With summer vacations fast approaching, it’s easy to look forward to lounging on one of the best beaches in the world. Imagine it: the soothing sound of ocean waves lapping gently at the shore, the sunlight kissing your skin as you sink your toes in soft sand and sip on a refreshing cocktail. This summer, let your wanderlust lead you to some of the world’s most pristine beaches, recognized with a prestigious Blue Flag The municipality of the particular country slot88 resmi usually applies for a Blue Flag and sends it to the National Operator. The National Jury evaluates applications for compliance and gives an approval or rejection on the national level. Approved applications and dispensation cases are forwarded from the National Jury to the International Jury.
The International Jury carries out an evaluation and decides which beaches and marinas receive the Blue Flag for the season. The International Jury consists of eminent members from the FEE Board, UNESCO, the European Network for Accessible Tourism (ENAT), the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), the European Union for Coastal Conservation (EUCC), and the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP). All Blue Flags are awarded for one sailing/swimming season (typically from June to mid-September) and are withdrawn at the end of it. By renewing awards each season, the program ensures that beaches are constantly living up to the criteria. To date, 5038 beaches, marinas, and boats across 51 countries have been certified. Here in descending order are the top 10 countries with the most Blue Flag beaches to help you plan your next trip.
Denmark
From the soft, powdery sands of Skagen to the picturesque coastline of Bornholm, Denmark boasts some of the prettiest beaches in the world. Søndervig Beach is one of its most well-known and lies by the North Sea. The beach offers free amenities such as WiFi, access to cold water showers, water-stations for pets, public restrooms, and ice-dispensing kiosks for a chilled drink. It even has a mini lifeguard training school for children.
Ireland
In Ireland, the Blue Flag program has been operated by An Taisce, the National Trust for Ireland, on behalf of the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) since 1988. The Old Head in Mayo County was awarded a Blue Flag this year for the first time since 2012. This beach is sheltered, backed by rocky cliffs, pet-friendly, and great for activities such as swimming, surfing, jet skiing, scuba diving, snorkeling, and fishing.
England
When it comes to beaches in England, most travelers usually think of the serene shores of the Isle of Wight in the English Channel. However, there are many more picturesque beaches in the country that people can venture to on the precious days the sun is out. One of the notably clean beaches is West Wittering beach in Sussex. Hidden halfway between Portsmouth and Bognor Regis, the beach has shimmering blue water, campsites available for overnight stays in surrounding areas, horse riding, a medical suite, and disability-friendly toilets with RADAR keys, ramps, and beach wheelchairs.
Cyprus
Tied with England at 77, the clean beaches of Cyprus, an island in the Mediterranean Sea, attract thousands of tourists each year. Nissi Beach, steps away from the popular Ayia Napa resort, is among the most well-known beaches in Cyprus and still has several quiet spots to take in the shimmering white sand and swim in the calm sea. It’s also becoming a popular destination for clubbers due to the numerous beach parties hosted by the Nissi Bay Beach Bar. There are two beach volleyball courts open to the public as well.
Turkey
From the chic resorts of Bodrum to the historic charm of Antalya, Turkey boasts an impressive array of Blue Flag beaches. The province of Antalya, renowned for its serene coastline, hosts 231 of them. Among them is Turkey’s nearly five-mile Lara Beach. It is surrounded by several luxury resorts, including the iconic Venezia Palace Deluxe Hotel and the Grand Park Lara Hotel, which boast mesmerizing views of the Mediterranean’s azure waters.
Italy
With a coastline of about 4,971 miles, Italy is one of the most popular destinations for beach tourism with 457 Blue Flag certified beaches. Liguria, along the Italian riviera is one of the only Italian regions to be awarded 34 Blue Flags for 14 consecutive years. Tropea on the southern coast of Italy has crystal-clear waters and soft sand surrounded by towering cliffs. Catch the waves while indulging in water-sports like kayaking, windsurfing, and snorkeling. For those who want to stay on land, there are plenty of hiking trails and cycling routes too.
France
The country where the Blue Flag was conceptualized inches into the top five this year with more than 400 clean beaches. One of the latest additions is Plage de Trez Goarem in the hilly northwestern region of Brittany, located in an environmentally protected area. Though small at just about half a mile long, the beach is home to dunes and colorful birds like the reed warbler. Exercise caution while swimming; the currents can get strong in the summers.
Portugal
Portugal’s coastline is a treasure trove of Blue Flag beaches, epitomizing luxury and natural beauty. Praia da Falésia is one of the most popular choices among tourists, and is known for its cleanliness. It stretches for almost four miles and can be recognized by the red cliffs, pine trees, and hiking trails that surround it, making it an ideal destination for nature walks.