![Blue Flag Global List: Greece Remains in Second Place on](https://www.ot.gr/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/blue-flag.jpg)
Greece this year remained in second place, worldwide, in the number of coveted “Blue Flags” awarded to its beaches, marinas and tourism vessels, taking 625, 18 and nine, respectively, according to results announced on Friday by the Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature (EEPF).
The latter is the national operator of the renowned Copenhagen-based Blue Flag International Program. Some of the primary criteria evaluated in the program are water quality and beach cleanliness, along with services envisioned for bathers, such as handicap access, for instance.
The well-known northern Greece holiday “magnet” of Halkidiki has the most “Blue Flags” in Greece among prefectures, with 104. Crete, as a whole however, has 146 Blue Flags. Additionally, the east Mediterranean country has some 15% of the Blue Flags awarded worldwide
Fifty-two countries around the world were surveyed for the 2024 rankings.
With more than 600 pristine spots, Spain achieved a Guinness World Record in 2022 for the most Blue Flag beaches and has held the record for two consecutive years.
According to Conde Nast Traveller, a specific municipality in each country must apply for Blue Flag via the national operator. Approved applications and dispensation cases are forwarded from a national jury to an international jury. Members of the latter carry out an evaluation and determines which beaches and marinas are awarded a Blue Flag for the season. International jury members hail from the FEE Board, UNESCO, the European Network for Accessible Tourism (ENAT), World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), the European Union for Coastal Conservation (EUCC) and the UN Environment Programme (UNEP).
Source: tovima.com
![ot.gr](/wp-content/themes/whsk_otgr/common/imgs/fav.ico/favicon-32x32.png)
![ot.gr](/wp-content/themes/whsk_otgr/common/imgs/fav.ico/favicon-32x32.png)
Latest News
![ELSTAT: Building Permits Increased by 40.1% in Greece](https://www.ot.gr/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/oikod1-600x380.png)
ELSTAT: Building Permits Increased by 40.1% in Greece
Focusing on Private Construction Activity during this period, there was a 41.8% increase in building permits nationwide, a 40.2% rise in the area, and a 26.8% expansion in volume
![Greek Economy: Bankers’ Insights on Investments and Reforms](https://www.ot.gr/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/ot_bankers4-600x352.png)
Greek Economy: Bankers’ Insights on Investments and Reforms
He also noted that the Recovery and Resilience Fund has seen over 50% of its funds absorbed, with more than 20% having been directed into the real economy.
![Greece: Airbnb Occupancy Hits 40% in June](https://www.ot.gr/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/airbnb-1-600x400.jpg)
Greece: Airbnb Occupancy Hits 40% in June
This growth, averaging about 20,000 new units per month, pushed the total number of accommodations to 224,860 by June, up from 204,578 the previous year.
![Fraport: Greece’s Regional Airports See 5.9% June Surge](https://www.ot.gr/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/ot_airport_affixeis-1-1-600x352.png)
Fraport: Greece’s Regional Airports See 5.9% June Surge
Overall, during the first half of 2024, Fraport Greece's airports achieved remarkable results, handling more than 12.7 million passengers, a 7.8% increase compared to 2023.
![SFEE: Just 1 in 5 New Pharmaceutical Drugs Reach Greece](https://www.ot.gr/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/ΦΑΡΜΑΚΑ-shutterstock_1467910202-2048x1365-1-600x400.jpg)
SFEE: Just 1 in 5 New Pharmaceutical Drugs Reach Greece
Greece spends 70% less than the European average on pharmaceuticals, and Greek patients face significant challenges accessing pharmaceutical drugs and treatments that are available in the country
![Attica Bank: Merger Process With Pancreta Commences](https://www.ot.gr/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/attica-bank-2048x1288-1-600x377.jpg)
Attica Bank: Merger Process With Pancreta Commences
A relevant announcement said the merger with Pancreta is expected to be completed by mid September
![Crete’s Heraklion Port Concession Deal Approved](https://www.ot.gr/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/heraklion-port2-1-600x369.jpg)
Crete’s Heraklion Port Concession Deal Approved
Owner of Minoan Lines Grimaldi Group acquired a 67% share of the port for a total price of 80 million euros
![Santorini Warning of Cruise Passenger Influx Causes Uproar](https://www.ot.gr/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/santorini1-600x400.jpg)
Santorini Warning of Cruise Passenger Influx Causes Uproar
A Santorini councilman urged locals to stay put and limit their activities during the arrival of cruise ships due to overtourism
![European Commission Approves Fourth 2.3 Billion Loan Payment to Greece Under RRF](https://www.ot.gr/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/european_commission_hq-flags_web-3-600x375.jpg)
European Commission Approves Fourth 2.3 Billion Loan Payment to Greece Under RRF
The Commission's preliminary assessment of Greece's request, completed on June 14, 2024, was positive, reflecting Greece's successful implementation of its recovery and resilience plan
![Greek Tourism: Projects Shaping the Landscape](https://www.ot.gr/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Mandarin-Oriental-Costa-Navarino-Ormos-Beach-Club-1024x767-1-600x449.jpg)
Greek Tourism: Projects Shaping the Landscape
In Vonitsa, Aetolia-Acarnania, the Varko Bay resort is emerging as the first ultra-luxury retreat by Banyan Tree in Europe