Greece has once again ranked second in the world (Spain ranked first) in the world’s prestigious Blue Flag Programme for 2025, with a staggering 623 blue flag beaches, along with 18 blue flag marinas and 14 blue flag sustainable tourist boats. Of 52 participating countries, Greece holds 15% of the world’s total number of blue flag awarded beaches, consistent with its reputation as a clean and sustainable seaside tourism leader.
Standing out once again is Halkidiki, which leads all Greek regions with an impressive 93 Blue Flags, followed by Crete with 153 awards spread across its regional units. This milestone was officially announced on May 15, 2025, at the Glyfada Golf Gardens in Attica, in a ceremony organized by the Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature (EEPF), the national coordinator of the Blue Flag Programme in Greece.
Sithonia: A Jewel in Halkidiki’s Blue Flag Crown
The municipality of Sithonia, located in the heart of central Halkidiki, continues to be a beacon of environmental excellence. In 2025, 19 beaches in Sithonia have been awarded the coveted Blue Flag, symbolizing outstanding water quality, safety, environmental education, and coastal management.
Here are the 2025 Blue Flag Beaches in Sithonia:
- Armenistis
- Akti Elia
- Elia 2 / Anthemus
- Elia / Acrotel
- Kalogria
- Lagomandra / Lagomandra Beach Hotel
- Livrohio 1 / Trani Ammouda
- Makria Lagada / Porfi Beach
- Marmaras
- Nikiti 2
- Paradisos
- Platanitsi
- Porto Carras 1 / Kohi
- Porto Carras 2 / Sithonia Meliton
- Akti Salonikiou
- Sarti 1
- Sykia
- Toroni
In addition, Porto Carras Marina, located in Sithonia, has once again earned the Blue Flag distinction for sustainable marine operations, emphasizing Sithonia’s holistic commitment to eco-friendly tourism.
What Is the Blue Flag Programme?
The Blue Flag is the world’s most recognized voluntary eco-label, awarded to beaches, marinas, and sustainable boating tourism operators. Managed by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) and represented in Greece by EEPF, the program sets strict criteria for:
- Excellent water quality (mandatory)
- Cleanliness and organization
- Lifeguard presence and visitor safety
- Environmental education
- Protection of natural habitats
The award is valid for one year and is only given to locations that meet all 33 criteria for beaches, 38 for marinas, and 51 for tourist boats.
Why Blue Flags Matter for Travelers
Blue Flag certifications are more than just visual symbols. They serve as guarantees of safety, cleanliness, and environmental responsibility. Travel agencies and eco-conscious tourists increasingly rely on this certification when choosing summer destinations, especially in regions like Sithonia and broader Halkidiki, where sustainability is a visible priority.
Visit Sithonia — Where Nature Meets Quality
Sithonia is not only rich in natural beauty, but it is also a leading example of sustainable coastal tourism in Greece. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly beach, a serene bay for snorkeling, or a well-organized resort with top-notch facilities, the Blue Flag beaches of Sithonia offer something for everyone, all while preserving the environment for generations to come.
Explore all of Sithonia’s awarded beaches and plan your stay with confidence, knowing you’re visiting one of the cleanest and most environmentally responsible destinations in Europe.
