Blue Flags are one of the most important criteria that large travel agencies around the world use when selecting a destination to offer their customers. The Blue Flag programme is an international symbol of quality, and the most well known environmental symbol in the world. Since 1987 it has been awarded to beaches and marinas which comply with its strict regulations. This year, Greece holds second place amongst the forty countries taking part. Whether you are visiting Athens for business purposes or for a holiday, you will have a wide choice of beaches in the greater Athens area available, where you can relax beside the boundless Attica blue.

In order to receive the award, a beach must comply with 29 criteria, which are divided into four categories:

1. Environmental Education and Information

• Information relating to coastal zone ecosystems and the natural sensitive environment in the coastal zone must be displayed.

• The public must be kept constantly informed of the quality of the bathing water.

• Information concerning the Blue Flag Programme must be displayed at the beach.

• Printed information and a code of conduct for visitors must be displayed.

• Activities which actively promote the protection of the environment must be offered.

2. Bathing water quality 

• The quality of the bathing water must be verified by monitoring samples taken twice a week, and every 15-17 days during the bathing period (1 June - 31 October) by accredited laboratories.

• No discharge of industrial waste.

3. Environmental Management

• A land usage plan and environmental management must be in place.

• The beach must be regularly cleaned of rubbish, cigarette butts etc.

• There must be an adequate number of waste disposal bins which are emptied at regular intervals.

• Motor vehicles (including motorcycles) are forbidden from driving on the beach.

• Unauthorised camping is forbidden.

• Domestic animals must be supervised on the beach.

• Buildings and beach equipment must be maintained.

4. Safety, Lifeguards, First Aid, Services and Facilities

• Trained lifeguards - or immediate access to a telephone - life saving equipment and first aid supplies.

• Plans should be in place to cope with any pollution related accident which may occur, with immediate notification of the public.

• Safe access to the beach and provision for people with special needs.

The beaches and marinas in Attica which have been awarded with the blue flag are the following:

• Anavysou - Anavyssos Center
• Vouliagmeni - Asteras Vouliagmenis
• Markopoulo - Avlaki
• Nea Makri - Breksiza
• Palaio Faliro - Flisvos Marina
• Kalyvion - Lagonisi 1
• Kalyvion - Lagonisi 3
• Kalyvion - Lagonisi 2