Stamatina Syrigou, National Coordinator of the Blue Flag Program at the Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature (HSPN), spoke on the program “Fair Winds and Following Seas” about the 2026 Blue Flag Awards.
Ms. Syrigou noted that 657 sites received awards this year, including 624 beaches, 17 marinas, and 17 tourist boats recognized for their excellence. Greece ranks second among 51 participating countries worldwide in the number of Blue Flags awarded, behind Spain, which has a larger number of marinas.
“This year’s announcement, which forms part of the anniversary events celebrating the 75th anniversary of the HSPN, is held under the auspices of His Excellency the President of the Hellenic Republic, Mr. Konstantinos An. Tasoulas.
It is worth noting that Greece continues to show a steady upward trend, with the number of awarded sites increasing every year and once again exceeding 600. Greece also holds 14% of all awarded beaches among the 51 countries participating in the Program,” Ms. Syrigou emphasized, among other points.
It should also be noted that the regional unit of Halkidiki ranked first in Greece, with 93 awarded beaches. The Region of Crete maintained first place nationwide overall, with 154 awarded beaches. Internationally, the Blue Flag International Jury awarded 4,378 beaches, 747 marinas, and 158 tourist boats around the world.
Produced and presented by Antonis Karagiannakis