A total of 56 beaches and 2 marinas, out of 123 designated bathing sites in Cyprus, were awarded the Blue Flag on Thursday. This distinction represents another significant achievement for the country and confirms the high level of environmental management that has been attained through the cooperation of all competent authorities, Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, Maria Panayiotou, said.
In her address at the Blue Flag Award Ceremony for 2026, held in Ayia Napa, the Minister said that “from generation to generation, Cyprus’ beaches have formed part of our memories, our daily lives, and the image we present of our country to every visitor”.
“Behind this enduring image and the beauty of Cyprus’ seas, however, lies an important factor: the quality of bathing waters. This factor has established Cyprus as a point of reference at European level and is the result of a continuous and systematic effort,” she added.
She noted that Cyprus secured first place in Europe for bathing water quality in the last three evaluations by the European Commission. This distinction, she said, is the outcome of cooperation among various authorities and agencies, as well as a steadfast commitment to protecting the environment and public health.
According to Panayiotou, the Blue Flag is now one of the most widely recognised international symbols of quality for beaches and marinas and is awarded only to locations that meet strict environmental and operational criteria.
The scheme, she continued, “recognises an overall culture of environmental management, safety, organisation and responsible operation of coastal areas”. At the same time, it highlights the importance of protecting the natural environment, ensuring the safety of bathers, providing accurate information to visitors, and promoting environmental awareness among citizens, she added.
For 2026, she said, 56 beaches and 2 marinas in Cyprus have been awarded Blue Flags, out of a total of 123 bathing water areas. “This distinction represents yet another important success for our country and confirms the high level of environmental management achieved through the cooperation of all competent authorities,” Panayiotou said.
The Minister also noted that this effort produces measurable results, benefiting citizens, the natural environment, tourism and the country’s economy.
For millions of visitors, she pointed out, “the Blue Flag serves as a reliable indicator of quality”, while, for local authorities, it confirms that efforts to properly manage and upgrade coastal areas are delivering results.
