These blue flag-certified beaches are the cleanest in the world

With summer holidays in full swing, we’re all looking to lounge on a beach, the soothing sound of the waves gently lapping at the shore, the sun kissing your skin as you sink your toes in soft sand and sip on a refreshing cocktail. This summer, let your wanderlust lead you to some of the world’s most pristine beaches, recognised with a prestigious Blue Flag.

What is the Blue Flag?

The coveted Blue Flag programme, run by the Copenhagen-based Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), is one of the world’s most recognised voluntary awards for beaches, marinas and tourism boats, awarded based on a series of stringent water quality, environmental, educational, safety-related and access-related benchmarks that are required to be met and maintained by the operators. The accolade guarantees stunning beauty as well as a commitment to sustainability and top-notch amenities.

How is a Blue Flag awarded?

The municipality of the particular country usually applies for a Blue Flag and sends it to the National Operator. The National Jury evaluates applications for compliance and gives an approval or rejection on the national level. Approved applications and dispensation cases are forwarded from the National Jury to the International Jury. The International Jury carries out an evaluation and decides which beaches and marinas to award the Blue Flag for the season. The International Jury consists of eminent members from the FEE Board, UNESCO, European Network for Accessible Tourism (ENAT), World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), European Union for Coastal Conservation (EUCC) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).

All Blue Flags are awarded for one sailing/bathing season (typically from 1 June to 15 September) and are withdrawn at the end of it. By renewing awards each season, the programme ensures that beaches are constantly living up to the criteria. To date, 5038 beaches, marinas and boats across 51 countries have been certified. Here, in descending order, are the top 10 countries with the most Blue Flag beaches to help you plan your next trip.

1. Spain

No. of Blue Flag beaches: 628