12 Beaches with the Blue Flag: how to choose a seaside vacation spot

Want to swim in clean water and not wonder whether the shore is safe? Then look for the Blue Flag. It is an international award for cleanliness and good management at a beach.

In fall 2025, there were 5,216 such sites in 51 countries worldwide (as of 10/2025, official Blue Flag website). Spain, Greece, and Turkey have the most flags.

Below are 12 beaches with this status, from the volcanic sand of Tenerife to the Atlantic dunes. For each shore, you will find what makes it different and who it's for.

What the Blue Flag means and who awards it

💡 In short:

• The Blue Flag is awarded by FEE, the nonprofit Foundation for Environmental Education.
• The status is granted for one season, and every summer the beach is checked again.
• The shore meets criteria in four groups: environment, water, management, safety.
• Status and criteria: 09/2026, verified on the official program website

The Blue Flag is not a souvenir or a hotel ad. It is a certificate from the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), which has been working for more than forty years. The program was created in France in 1985. In 1987, during the European Year of the Environment, it was launched at the European Union level: at that time, flags went to 244 beaches and 208 marinas from ten countries (as of 09/2026, official Blue Flag website).

Because of the annual check, old lists quickly become outdated. You can see the current list by country on the program map.

© Kolforn ( Kolforn ) I'd appreciate if you could mail me (Kolforn@gmail.com) if you want to use this picture out of the W · CC BY-SAPhoto: Kolforn ( Kolforn ) I'd appreciate if you could mail me (Kolforn@gmail.com) if you want to use this picture out of the W, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

What criteria a beach must meet

A well-maintained area alone is not enough. The program criteria are divided into four groups: environmental education, water quality, environmental management, safety and services. You can find the full list on the Blue Flag criteria page.

Environmental education receives special attention. Points go to shores that hold educational activities and teach visitors to treat nature with care. Programs about local ecosystems are a priority.

Water quality is checked against international standards. Physical parameters and bacteria counts are taken into account. There must be no industrial production or wastewater discharges nearby.

Environmental management covers convenience. The assessment looks at containers for separate waste collection, clean restrooms, and traces of human activity. In the safety category, inspectors check quick access to a first aid kit and drinking water, as well as accessibility for people with disabilities.

© Editor5807 · CC BY-SAPhoto: Editor5807, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

What flags of other colors mean

The Blue Flag indicates a high rating, but on the shore you will also see other colors. Each has its own meaning.

On a day with a red flag, it is better not to enter the water. Black and purple flags also warn of a health risk.

Orange or brown is raised when pollution levels are high. Swimming in such water is not advisable: there is a chance of catching a skin condition or getting injured. Yellow allows swimming with caution. Green signals that there is no obvious danger. The Blue Flag comes from a different system: it is an award, not a signal about swimming conditions.

12 Beaches with the Blue Flag

The leaders in flag counts barely change. In 2025, Spain held first place.

Below are 12 shores with a flag from different countries, not only from this table. Eleven of them are in Europe, one is in Dubai.

1. Playa de las arenas, Tenerife (Spain)

The sand here is black because volcanic rock created it. The coast is framed by high cliffs, and the water is usually calm. If you're tired of the golden sand of southern resorts, this is a different Tenerife.

2. South and north beaches, Sunny Beach (Bulgaria)

Two shores sit side by side and together stretch for several kilometers. The infrastructure is varied: dance zones, bars and cafes, water sports, and quiet sections. Pick a hotel between them, and you can switch shores every day.

© Ad Meskens · CC BY-SAPhoto: Ad Meskens, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

3. Kaputaş, Kaş (Turkey)

The beach lies near Kaş, and people come here for the sunset. The shore is fine pebbles, the water is azure, and beige cliffs surround it. If you want to catch the sunset, come early: in the evening the best spots fill up fast.

© Wusel007 · CC BY-SAPhoto: Wusel007, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0), Wikimedia Commons

4. Vai, Crete (Greece)

A palm forest grows here, the largest in Europe. You'll enjoy walking along the paths under the canopies or lying on a lounger in the shade. The water near the shore is transparent and is considered one of the cleanest on the island.

© Mihael Grmek · CC BY-SAPhoto: Mihael Grmek, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

5. Jumeirah Beach Park, Dubai (UAE)

This is the only shore in the selection outside Europe. The park was created artificially in the middle of the city. Flower beds, fountains, a Japanese rock garden, bars, and play areas fit onto a small strip. If you're going to Dubai, you'll find both shade and cafes here. The catch: it's always crowded.

© Fabio Achilli from Milano, Italy · CC BYPhoto: Fabio Achilli from Milano, Italy, CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0), Wikimedia Commons

6. Ayia Thekla, Ayia Napa (Cyprus)

This shore is chosen by those who value seclusion: even at the height of the season there are few people. The water entry is gentle, so swimming is comfortable even with children. You won't have to look for a spot away from the crowd. Nearby there is a small island that is easy to reach by wading, and the white-and-blue chapel of Saint Thekla.

© up4k · CC BYPhoto: up4k, CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), Wikimedia Commons

• Who it's for: for a quiet vacation without crowds.

7. Tropea beach, Tropea (Italy)

The best view of the shore opens up from above, from the town on the cliff: a picturesque staircase leads down. From above you'll see both the warm sea and the sandy strip. The beach is sandy, and the water is usually calm. The catch: the shore has repeatedly been called the best in Europe, so in season it gets crowded.

© Marcuscalabresus · CC BY-SAPhoto: Marcuscalabresus, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0), Wikimedia Commons

8. Plage de l'Espiguette, Le Grau-du-Roi (France)

To reach the shore, you walk through real sand dunes. Waves of beige sand flow smoothly into the sea. There is enough room here for sunbathing and for playing with children: they will enjoy building sandcastles.

• Who it's for: for families with children and lovers of open space.
• The catch: the sea is cool even in summer.

© Christian Ferrer · CC BYPhoto: Christian Ferrer, CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

9. Praia do Guincho, Cascais (Portugal)

This shore is called the windiest in Portugal. Surfers come here: high waves, a fresh breeze, and clear water make riding interesting. You'll be comfortable if you're looking for waves, not calm. The long coastline is framed by cliffs and boulders, and nearby there are fish restaurants with fresh seafood.

© Alvesgaspar · CC BY-SAPhoto: Alvesgaspar, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0), Wikimedia Commons

• Who it's for: for surfers and lovers of wild nature.
• The catch: strong wind and waves are not suitable for calm swimming with children.

10. Kerteminde Nordstrand, Kerteminde (Denmark)

This is the most picturesque beach on the island of Funen. White sand and blue water attract both tourists and locals. You'll find windsurfing, kitesurfing, and beach volleyball here. Every day fishermen come out to the shore, and there are many cafes around plus a museum dedicated to the sea.

• Who it's for: for active travelers.

11. Banna Strand, Tralee (Ireland)

The spacious sandy shore is suited for long walks: from here you get a view of green hills. The water entry is gentle, so people swim here calmly with children. You can also go surfing: schools and equipment rental points operate nearby.

12. Frinton-on-Sea, Essex (England)

The shore lies in a quiet town in the east of England. Beach huts line the coast here. On the other side there are green lawns and cafes. You'll enjoy walking between the huts and the lawns. There are separate zones for swimming, sailing, and windsurfing.

© Rhys Wynne from Caerdydd, Cymru · CC BY-SAPhoto: Rhys Wynne from Caerdydd, Cymru, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0), Wikimedia Commons

• Who it's for: for quiet walks and a peaceful vacation.

⁉️🤔 Frequently asked questions

What does a Blue Flag on a beach mean?

It is an international award from the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) for clean water, safety, and good management. If the flag is flying, the beach meets the program's criteria this year.

Which countries have the most Blue Flag beaches?

As of 2025, Spain led with 642 beaches. Greece and Turkey followed, and Italy was in the top five. The number of flags changes every year.

Does the Blue Flag last forever?

No. The status is valid for one season. If water quality or infrastructure deteriorates, the flag is withdrawn.

Can you swim if a red flag is flying?

No. A red flag warns of strong currents, whirlpools, or quicksand.

What does a green flag mean if there is no Blue Flag?

A green flag indicates there is no obvious danger. The Blue Flag comes from a different system: it is an award, not a signal about swimming conditions. You can swim, but the shore has not necessarily passed environmental certification. Orange and brown flags, by contrast, warn of water pollution.

In short: which beach to choose

All 12 shores share the program's flag. Beyond that, the choice depends on what you want from your vacation.

• If you want peace and quiet: Ayia Thekla in Cyprus or Frinton-on-Sea in England.
• If you're a surfer: Praia do Guincho in Portugal.
• If you're traveling with kids: Banna Strand in Ireland or Plage de l'Espiguette in France.
• If you want to combine beach and city: Jumeirah Beach Park in Dubai or Tropea in Italy.
• If you value unusual scenery: Playa de las Arenas in Tenerife or Kaputaş in Turkey.

Before you go, check the flag at the specific beach. You'll find the current map on the program's website.