Newsroom
Cyprus has been awarded Blue Flags for 56 beaches and two marinas for 2026, recognising locations that meet internationally recognised standards for environmental quality, safety and visitor services.
The awards were announced during a ceremony in Ayia Napa, where Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment Minister Maria Panayiotou described the achievement as evidence of the strong environmental management practices maintained across the island's coastal areas.
Out of Cyprus' 123 designated bathing water sites, 58 locations received the certification this year. The minister said the result reflects the joint work of government departments, local authorities and other organisations involved in managing and protecting coastal areas.
Panayiotou said Cyprus' beaches have long been closely linked to everyday life on the island and remain an important part of the country's appeal to visitors. She added that maintaining excellent bathing water quality has played a key role in Cyprus earning a leading position in Europe.
According to the minister, Cyprus ranked first in Europe for bathing water quality in each of the last three assessments carried out by the European Commission. She attributed the performance to sustained environmental protection efforts and a commitment to safeguarding public health.
The Blue Flag programme is one of the world's best-known environmental certifications for beaches and marinas. Awards are granted only to sites that satisfy a range of environmental, safety and management requirements.
Panayiotou said the certification reflects standards relating to coastal management, swimmer safety, visitor information and environmental education. She added that the benefits extend beyond environmental protection, supporting local communities, tourism and the economy.
For visitors, the Blue Flag remains a trusted sign of quality, while for local authorities it reflects the success of ongoing efforts to improve and maintain Cyprus' coastal destinations.
