The quality of the beach is one of the main criteria when planning a vacation at sea. And really, who wants to make their way among the many sweaty bodies, spread out like jellyfish on dirty sand, while household garbage sways on the waves? Such a picture can spoil 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 tips of those who have 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 guaranteed that the beach that has received such an award is clean and safe, and the quality of the water does not inspire health concerns. Every year, the Foundation for Environmental Education rewards excellence 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
Misty Albion opens the ranking of the countries that have the cleanest beaches in the world in 2018. This state is not a resort at all. But even the notorious English climate does not prevent seasoned residents of Britain 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 County Dorset has received this award the longest.
9. Ireland
Number of beaches: 81
Best of all, from the point of view of a beach holiday in Ireland, the western coast is equipped. There are 90% of the beaches with blue flags. True, the non-resort climate of Ireland prevents the mass influx of beach tourists. Local piles of sand and rocks are loved only by the local population. And the old Irish joke "before we swam all year round until we found out that the water in the sea is warm." Even on a hot summer day, the temperature of sea water does not rise above 15-20 ° C.
If you are planning a family vacation in Ireland, we recommend the beaches of Killiney, 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 rental points for surfing equipment and schools that teach you 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. There are half of all the beaches that received the “blue flag”.
The most popular resorts in Istria include Vrsar, Umag, the islands of Brioni and Krk.
7. Denmark
Number of beaches: 224
Beach holidays in one of the countries of Scandinavia? Why not, because the Danes love to spend the weekend basking in the bright northern sun. Denmark's coastline is long, almost 7.5 thousand km, rugged, with many islands - there is where to settle down.
The best Danish family-friendly resorts are: the Danish Riviera in North Zealand, the beaches of Funen and Halsa and the beaches of Falster Island. And the beach on the island of Ryomo is ideal for lovers of surfing and active water sports.
6. Portugal
Number of beaches: 320
In sixth place in the ranking of countries with the cleanest beaches in the world is one of the traditional resort tourist destinations. Most of all “blue flags” were received by the luxurious (and expensive) resorts located in the Algarve. These include Praia de Marina, Praia da Rocha, Praia do Carvalho and Praia Donna Anna. They are famous for their delicate, small and golden, as in advertising pictures, sand, the cleanest and safest sea, as well as developed infrastructure and thoughtful service.
5. Italy
Number of beaches: 328
Italy is not much ahead of its rival. First of all, it is worth noting Liguria, the resort traditions of which are rooted in the ancient world (there are the beaches that received the blue flag most in the country). Not surprisingly, the Italian Riviera, as the region is called, has long since gotten rid of industrial enterprises and has turned exclusively into a tourist destination. The most popular beaches of the Italian Riviera include: Balzi Rossi beach, Bahia dei Saraceni and Levanto.
4. France
Number of beaches: 389
The most beach 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 rich 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, on the Cote d'Azur, and in other regions of France, you can find places available for the wallet of the average Russian - and even with a blue flag above them.
3. Turkey
Number of beaches: 435
In third place is Turkey, beloved and popular among Russian tourists, ahead of France by a significant margin. Almost half of the blue flag beaches are located in Antalya. Most of them belong to four- and five-star hotels.
For family vacations, Calis beach or the Blue Lagoon (Fethiye resort) are a good choice, where noisy parties and crowds of youth are not arranged. And lovers of solitude will surely like Kaputash beach, located near the city of Kas. It is surrounded by rocks and in order to go down to the golden sand you will have to go through 200 stone steps. For outdoor activities, 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 the number of blue flag beaches. Based on the percentage, exactly a quarter (25%) of all the prestigious award winning beaches are located in this small country. The most “blue-flagged" region of Greece is the Halkidiki Peninsula. This is a favorite tourist recreation area, where, in addition to excellent beaches, you can’t take a step so as not to stumble on cultural value.
Famous Greek beaches that have repeatedly earned the “blue flag” include Ksi with its red sands, Myrtos with calm water and convenient access to the sea, Toroni, and Grias Pidima.
1. Spain
Number of beaches: 579
The country of matadors, flamenco and coastline with a length of more than 8 thousand km. attracts over 40 million tourists every year. True, not all of them travel for the sake of the beaches, because Spain is popular not only by the sea, but also by cultural and historical sights, as well as by local color. But a spa holiday here is also good; in general, every fifth beach in Spain received a coveted reward. True, lovers of Mediterranean holidays local water may seem chilly.
Of the best Spanish beaches, we note Aiguablava with its beautiful nature and golden sand, a sandy beach in Giervola Bay, Portbo Beach, and the beaches of Gran Canaria.
Unfortunately, Russia cannot boast of a large number of clean beaches. In our country, exactly one beach, awarded the blue ecological flag - It is located in the village of Amber, Kaliningrad region. This beach has received the "quality mark" for the third year in a row.
