17 Spectacular Blue Flag Beaches You've Gotta See In Greece

The Greek sovereign land includes 6,000 islands and islets scattered in the Aegean and Ionian Seas, of which only 227 islands are inhabited. You’ll find pristine beaches stretching over many kilometers, sheltered bays and coves, sandy beaches with dunes, pebble beaches, coastal caves with steep rocks and dark colored sand typical of volcanic soil and coastal wetlands.

With 392 of these beaches having been awarded the blue flag – Greece is second, after Spain to hold the highest number of beaches recognized under Blue Flag Program.

The Blue Flag program for beaches and marinas is run by the international, non-profit organisation FEE (the Foundation for Environmental Education). Started in France in 1985, the Blue Flag program promotes sustainable development in freshwater and marine areas. It challenges local authorities and beach operators to achieve high standards in the four categories of: water quality, environmental management, environmental education and safety. Over the years, the Blue Flag has become a highly respected and world-renowned eco-label trusted by millions around the globe.

Central to the ideals of the Blue Flag program is the aim of connecting the public with their surroundings and encouraging them to learn more about their environment.

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. Criteria include environmental education activities on site, conservation of marine protected areas and coastal zone ecosystems, informing visitors and complying with the stringent waste-water regulations and bathing water quality standards, along with promoting sustainable tourism in the area.

These are some of the lesser known but truly stunning blue flag beaches in Greece.