Blue EU flag on the beach. What does the blue flag on the beach mean and what is it awarded for? Who evaluates the safety of the beaches

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Traveling abroad with a worthy mission - to acquire a pleasant bronze tan, not immediately, but you pay attention to some incomprehensible flags hung there. As it turns out, they are there not just for beauty (although they add brightness and festivity with their appearance). In fact, each color of the flag (on the beach) and even its shape has a certain
essential for vacationers.

You can swim

• blue flag
• green flag
• Yellow/orange flag.
• White flag

Swimming is prohibited

• Red flag
• Purple/blue flag.

For the convenience of vacationers, the meaning of the same flags on the beaches different countries the same.

Under what flags can you swim on the beach?

• (may be with pattern)

The beaches marked with the Blue Flag are beaches that have passed 32 international criteria responsible for environmental cleanliness, that the beach is well equipped and freely accessible to vacationers. The blue flag also comes with an additional white stripe pattern. This means that this beach is characterized by increased comfort.

There are almost no beaches approved by the Blue Flag award on the territory of Russia and Ukraine. The maximum that can be seen on the beaches of these countries is the Blue Flag with a pattern of shells (most often, three shells). This flag only means luxury beach.

• Green flag on the beach

Water entry is allowed. The water is calm, the wind is normal. If the beach is equipped and clearly maintained, but no flags are visible on it, it is presumably worthy of a green flag.

• Yellow/orange flag.

There will be waves or a strong current in the sea today. Lifeguards present on the beach can (at their discretion) not let vacationers into the water.

• White flag

You can swim in the waters of the beach where such a flag stands.

Which flags prohibit swimming in the sea?

• Red flag

Swimming is prohibited today.

• Purple/blue flag.

Animals or other living creatures dangerous to life and health (sharks, rays, jellyfish, snakes, etc.) appeared off the coast.

• Brown (sometimes orange) flag.

The local beach or coastal area is polluted. For example, an oil slick was discovered off the coast of a beach.

• double red flag

Increased degree of danger. Entering the water is prohibited.

Risk options for which a red flag can be set:

• Dangerous flora or fauna in the water near the beach (sharks, dangerous jellyfish, crocodiles, etc.).
• The beginning of the hunting season at the local marine fauna: sharks prey on fur seals and so on.
• The period of ebb and flow, which can drag the swimmer away from the coast.
• The appearance of quicksand on the beach.
• The formation of whirlpools or whirlpools in the water near the shore.

• Black flag or balloon

Shark attacks on humans have been recorded in the waters of this beach. Entering the water is strictly prohibited.

Information flags on the beaches

This is how surf spots are marked. In the area limited by such flags, it is undesirable to swim with ordinary swimming trunks - you can run into a surfer.

• Flag with a black circle on a yellow background.

On US beaches within the area marked with these flags, riding heavy boards (for surfing) is prohibited.

• Red and yellow flag.

These flags on the beaches of the United States and Australia mark the area controlled by lifeguards. Outside the zone marked with red and yellow flags, water users are responsible for themselves.

• Blue triangular flag.

Similar flags are common on beaches. They say that there is a certain danger in the waters of the designated beach: strong waves or currents.

In addition to the above colored flags, flags are also set up on the beaches, which indicate the degree of threat from sharks in coastal waters. The flag has an outline of a shark and a different background color: green, red, black and white.

All over the world, the Blue Flag is a symbol of impeccability and cleanliness of beaches. This international award was first presented in 1985 and has been held annually since 1987. If the beach is marked with the Blue Flag, you can be sure that it is safe to swim here, and the coast meets international standards. In 2018, 3687 beaches in the world received the highest award and many of them are located on the Greek island of Crete - one of the most popular summer destinations in Europe.

Greece has long and deservedly occupies the most high places in the list of countries whose beaches receive the Blue Flag. In 2018, it took second place out of 47 possible, beating "competitors" from the seventh part of the whole world. In Greece, 519 beaches have received the Blue Flag, and dozens of them are located in Crete. This largest Greek island- a real mecca for tourists and the pearl of Greece with a clean environment, attractions different eras and, of course, the immaculate coastline. Chania has 34 Blue Flag beaches, Rethymno 16, Heraklion 22 and Lassithi area 41 beaches.

To receive the Blue Flag, the beaches of Crete must not only be clean, but also deserve the highest marks in more than 30 categories. This includes the safety of swimmers, the presence of information boards and convenient access to the beach, water chemistry and the protection of the coastal environment.

Crete Blue Flag beaches for 2018 - complete list:

Chania region - 34 Blue Flag beaches

Chania - area with amazing nature, ancient ruins, picturesque gorges, monasteries and villages lost in the mountains. Chania itself, the center of the nome, is considered one of the most beautiful cities Greece. Epochs are mixed here: you can see the houses of the Venetian and Turkish periods, and it is forbidden to change their historical appearance. The main wealth of Chania is its beaches, including the world-famous Elafonisi.

Kandanos-Selinos:

In this area of ​​Chania, there are mainly pebble beaches. Kandanos-Selinos is the perfect choice for those looking for a place to a relaxing holiday, despite the fact that the number of hotels here is limited. Among the famous beaches of this area is Halikia, which is worth the trip through the mountains and deservedly receives the Blue Flag year after year for its cleanliness, beauty of the scenery and well-developed infrastructure.

• Vulismeni
• Grammeno
• Pachia Ammos
• Halikia (Paleochora)

Kissamos:

In this area, there are many clean and well-equipped beaches, each of which is equipped with sun loungers and everything necessary for decent rest. But Kissamos became famous, first of all, for the famous beaches of Falasarna and Elafonisi. The latter not only earned the Blue Flag, but is also one of the most paradise beaches peace.

• Kasteli/Mavros Molos Plaka
• Falasarna/Pahya Ammos 1
• Falasarna/Pahya Ammos 2

Platanias

Platanias is famous for its long beaches that stretch for several kilometers and deservedly receive the Blue Flag. Among them, the most famous is Kolimvari, where, in addition to beach holiday you can enjoy lunch in the best taverns of the Chania area. The beaches of the lively town of Platanias are incredibly popular in the summer - also because the resort has a developed infrastructure.

• Platanias/ Porto Hotel Platania Beach
• Platanias/Geraniotis Hotel
• Rapañana/Cavo Spada Hotel

Chania

The beaches in the area of ​​the city of Chania also did not stand aside and were noted for their cleanliness. It is especially worth highlighting the sandy beaches of three peninsulas of Agia Apostoli, the endless sandy line of the resort of Agia Marina, next to which there is everything - from clubs to shops. You can not pass by Chrissi Akti, whose name literally translates as "Golden Coast".

• Hagia Apostoli 1
• Hagia Apostoli 2
• Agios OnoufriosAgios Onoufrios
• Galatas
• Marathi
• Nea Hora
• Stavros
• Chrissy Akti

Apokoronas

This area is considered one of the greenest in Chania. For a family and relaxing holiday, you can choose Kalives beach. Another calm and picturesque beach is Almirida in the village of the same name, where excellent taverns and hotels of various categories operate.

• Kavros (Georgioupolis) / Anemos Hotel
• Kavros / Hotel Eliros Mare
• Kavros/ Georgioupolis Resort
• Kavros / Mythos Palace Hotel
• Kiani
• Maistrali
• Perastikos/ Hotel Mare Monte
• Perastikos/ Pilot Beach Hotel

Rethymno Region - 16 Blue Flag beaches

Rethymno is rightly considered the best area of ​​Crete for recreation. Nearby - the most famous sights of the island for day trips and the region of Chania, and finally, the city of Rethymno - the "Cretan Venice". What else attracts the Rethymno region is the longest beaches in Crete, many of which have received the Blue Flag for several years.

Rethymnon

In the area of ​​​​the city of Rethymno - the concentration of excellent sandy beaches. Many of them are located a few meters from first-class hotels and are equipped with sports fields. The beaches of Rethymnon are not overcrowded due to their great length, and next to them there are numerous taverns, souvenir shops and supermarkets.

• Adelyanos Kambos A/ Aquila Rithymna Beach Hotel
• Piyanos Kambos/ Grecotel White Palace Hotel
• Platanias B/ Hotel Minos Mare Resort
• Rethymno 1/ Hotel Aquila Porto Rethymno
• Rethymnon 1/ Ilios Beach Hotel
• Rethymno 1/ Hotel Kriti Beach
• Rethymnon 2/ Pearl Beach Hotel
• Rethymno 3/ Hotel Steris Beach
• Rethymno 4-Missirya/ Creta Palace Hotel
• Skaleta/ Hotel Creta Star

Mylopotamos

The beaches of the Mylopotamos area are a place for a relaxing holiday in the atmosphere of a Cretan village that is rapidly developing without losing its traditional spirit. The beaches of Mylopotamos are protected from waves and well organized. Panormo Beach is especially famous in this area, which is safe for families with children and offers water activities for every taste.

• Lianos Kavos Lavris / Iberostar Creta Panorama Hotel
• Panormo / Hotel Grecotel Club Marine Palace

Agios Vasilios

The beaches of the Agios Vasilios area are amazingly varied. It is not the first year that the Blue Flag has been given to the beach of the picturesque village of Agia Galini - they are covered with a sand and pebble mixture and “look” at the slopes of Mount Psiloritis. Plakias is one of the most famous beaches The Libyan coast of Crete, near which the sea always remains calm.

• Agia Galini/Histero Varkotopi
• Plakias
• Rodakino (Korakas)

Heraklion Region - 22 Blue Flag beaches

Heraklion region is the most close region to international airport, the main attractions of the island (Knossos Palace, the Aquarium of Crete) and numerous resorts that are concentrated around the capital of Crete. Heraklion itself - busy city with clubs, shops and architectural monuments from different eras.

Malevizi

The beaches of the Malevizi area stretch from the borders of the city of Heraklion to the municipality of Rethymnon. These are some of the cleanest and most comfortable beaches in Crete. One only sand beach Ammoudara stretches for 5 km - open to the winds, he was especially fond of fans of windsurfing. Fodele is another popular Malevizi beach, which, unlike Ammoudara, is reliably protected from waves.

• Ammoudara 1/Agapi Beach Hotel
• Ammoudara 4 / Hotel Candia Maris
• Ammoudara 5/ Hotel Santa Marina
• Ammoudara / Hotel Atlantica Akti Zeus
• Ellinoperamata/ Hotel Apollonia beach
• Made/ Hotel Athina Palace
• Fodele/Fodele Beach Hotel

Hersonissos

The beaches of Hersonissos are always popular with tourists. In addition to cleanliness and quality rest, a lot of entertainment awaits here. Holidays in Hersonissos are non-stop fun, including in the beach bars scattered along the coast.

• Agios Georgios 1/ Aldemar Knossos Royal Village Hotel
• Agios Georgios 2 - Panagia Risi / AKS Annabelle Village Hotel
• Agios Georgios 3/ Aldemar Royal Mare Hotel and Cretan Village
• Agia Pelagia Menopetra / Akrogiali Beach Hotel
• Anissaras/ Lyttos Beach Hotel
• Anissaras/ Mitsis Laguna Resort
• Drapanos/ Nana Beach Hotel
• Castries / Hotel Creta Maris
• Klonzani/ Sirens Hotels
• Kokkini Hani/ Knossos Beach Hotel
• Kokkini Hani / Hotel Rinela
• Kokkini Hani/ Themis Beach Hotel
• Hersonissos 5/ Silva Beach Hotel
• Potamos/ Cretan Malia Park Hotel

Fastos

The area of ​​Fastos is associated with archaeological sites and the famous Matala beach. It has long been a haven for hippies. Today it is a coast of impeccable cleanliness for a relaxing holiday.

• Matala

Lassithi area - 41 Blue Flag beaches

Lassithi is an area that has no equal in natural beauty. It is a region of green valleys, olive groves, first-class resorts and the famous plateau that gave the whole area its name. The beaches in Lassithi are varied: there are lively ones, and there are hidden gems that mass tourism has not reached.

Agios Nikolaos

The area of ​​Agios Nikolaos is a whole scattering of beaches. The coast near the capital of the nome is crowded with tourists, but it does not know the lack of entertainment and infrastructure, and was awarded the highest award for cleanliness. The beaches of the famous Elounda, one of the most fashionable resorts in Europe, are also located in this area.

• Agios Nikolaos 1/ Saint Nicolas Bay Hotel
• Agios Nikolaos 2/ Minos Palace Hotel
• Agios Nikolaos 3/ Minos Beach Hotel
• Agios Pantelemonas
• Almiros
• Ammos/ Marina
• Ammos / city beach
• Ammoudara
• Ammoudi/ Hermes Coral Hotel
• Vulisma
• Driros/ Domes of Elounda Hotel
• Elounda/ Hotel Porto Elounda
• Elounda 1/ Elounda Blu Hotel
• Elounda/ Hotel Elounda Mare
• Karavostasi
• Kitroplatia
• Mirabello/ Mirabello Beach & Village Hotel
• Pigaidakya Eloundas/ Elounda Village Hotel
• Pylos / Istron Bay Hotel
• Plaka/ Blue Palace Hotel
• Poros 1/Elounda Bay Palace Hotel
• Poros 2/ Elounda Beach Hotel
• Spigliada/ Hotel Kalimera Kriti
• Schism
• Havana 1/ Candia Park Village Hotel
• Havanya 2
• Chiona

Sitia

Coast of Sitia - beaches for families and romantics. Silence reigns here, and the sandy and pebbly shores are washed by clean calm sea. Sitia is worth visiting for at least one palm-fringed Vai beach - the most exotic place in Crete, recognized as a protected area.

• Analipsi
• Vai / Palm forest
• Kato Zakros
• Kuramanos
• Lagufa / Hotel Mikri Poli Creta
• Makrigialos Lagoufa / Sunwing Makrigialos Beach Hotel
• Sitia 1/ Gallico
• Chiona

Ierapetra

Foreign tourists have not yet discovered the beaches of Ierapetra - the southern city in Greece. It is not crowded or noisy here, while the infrastructure is at a decent level. A feature of many beaches in the Ierapetra region is dark sand and small pebbles.

• Agia Fotya
• Ahlia Schinocapsalon
• Ierapetra 1/ City beach
• Koutsounari 2/ Hotel Kakkos Bay
• Koutsounari-Agios Ioannis/ Sunshine Kreta & Sunshine Crete Village Hotel
• Myrtos

All articles about Chania and Western Crete. Complete encyclopedia: beaches, hotels, resorts, attractions, tourist routes, museums, transport and much more.

Heraklion and Rethymnon, cities and mountains, nature and culture, on foot and by car.

The Blue Flag is a certificate that is awarded annually to the best beaches and marinas around the world. The presence of such a flag means that the coastal areas meet certain environmental and safety criteria. In Russia, only Yantarny Beach in Russia managed to obtain such a certificate. Kaliningrad region.

On the beach of the village of Yantarny, which has been awarded the international Blue Flag sign. Photo: RIA Novosti / Igor Zarembo

Who evaluates the safety of beaches?

The safety of beaches is assessed by experts from the Federation for Environmental Education - FEO (Foundation for Environmental Education - FEE). The blue flag quality certificate was first established by the French in 1985.

The blue flag is awarded to the beach for one swimming season in the current year. In a year, the coastal area must re-prove high quality provided services.

The renewal time for Blue Flag certificates in the Northern Hemisphere is annually at the end of May - beginning of June.

By what criteria are beaches evaluated?

The evaluation of beaches is carried out on the basis of compliance with 32 criteria, which reflect 4 main aspects:

1. Environmental education and information

• Information about the "Blue Flag" must be displayed on the territory.
• Ecological and educational activities should be carried out with visitors to this beach.
• Bathing water quality information should be displayed.
• Information about the local ecosystem and environmental phenomena should be displayed.
• There should be a map of the beach with the available objects marked on it.
• Information about the rules of conduct and stay on the beach and adjacent areas in accordance with applicable laws.

2. Water quality

• The beach must fully comply with the requirements for the frequency of sampling for water quality.
• The beach must fully comply with water quality standards based on the analysis of samples taken.
• No industrial and waste water discharges affecting the beach area.
• The beach must meet the requirements of the "Blue Flag" for microbiological parameters of the content coli(E.coli) and intestinal enterococci/streptococci.
• The beach must meet the requirements of the "Blue Flag" in terms of physical and chemical parameters.

3. Environmental management

• Local beach managers or owners must have a beach management committee (administration).
• Local managers or owners of the beach are obliged to comply with all regulatory documents for the arrangement and operation of the beach.
• The beach must be clean.
• Algae, vegetation or other natural debris must not be left on the beach.
• Garbage bins/receptacles must be available on the beach in sufficient quantity and must be serviced regularly.
• The beach should have containers for segregated waste collection for subsequent recycling.
• There should be a sufficient number of toilets on the beach.
• Toilets or latrines must be kept clean.
• Toilets or latrines must be equipped with sewage.
• There should be no unauthorized release or dumping of waste on the beach.
• All buildings and beach equipment must be kept in good order.
• Coral reefs in close proximity to the beach should be monitored.
• Parking Vehicle should not be carried out in the beach area.

4. Security and services

• A sufficient number of lifeguards and lifesaving equipment must be available on the beach.
• First aid equipment must be available on the beach.
• There must be emergency plans and plans to deal with the risk of environmental pollution.
• The administration should take measures to prevent and cause conflict situations and accidents with beach visitors.
• There must be security measures in place to protect beach visitors.
• The beach must have drinking water.
• At least one of the Blue Flag beaches in each municipality must have wheelchairs and special equipment to accommodate the disabled.
• At least one of the Blue Flag beaches in each municipality must be able to accommodate wheelchair users and people with disabilities.

Thus, the beach, over which the blue flag flutters, guarantees vacationers that

• access to the beach is free,
• the water is clean and tested weekly,
• the garbage is collected and the sand is cleaned,
• on the beach there are showers, a surveillance and rescue service,
• if necessary, emergency assistance can be provided right on the beach,
• there is no motor transport on the beach,
• there are no pets on the beach,
• on the beach there are conditions for people with disabilities.

How many met the Blue Flag on the beach? What does it mean? Apparently, not many people know this. Therefore, it is worth figuring out what a special flag means and whether it makes sense to look for beaches marked in this way in advance.

beach holiday

Many people cannot imagine their vacation without the gentle sun and sea. Therefore, annually warm southern resorts receive a huge number of tourists who tend to the beaches. But their requests differ: someone likes a calm sea, while others like small waves and wind. For some, it is critical pebble beach or sandy, but there are people in general with special requests. But be that as it may, everyone understands that you need to relax on the other side, which is completely safe, where there is all the necessary equipment.

Many beaches around the world have a special system of colored flags, which shows that, for example, there are dangerous creatures in the sea, or the waves are too big, and therefore swimming is prohibited. But the same colors are not always used, so it is easy to get confused in the notation. But there is also an international sign - the Blue Flag on the beach. What does it mean?

blue flags

The problem of assessing the quality of beaches has become relevant for a long time, and already in 1985 a special system began its work. Initially, it operated only within Europe, but in 2001, the organization involved in the certification of holiday destinations by the sea became worldwide. Today it has about 50 member countries in Eurasia, Africa, Oceania, North and South America. Initially, the blue flag on the beach meant the high quality of the sea water (according to several parameters), today only those places that meet almost 30 different criteria are marked with it. Obviously, this sign is very prestigious, and such beaches attract more tourists. That is why every year the requirements become tougher, but more and more recreation areas receive these awards, and more and more countries join a kind of club. Certification of beaches in the Eastern Hemisphere is carried out in May-June, and - in early November.

Award Criteria

Before each season, the beaches of the countries participating in the project are certified. Many parameters are taken into account, divided into the following categories.

1. Water quality:

• Compliance with the requirements adopted by the EU Directive.
• No discharge of industrial wastewater.
• Availability of local or regional action plans in case of pollution from accidents.
• Preventing the accumulation of algae in recreation areas.
• Meeting the requirements of urban wastewater treatment.

2. Environmental awareness:

• Availability of at least 5 educational programs.
• Timely informing about the accomplished or alleged pollution of the beach.
• Providing visitors with information about applicable laws and codes, as well as rules of conduct.
• Informing about dangerous areas near the coast, including habitats of local flora and fauna, representatives of which can cause harm to humans.
• The presence of a special educational center.
• Timely updating and updating of all information provided.

3. Environmental management:

• The presence of a sufficient number of garbage cans that are regularly serviced and emptied.
• Carrying out regular, and if necessary, daily cleaning of the beach area.
• Existence of a plan for land use and development of the coastal zone separately or on a regional scale.
• Full transport without special permission, unauthorized camping, dumping and car or motorcycle racing on the beach.
• Having secure access.
• Active promotion of environmentally friendly safe species transport to visit the coastal zone.

4. Security:

• Availability of all first aid equipment on the beach.
• Strict implementation of state laws regarding the stay in the recreation area of ​​various animals.
• The presence of lifeguards and the necessary equipment on the beach and / or another way to ensure safety and prevent accidents.
• Access to a source of drinking water.
• The presence of a working phone, in case lifeguards are not working on the beach.
• All buildings and structures must be kept in order and clean.

Not all of the above criteria are mandatory, some of them are advisory in nature. And yet, in order to get the highest rating - the blue flag - every year the authorities try to make the beaches better and better. And many succeed: in 2015, there were 4,159 places on the world map that were awarded this quality mark. The Blue Flag beaches received a huge number of tourists during the summer, while maintaining the necessary level of safety and cleanliness. The prestige of this award is so high that many people even plan their holidays, focusing on the most highly rated recreation areas by experts. So where are most of them located?

Spain

Every year the Blue Flag is awarded to a huge number of beaches. In 2015, Spain became the first in terms of the number of such places - 577 certified sections of sea coasts were counted on its map. Most of the beaches, ecological purity and safety of which are confirmed, are located in Galicia. In second place was Valencia, and in third - Catalonia. Let's see if Spain will be able to keep the lead in 2016 and possibly improve the result? In the meantime, it is much more difficult for an inexperienced tourist to get to a beach that is not marked with a flag, and soon it will probably be completely impossible.

Turkey

In the spring of 2015, it turned out that another popular southern country received "silver" in the competition for the number of certified beaches. Turkey became it with a score of 436. Most of the marked beaches are located in the traditionally popular regions among Russians - Bodrum, Kemer, Antalya, Marmaris. And there is hope that next year more more places will receive a badge of distinction - the Blue Flag.

Greece

Hellas moved to third place from last year's second, with a result of 395 recreation areas, losing as many as 13 marked coasts. Obviously, the crisis that affected Greece was the reason, among other things, that the government focused on more burning topics. Most of local beaches, over which the Blue Flag flutters, is concentrated in traditional resort areas- in Crete and Halkidiki.

France

The country that spawned the Blue Flag movement was the fourth largest in 2015. France lagged behind Greece quite a bit - on its territory there are 379 beaches that meet all the criteria for environmental cleanliness and safety. Places for recreation, marked with the Blue Flag, are located on the coast fairly evenly. A sufficient number of them are located both at the English Channel and at mediterranean sea and the Atlantic Ocean.

Cyprus

Another country enduringly loved by northern latitudes, it received 57 awards in 2015, the same as last year, and almost all of them are concentrated in the southern part of the island. This may seem like a small number compared to hundreds in previous countries. However, let's not forget about the small size of the island. By the way, it is worth mentioning that Cyprus is a kind of record holder: firstly, there are marked vacation spots in terms of per capita, and secondly, the largest number of them per unit length coastline. Mostly with the Blue Flag are located in the areas of Limassol, Larnaca, Ayia Napa and Famagusta.

Russia

Despite the fact that the Russian Federation does not have many warm places with beaches, for several years now it has been participating in the Blue Flag program. Unfortunately, for all this time only a couple of yacht clubs have been awarded the prestigious award, but not a single beach has been certified to European standards. However, let's not lose heart: perhaps in the coming years the situation will change for the better.

We found out what the flags located on the beach mean. They mentioned such an award as the Blue Flag. Today we will find out for what such merits this award is presented.

Blue flag.

Blue flag on the beach of Italy

The flag on the blue beach is not just a flag, but a whole award for certain merits.

The Blue Flag has been awarded to the best beaches in France since 1985. Since 1987, this award has become an annual award and the beaches and marinas of Europe, and since 2003 - other countries of the world have begun to receive it.

The nominee for the award is selected by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), which includes 65 organizations from 60 countries (from Europe, Africa, Oceania, Asia, North and South America).

The award certificate is issued every year before the start of bathing season: in the countries of the Northern Hemisphere begins from May to early June, in the Southern Hemisphere and the Caribbean - around the first of November. The flags must indicate the year in which the Blue Flag was awarded.

The Ministry of Tourism of countries that award the Blue Flag award reports how many beaches in their country have received this award. Thereby

the level of tourist attractiveness of the country for potential vacationers is increasing.

In order for a beach to receive an award, beach authorities must meet 32 ​​standards for beach water quality, safety and environmental education. For berths of such criteria - 25 points.

If you see the Blue Flag on the beach, it means that:

• you can get to the beach and relax there for free;
• the quality of coastal waters is checked in the laboratory every week;
• there are no industrial sources of pollution of coastal waters near the beach;
• garbage from the beach is collected and sorted for subsequent recycling;
• sand or pebbles are cleaned regularly;
• a map of the beach is freely available on the beach, where its main points are indicated (rescue towers, a first-aid post, urns, equipped paths, etc.);
• on the beach there are changing cabins and showers;
• lifeguards are always present and there is a first-aid post, which in an emergency can provide assistance right on the beach;
• there are sources of drinking water on the beach;
• there are no motor vehicles and pets on the beach;
• The beach is accessible to people with disabilities.

Is there a "Blue Flag" in Russia and Ukraine?

In the territory Russian Federation and Ukraine also have Blue Flag beaches. For the first time, a Ukrainian beach (Massandrovsky beach, Yalta) received a world award in 2010, the first Russian beach (in the village of Yantarny, Kaliningrad region) received an award in 2016.

In Ukraine on this moment ten beaches have already been awarded the Blue Flag award, including in Chernomorsk ( Odessa region), children's beaches of the city of Kyiv.
In Russia, the same beach in the village of Yantarny, Kaliningrad Region, can still boast of the Blue Flag.

The beaches of Spain have long been considered the best beaches in the world. The leading place at the time of 2017 among Spanish beaches is occupied by Playa de Muro beach on the island of Mallorca.

Second place goes to the Croatian beach Nikolina.

Third place - Marinha beach (Praia di Marinha), Portugal.

As you can see, the Blue Flag beaches are deservedly reference. And your vacation will be much better if there is a beach with such a worthy reward next to your hotel.