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Crete: Dominates at the regional level, boasting a staggering 154 flags across the island.
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Attica: A total of 17 beaches in the capital’s region were recognized for their exceptional water quality and infrastructure.
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Unmatched Consistency: Special recognition was given to 18 specific beaches that have continuously earned the Blue Flag for 35 consecutive years, proving a long-term commitment to environmental preservation.
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Strategic Significance: Operating under the auspices of the President of the Hellenic Republic, the Blue Flag institution remains a cornerstone of Greece’s national tourism strategy, highlighting the country as a safe, premium destination.
This steady rise in accolades proves that the Greek summer is more than just a vacation destination—it is a guarantee of top-tier quality. Thanks to the dedicated efforts of local communities and authorities, Greece is fully prepared to welcome travelers in 2026 to some of the safest, cleanest, and most breathtaking beaches in the world.
So, which of our 624 award-winning beaches will you be diving into this year?
