Blue Flags were removed from two popular beaches near Athens in the Prefecture of Attica just a week after the Blue Flag Awards 2025 were announced. The beaches did not meet the international program’s criteria for cleanliness, safety, and organization.
Karavi Beach in Schinias (Municipality of Marathon) and the 1st Port of Daskaleio Keratea – Solo Pino (Municipality of Lavreotiki) no longer meet the standards set by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), which oversees the Blue Flag certification, media reported on Wednesday.
The program assesses beaches based on water quality, waste management, lifeguard presence, accessibility, environmental education, and other infrastructure.
Karavi, located in the Schinias National Park, is known for its sandy coast, shallow waters, and pine forest backdrop. It is a common destination for families and water sports, particularly windsurfing. Daskaleio includes three small ports, two of which are organized beaches with basic facilities. The first port, now delisted, had become increasingly popular in recent years.
The removal of the Blue Flag has not only a symbolic character, it also signals potential environmental degradation, pollution risks, or administrative lapses. Local residents and tourism stakeholders have expressed concern, particularly ahead of the summer season, daily tovima reported.
Despite the setbacks, Attica still maintains 15 beaches that retain the Blue Flag designation for 2025. These are spread across Eastern Attica, the southern suburbs of Athens, and the Saronic Islands:
Municipality of Marathon
Brexiza – Schinias/Karavi
Municipality of Spata-Artemidos
IntersectionLake
Municipality of Markopoulo Mesogaia
Avlaki
Municipality of Lavreotiki
1st Port Daskalio Keratea/Solo Pino
Municipality of Saronic Islands
Lagonissi 1-Grand Beach/Grand Resort Lagonissi
Lagonissi 2-Mediterraneo/Grand Resort Lagonissi
Lagonissi 3-Kochylia/Grand Resort Lagonissi
Mavro Lithari/EverEden Beach
Municipality of Vari-Voula-Vouliagmeni
Asteras Vouliagmenis/Astir Beach Vouliagmenis
Voula A
Vouliagmeni
Municipality of Glyfada
Glyfada
Glyfada A
Glyfada B -Seatrack access for disabled
Municipality of Aegina
Agia Marina
The Blue Flag awards for 2025 were announced last week. Greece secured again second position worldwide with 657 Blue Flag awards for beaches, marinas and sustainable touristic boats (List HERE on KTG).
It is not uncommon that Blue flags are being removed if award organized find out deficiencies.