Beach quality is one of the main criteria when planning a seaside holiday. And really, who wants to wade through the multitude of sweaty bodies, spread like jellyfish on the muddy sand, while household rubbish sways on the waves? Such a picture can ruin not only the mood for one day, but also the rest of the rest. Fortunately, when choosing a beach, you can be guided not only by the advice of those already rested, but also by an almost official criterion - the presence or absence of the so-called “blue flag».
The “Blue Flag” is presented by the international non-profit organization Foundation for Environmental Education. It can be ensured that the beach awarded with such an award is clean and safe and the quality of the water does not raise any health concerns. Every year, the Foundation for Environmental Education honors those who distinguished themselves and publishes the results on its website. Introducing you top 10 countries with the most blue flag beaches.
10. England
Number of Blue Flag beaches: 68
Foggy Albion opens the rating of the countries with the cleanest beaches in the world in 2018. This state is not at all a resort state. But even the notorious English climate does not prevent seasoned British people from spending time on the beaches.
The Isle of Wight boasts the largest number of the cleanest beaches in the country, and Sandbanks Beach in Dorset has received this award the longest.
9. Ireland
Number of beaches: 81
The best in terms of beach holidays in Ireland is the west coast. There are 90% of the beaches with blue flags. True, the resort climate of Ireland is not at all hindering the massive influx of beach tourists. Local piles of sand and rocks are loved only by the local population. And the old Irish people joke "we used to swim all year round until we found out that the water in the sea is warm." Even on a hot summer day, the sea water temperature does not rise above 15-20 ° C.
If you are going on a family vacation to Ireland, we recommend the Killainey beaches, where a lifeguard is on duty, there is a toilet and a large parking lot. And for beginners and experienced surfers, a favorite place in Ireland is the coast of Danegal, where you can find surfing equipment rentals and schools that teach how to “ride” the wave.
8. Croatia
Number of beaches: 99
Croatia is a small country, which however boasts a coastline of 2000 km. The most popular (and clean) is Istria - a peninsula washed by the Adriatic Sea and almost completely covered with vineyards, olive trees and pine trees. Half of all the beaches that have received the "blue flag" are located there.
The most popular resorts in Istria are Vrsar, Umag, the islands of Brijuni and Krk.
7. Denmark
Number of beaches: 224
Beach vacation in one of the Scandinavian countries? Why not, because Danes love to spend their weekends basking in the bright northern sun. Denmark's coastline is long, almost 7.5 thousand km, indented, with many islets - there is where to settle.
The best Danish resorts for families are: the Danish Riviera in North Zealand, the beaches of Funen and Halsa and the beaches of Falster. And the beach on the island of Rømö is ideal for surfers and active water sports.
6.Portugal
Number of beaches: 320
In the sixth place in the ranking of countries with the cleanest beaches in the world is one of the traditional resort tourist destinations. Luxury (and expensive) resorts located in the Algarve received the most blue flags. These include Praia de Marina, Praia da Rocha, Praia do Carvalho and Praia Donna Anna. They are famous for their delicate, small and golden colors, both in advertising pictures, sand, the cleanest and safest sea, and for their well-developed infrastructure and thoughtful service.
5. Italy
Number of beaches: 328
Italy slightly overtook its rival. First of all, it is worth noting Liguria, whose resort traditions are rooted in the ancient world (there are most of the beaches in the country that have received the blue flag). No wonder - the Italian Riviera, as this region is called, has long ago got rid of industrial enterprises and turned into an exclusively tourist destination. The most popular beaches on the Italian Riviera include Balzi Rossi Beach, Baia dei Saraseni and Levanto.
4. France
Number of beaches: 389
The most beachfront region of France is the Cote d'Azur, where, as you know, only the rich and famous (as well as some Russian governors) live. The wealthy chose this place at the beginning of the last century, and since then their concentration has been maintained at a high level. Accordingly, the beaches here are some of the most beautiful and most expensive. True, both on the Cote d'Azur and in other regions of France you can find places accessible to the wallet of the average Russian - and even with a blue flag over them.
3. Turkey
Number of beaches: 435
Turkey, beloved and popular with Russian tourists, is in third place, ahead of France by a significant margin. Almost half of the beaches marked with the blue flag are located in Antalya. Most of them belong to four and five star hotels.
For a family vacation, a good choice would be Calis beach or Blue Lagoon (Fethiye resort), where noisy parties are organized and there are no crowds of young people. And lovers of solitude will surely like the Kaputas beach, located near the city of Kas. It is surrounded by rocks and to descend to the golden sand you have to go through 200 stone steps. For active recreation, the beaches of Lara or Patara are perfect.
2. Greece
Number of beaches: 466
Greece is one of the best countries for a beach holiday, including in terms of the number of Blue Flag beaches. Based on a percentage, exactly a quarter (25%) of all award-winning beaches are located in this small country. The most "blue-water" region of Greece is the Halkidiki peninsula. This is a favorite tourist destination, where, in addition to the excellent beaches, you cannot take a step so as not to stumble upon cultural value.
Famous Greek beaches that have been awarded the Blue Flag many times include Xi with its red sands, Myrtos with calm waters and easy access to the sea, Toroni, and Grias Pidima.
1. Spain
Number of beaches: 579
A country of matadors, flamenco and more than 8 thousand km of coastline. attracts over 40 million tourists every year. True, not all of them go for the beaches, because Spain is popular not only for the sea, but also for cultural and historical attractions, as well as local flavor. But the resort vacation is also good here; in general, one in five beaches in Spain received the coveted award. True, for lovers of Mediterranean relaxation, the local water may seem coldish.
Of the best Spanish beaches, we note Aiguablava with its beautiful nature and golden sand, a sandy beach in Giverola Bay, Portbo beach, and the beaches of Gran Canaria.
Unfortunately, Russia cannot boast of a large number of clean beaches. There is exactly one beach in our country that has been awarded the blue ecological flag - it is located in the village of Yantarny, Kaliningrad region. This beach has been awarded the "quality mark" for the third year in a row.