The presence of Cyprus in the Blue Flag institution is reduced compared to last year, as for 2026 a total of 56 beaches and two marinas were awarded, out of a total of 123 bathing water areas.
The Pancyprian Blue Flag award ceremony took place today, Thursday, at Nisi beach in Ayia Napa, with the participation of the Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, Maria Panagiotou.
This year's picture is different from last year's, as in 2025 64 beaches and two marinas were awarded. The decision of the Municipalities of Limassol and Amathus not to submit applications for this year, in the wake of the increased reports of pollution incidents recorded in the previous year, seems to have played a decisive role in the reduction.
Despite the non-participation of beaches that fall under these Municipalities, this year's list includes other beaches in the Limassol district, while Limassol Marina retained the Blue Flag, as did Ayia Napa Marina.
The first is the Municipality of Paralimni - Deryneia
The largest number of awards was collected by the Municipality of Paralimni - Deryneia, with 18 beaches in the area of Protaras included in this year's list. Ayia Napa also maintains a strong presence, with a significant number of organized beaches that secured international distinction this year as well.
The Blue Flag is awarded to beaches and marinas that meet strict international criteria of water quality, cleanliness, safety, organization and environmental management. The institution is directly linked to the image of Cyprus as a tourist destination, but also to the protection of the marine environment.
The beaches and marinas that were awarded in detail
Paphos
Kafizis Beach
Lavrou Beach
Coral Bay Beach
Kotsias Beach, also known as Sandy Beach
Paleokastro Beach, Venus Beach
Faros Beach
Municipal Baths Beach
Alykes Beach
Vrysoudia Beach B
Vrysoudia Beach A
Pachyammos Beach 1
Pachyammos Beach 2
Municipal Beach of Polis Chrysochous
Folk Beach of Geroskipou
Limassol
Pissouri Beach
Kourio Beach
Limassol Marina
Parekklisia Community Beach
Governor's Beach
Larnaca
Kourio Beach
Limassol Marina
Parekklisia Community Beach
Governor's Beach
Larnaca
Mackenzie Beach
Kastella Beach
Finikoudes Beach
Giannades Beach
Ayia Napa
Kastella Beach
Finikoudes Beach
Giannades Beach
Ayia Napa
Agia Thekla Beach
Luma Beach
Ayia Napa Marina
Ziaji Beach
Makronissos Beach
Landa Beach
Bay Island Beach
Nisi Beach
Vathia Gonia Beach
Pernera Beach
Katsarka Beach
Loukkos Beach of the Fortune Teller
Pantahou Beach
Glyki Nero Beach
Ammos tou Kampouri Beach
Limnara Beach, Kermia
Konnos Beach
Protaras
Luma Beach
Ayia Napa Marina
Ziaji Beach
Makronissos Beach
Landa Beach
Bay Island Beach
Nisi Beach
Vathia Gonia Beach
Pernera Beach
Katsarka Beach
Loukkos Beach of the Fortune Teller
Pantahou Beach
Glyki Nero Beach
Ammos tou Kampouri Beach
Limnara Beach, Kermia
Konnos Beach
Protaras
Nissia Gardens Beach
Nisia Beach
Vyzakia Beach
Lomvardi Beach
Protaras Beach, Fig Tree Bay
Vrysi Beach A
Vrysi B Beach
Vrysi C Beach
Pernera Beach
Luma Beach
Mina Beach
Vrysoudia Beach
Agia Triada Beach
Skoutarospilioi Beach
Kapparis Beach
Armyropigado beach
Glyki Nero Beach
Potami Beach
Maria Panayiotou: A significant success for Cyprus
In her greeting at the ceremony, the Minister of Agriculture said that the awarding of 56 beaches and two marinas is another important success for Cyprus and confirms, as she said, the high level of environmental management that has been achieved through the cooperation of all competent bodies.
Maria Panayiotou noted that the beaches of Cyprus have always been part of the country's identity and image towards visitors, adding that behind this image lies a critical factor: the quality of bathing waters.
As she mentioned, Cyprus won the first place in Europe in terms of bathing water quality in the last three evaluations of the European Commission, which he attributed to the cooperation of different authorities and services and the firm commitment to the protection of the environment and public health.
The Minister also said that the awarding of the Blue Flag requires "excellent" quality of bathing water, in accordance with European standards, as well as compliance with 33 strict criteria for beaches and 38 for marinas.
The maintenance of the quality of bathing water, according to Ms. Panagiotou, is the result of continuous monitoring and cooperation of the Department of Environment, the Health Services, the General Chemical State Laboratory, CYMEPA and the Local Authorities.
The Minister expressed gratitude to all stakeholders, noting that their contribution is essential for the protection of the seas, the improvement of the quality of life of citizens and the strengthening of the sustainable development of local communities.
Nisia Beach
Vyzakia Beach
Lomvardi Beach
Protaras Beach, Fig Tree Bay
Vrysi Beach A
Vrysi B Beach
Vrysi C Beach
Pernera Beach
Luma Beach
Mina Beach
Vrysoudia Beach
Agia Triada Beach
Skoutarospilioi Beach
Kapparis Beach
Armyropigado beach
Glyki Nero Beach
Potami Beach
Maria Panayiotou: A significant success for Cyprus
In her greeting at the ceremony, the Minister of Agriculture said that the awarding of 56 beaches and two marinas is another important success for Cyprus and confirms, as she said, the high level of environmental management that has been achieved through the cooperation of all competent bodies.
Maria Panayiotou noted that the beaches of Cyprus have always been part of the country's identity and image towards visitors, adding that behind this image lies a critical factor: the quality of bathing waters.
As she mentioned, Cyprus won the first place in Europe in terms of bathing water quality in the last three evaluations of the European Commission, which he attributed to the cooperation of different authorities and services and the firm commitment to the protection of the environment and public health.
The Minister also said that the awarding of the Blue Flag requires "excellent" quality of bathing water, in accordance with European standards, as well as compliance with 33 strict criteria for beaches and 38 for marinas.
The maintenance of the quality of bathing water, according to Ms. Panagiotou, is the result of continuous monitoring and cooperation of the Department of Environment, the Health Services, the General Chemical State Laboratory, CYMEPA and the Local Authorities.
The Minister expressed gratitude to all stakeholders, noting that their contribution is essential for the protection of the seas, the improvement of the quality of life of citizens and the strengthening of the sustainable development of local communities.
