Why did nine beaches in Greece lose their "Blue Flag"?
A total of nine beaches in Greece have been stripped of the prestigious international "Blue Flag" award following a series of surprise inspections. The decision was announced by the Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature after inspectors found inconsistencies with the program's requirements.
It is important to clarify that the revocation of the award is not related to the quality of the seawater, which remains excellent.
Reasons for the sanctions:
- Gaps in the provision of services to visitors;
- Insufficient access and facilities for people with disabilities;
- Lack of adequate safety measures;
- Insufficient information provided to tourists on-site.
The decision affects popular destinations on the islands of Chios and Paros. The organization emphasizes that inspections will continue throughout the summer season without prior warning to ensure compliance with strict standards.
Context of the situation
Despite this incident, Greece maintains its leading position in the rankings. In mid-May, it was reported that 624 beaches in the country had received the "Blue Flag," placing our southern neighbor in second place among 51 countries worldwide.