“Blue Flag” Beaches in Halkidiki for 2020

Greece has ranked second in the world for the Blue Flag quality award list of beaches, and most of Greece’s Blue Flags (94), went to beaches in Halkidiki.

The “Blue Flag” Program

The Blue Flag Program is a world-renowned eco-label trusted by millions around the globe and is operated under the auspices of the Foundation for Environmental Education, headquartered in Copenhagen, Denmark.

In order to qualify for this prestigious award, a series of stringent environmental, educational, safety-related and access-related criteria must be met and maintained. Through close collaboration with their members, the Foundation for Environmental Education works to ensure the programme’s expansion, and that the unrivaled standards of the Blue Flag are maintained internationally.

Greece has ranked second in the world for the Blue Flag quality award list of beaches, marinas and sustainable tourism boats with a total of 517 Blue Flags. Greece ranked second – after Spain in first place – among 47 countries.

More specifically, 497 awards were given to beaches, 14 to marinas and 6 to sustainable tourism boats.

Blue Flag Beaches in Halkidiki

Like last year, most of Greece’s Blue Flags, 94 in total, went to beaches in Halkidiki, northern Greece!

Blue Flag Beaches Halkidiki are spread across Kassandra, Sithonia and beyond. From popular ones, like Afitos, Possidi and Karidi, to more secluded ones like Kanistro and Paradeisos, there is a plethora of Blue Flag beaches in Halkidikia to cater to any taste. 

If you want to spend your holidays near some of the best beaches in Greese, here’s a comprehensive guide for Halkidiki. 

The announcement of the results was made public by the Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature in early June. It should be noted that this year, among all the countries participating in the program, Greece made up 13% of the total number of beaches awarded by the program.

The release of the Blue Flag list coincides with the reopening of organized and unorganized beaches in Greece, with social distancing rules, as the country has entered the 3rd stage of easing Covid-19 lock-down restrictions.

“The Blue Flag program has a special significance for Greek tourism,” Tourism Minister Harry Theoharis said. “Apart from confirming the high quality services offered in Greece’s beaches, marinas and tourism boats, this year, Blue Flags symbolize our desire and willingness to return to normality,” he added.

On a worldwide scale the FEE awarded the international eco-label to 3,895 beaches, 691 marinas and 82 sustainable tourism boats for 2020.

What’s also great, is that some of the awarded beaches are located just a breath away from Thessaloniki, so you can enjoy them during your city break, too.

Don’t miss them!