Blue flag. International Beach Certification Program. The best Blue Flag beaches in Turkey Blue Flag beaches

We found out what the flags located on the beach mean. They mentioned such an award as the “Blue Flag”. Today we will find out for what kind of merit this award is given.

Blue flag.

Blue flag on a beach in Italy

The blue flag on the beach is not just a flag, but a whole reward for certain merits.

The Blue Flag has been awarded to the best beaches in France since 1985. Since 1987, this award has become annual and is received by beaches and marinas in Europe, and since 2003 - by other countries of the world.

The nomination for the award is determined by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), which includes 65 organizations from 60 countries (Europe, Africa, Oceania, Asia, North and South America).

The award certificate is issued every year before the start of the swimming season: in the countries of the Northern Hemisphere it begins from May to early June, in the Southern Hemisphere and the Caribbean - around the first of November. The flags must indicate the year in which the Blue Flag award was awarded.

The Ministry of Tourism of countries where the Blue Flag award is awarded reports how many beaches in their country have received this award. Thus

the level of tourist attractiveness of the country for potential vacationers is increasing.

In order for a beach to receive an award, the beach management must comply with 32 standards regarding beach water quality, safety and environmental education. For berths there are 25 points of such criteria.

If you see a “Blue Flag” on the beach it means that:

• you can get to the beach and relax there for free;
• the quality of coastal waters is tested in laboratory conditions every week;
• there are no industrial sources of coastal water pollution near the beach;
• garbage from the beach is collected and sorted for subsequent recycling;
• sand or pebbles are cleaned regularly;
• on the beach in free access there is a map of the beach, where its main points are indicated (lifeguard towers, first aid station, trash cans, equipped paths, etc.);
• there are changing cabins and showers on the beach;
• There are always lifeguards present and there is a first aid station, which in an emergency can provide assistance right on the beach;
• there are sources of drinking water on the beach;
• there are no motor vehicles or pets on the beach;
• the beach can be visited by people with disabilities.

Is there a Blue Flag in Russia and Ukraine?

On the territory Russian Federation and Ukraine also have beaches with the Blue Flag award. For the first time, a Ukrainian beach (Massandra beach, Yalta) received a world award in 2010, the first Russian beach (in the village of Yantarny, Kaliningrad region) received an award in 2016.

In Ukraine on at the moment Ten beaches have already been awarded the Blue Flag, including in Chernomorsk (Odessa region), children's beaches in the city of Kyiv.
In Russia boast " Blue flag“For now, maybe the same beach in the village of Yantarny, Kaliningrad region.

The beaches of Spain have long been considered the best beaches in the world. As of 2017, the leading place among Spanish beaches is Playa de Muro on the island of Mallorca.

Second place goes to the Croatian beach Nikolina.

Third place - Marinha beach (Praia di Marinha), Portugal.

As you can see, the beaches awarded the Blue Flag award are deservedly standard. And your vacation will be much better if there is a beach with such a worthy reward next to your hotel.

(1 ratings, average: 5,00 out of 5)

When you go abroad with a worthy mission - to get a nice bronze tan, you don’t immediately, but you pay attention to some strange flags hanging there. As it turns out, they are there not just for beauty (although they add brightness and festivity with their appearance). In fact, each color of the flag (on the beach) and even its shape has a certain
important for holidaymakers.

You can swim

• Blue flag
• Green flag
• Yellow/orange flag.
• White flag

Swimming is prohibited

• Red flag
• Purple/blue flag.

For the convenience of vacationers, the meaning of the same flags on the beaches different countries the same.

What flags can you swim under on the beach?

• (can be with a picture)

Beaches marked with the Blue Flag are beaches that have passed 32 international criteria for environmental cleanliness, meaning that the beach is well equipped and freely accessible to vacationers. The blue flag also comes with an additional white stripe pattern. This means that this beach is characterized by increased comfort.

There are almost no beaches approved by the Blue Flag award on the territory of Russia and Ukraine. The maximum that can be seen on the beaches of these countries is the Blue Flag with a pattern of shells (most often, three shells). This flag only means deluxe beach.

• Green flag on the beach

Entry into the water is permitted. The water is calm, the wind is within normal limits. If a beach is equipped and clearly maintained, but has no visible flags, it is presumably worthy of a green flag.

• Yellow/orange flag.

There will be waves or strong currents in the sea today. The lifeguards present on the beach may (at their discretion) prevent vacationers from entering the water.

• White flag

You can swim in the waters of the beach where such a flag stands.

Under what flags is swimming in the sea prohibited?

• Red flag

Swimming is prohibited today.

• Purple/blue flag.

Animals or other living creatures that are dangerous to life and health (sharks, stingrays, jellyfish, snakes, etc.) have appeared off the coast.

• Brown (sometimes orange) flag.

The local beach or coastal area is polluted. For example, an oil slick was discovered off the coast of a beach.

• Double red flag

Increased degree of danger. Entry into the water is prohibited.

Variants of danger for which a red flag may be raised:

• Dangerous flora or fauna in the water near the beach (sharks, dangerous jellyfish, crocodiles, etc.).
• The beginning of the hunting season for the local marine fauna: sharks hunt fur seals and so on.
• The period of ebb and flow, which can drag a swimmer far from the shore.
• The appearance of quicksand on the beach.
• Formation of whirlpools or whirlpools in the water near the shore.

• Black flag or ball

Shark attacks on humans have been recorded in the waters of this beach. It is strictly prohibited to enter the water.

Information flags on the beaches

This is how surfing spots are marked. It is not advisable to swim in the area limited by such flags in ordinary swimming trunks - you may run into a surfer.

• Flag with a black circle on a yellow background.

On US beaches within the area marked by these flags, riding heavy boards (surfing) is prohibited.

• Red-yellow flag.

These flags on the beaches of the USA and Australia mark the area controlled by lifeguards. Outside the area marked with red and yellow flags, vacationers in the water are responsible for themselves.

• Blue triangular flag.

Similar flags are common on beaches. They indicate that there is a certain danger in the waters of the designated beach: strong waves or currents.

In addition to the above colored flags, flags are also installed on beaches that indicate the degree of threat from sharks in coastal waters. The flag has an outline of a shark and a different color background: green, red, black and white.

When planning trips, many vacationers are guided by Blue Flag ratings. This is an international award, presented annually since 1987 to beaches and marinas whose water meets high quality standards and is suitable for safe swimming. The Blue Flag nomination is managed by the Foundation environmental education(FEE). More than 40 countries participate in the program.

In 2013, Spain took first place among the countries with the largest number of Blue Flag beaches (550 holiday destinations). The top five also included Greece, Türkiye, France and Portugal.

European countries are leaders in the number of beaches marked with the Blue Flag BlueFlag.Org data (2013)

1. Spain

The Spanish coastline, with a total length of 8,000 km, attracts more than 43.5 million tourists every year. At the regional level, it is the leader in the number of clean beaches (127). autonomous community Galicia, within which there are especially many Blue Flags in La Coruña. The beaches of Riazor and Orzan are widely known. However, for those who are used to swimming in the Mediterranean, the water here may seem cold.

2. Greece

Among the Greek regions, the most Blue Flags (36) went to Lassithi, a large tourist center, located in Crete. There are especially many clean beaches in the capital of this region, the city of Agios Nikolaos. Almiros is considered the best, long sandy beach, in which the cold current flows into the warm sea. In windy weather it is better to choose pebble beaches, which are in abundance here.

3. Türkiye

In 2013, 383 were awarded the Blue Flag turkish beach, of which more than half (197) are located in Antalya. Therefore, it is not surprising that this is the most popular region among Russian tourists. The most famous beaches are Konyaalti (in the west of Antalya) and Lara (in the east). The latter is the focus of all-inclusive holidays on the territory of four and five-star hotels.

4. France

In France, every day you can relax on a new beach marked with the Blue Flag, because there are 365 of them. The Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region is especially rich in them (96 beaches with the Blue Flag). To the west of Nice (Cannes, Antibes, Juan-les-Pins, Saint-Tropez) there are sandy beaches, while in Nice itself and further towards Italy they are pebbly. The shore is not wide - about 30–40 m.

5. Portugal

The Algarve is the most sophisticated and sought-after region of Portugal. Of the 279 Blue Flags, a quarter went to the beaches of this particular area. The main resorts are Quinta do Lago and Vale do Lobo, as well as the Golden Triangle, which includes Goldra, Loule and Santa Barbara de Neshe. The best beaches in Portugal are also located there. The coast extends 150 km from east to west from Monte Gordo to Lagos. It is protected from northern winds mountain ranges. In the west there are rocky beaches, in the east there are sandy beaches.

6. Italy

In Italy, the most Blue Flag beaches are in Liguria (35). Best resorts- Portofino, Rapallo and Santa Margherita Ligure. Those who enjoy walking will enjoy walking along the Via del Amore, or “road of love,” a path that winds along the Cinque Terre coastline. Breathtaking sea views will make your trip unforgettable.

7. Denmark

Denmark has coastline 7,400 km long - about the same as Brazil and longer than India. For every 180 km² of the country there is a beach with a Blue Flag. There are especially many of them (71) in the south of Denmark, where there are many islands where city dwellers go on weekends to relax (which is why so many Danes have a chocolate tan). Business card This region has marinas with yachts.

8. Croatia

Little Croatia, which has a smaller area Krasnodar region, has a coastline of about 2,000 km. Moreover, on average, every 20 km there is a beach marked with the Blue Flag. Istria County is especially rich in clean beaches - there are 43 such beaches. This region is located in western Croatia and includes most of the Istrian peninsula on the Adriatic Sea.

9. UK

Unlike, for example, Turkey or Croatia, the UK does not have a reputation resort country. However, even here there were 95 beaches worthy of the Blue Flag nomination. Among the regions, Wales has the most (33 beaches). Compared to 2012, there are 10 fewer Blue Flags in this part of the UK - last year was too wet, which had a bad effect on water quality.

10. Ireland

Ireland is a little behind the UK: there are 70 beaches with Blue Flags. Most of them (19) are located in the west of the country, in the province of Connacht, in just two counties - Galway and Mayo. The local beaches are famous only in Ireland and are not in demand among wealthy foreigners, as is the case, for example, in Liguria and the Cote d'Azur.

Yantarny and Massandra are where you should go to relax on the beach. This is where, according to international Blue Flag experts, the best in Russia are located beach areas. The rest of the Russian beaches, it turns out, g***o?
Looking at the rating and the number of world-standard beaches in other countries, it is striking that there are such a small number of them in Russia. Even in Ukraine there are already 10 such beaches (!!!).

By the way, according to the official data of the award, the beach in the village of Yantarny (Kalingrad region) is generally the only one in Russia awarded this prestigious quality mark, because Massandra in Europe is considered Ukrainian (the Massandra beach in Yalta received its first Blue Flag back in 2010, and in this he once again confirmed it).

The top three global beach top countries are: Spain (579 beaches), Greece (485 beaches) and Turkey (454 beaches). The top 10 also included France (390), Italy (342), Portugal (320), Denmark (225), Croatia (99), Ireland (81) and England (68). In total, there are 43 countries in the top with 3,662 beaches. Yacht marinas and boat stations are evaluated separately—Russia is not yet on these lists. For comparison: in Ukraine there are 10 beaches with the Blue Flag - in Kyiv and Odessa.

Blue Flag is the highest quality standard for beaches. To raise it above the coastal zone, one desire and clean water— infrastructure is needed. An international commission certifies a place according to 33 criteria, and the requirements are growing every year. The main ones are:
access to the beach is free;
the water is clean and tested weekly;
garbage is collected and sand is cleared at the end of the day;
There are lifeguards on the beach;
emergency assistance is provided on site;
there are showers;
motorized vehicles do not drive on the beach;
pets use a different beach.
In fact, Blue Flag is an environmental program based on respect and conservation of the surrounding ecosystem, natural phenomena and biodiversity.

As for Massandra beach.
It was he who became the first owner of the Blue Flag in the “Russian-speaking” countries of the former USSR” (phrase from the Blue Flag release). In addition, it is considered the best equipped beach in Yalta and the entire South Coast for the disabled.
The length of the Massandrovsky beach complex is 460 m. It is divided by concrete breakwaters into seven sectors: with free access and VIP areas from 8 to 10 euros. The beach is equipped with several cafes and restaurants, a sports club, a children's playground, a swimming pool with running water, a shower and a toilet.
The usable area of ​​the beach has been expanded through the use of so-called “terraces” - special buildings located above the groins. Some are given over to sunbathing areas, some for walking, and some provide services for cafe visitors.

The beach is pebble, but you can reach the water along specially equipped wooden paths. Entrance to the territory is free. Sun loungers, umbrellas and other equipment are available for rent at an additional cost. There are designated areas for smokers

By the way, Massandrovsky is not the only one in Crimea who raised the Blue Flag to the flagpole. The beach of the Aquamarine Hotel in Sevastopol received a similar award in 2013 and 2014, but... everything flows, everything changes, someone loses and someone gains, and the flags are passed on to the best of the best.

Officially, the first Blue Flag award in Russia in 2016 was received (and confirmed) by the coastal zone in the village of Yantarny, Kaliningrad region - the sandy beach “Shakhta Anna”.

Leads to him wooden bridge with observation decks. The length of the beach complex is about 500 m. The recreation area has electricity, water supply, sewerage, changing cabins and toilets.

The beach is equipped with showers and taps drinking water. In addition, a children's and sports grounds. Behind the dunes on the lake, there is a separate swimming area for children. For an additional fee you can rent umbrellas and comfortable sun loungers. different types and price categories. There are several cafes and a restaurant on the beach. The rescue post is equipped with communication with the police, ambulance and village administration.

And what happens, in all of Russia there is no one else and there is no money to equip resorts for NORMAL holidays? After all, on these beaches, diamonds are not handed out or a UFO lands - people are just relaxing, but they are relaxing, and not running around in search of water or a toilet...

Blue Flag is an international award presented annually since 1987 by the non-profit organization Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE). France is considered the birthplace of the award, where the first award took place in 1985.
The Blue Flag is awarded to a beach for one swimming season in the current year. In a year, the coastal area must re-prove the high quality of the services provided. The time for renewal of Blue Flag certificates in the Northern Hemisphere is annually in late May - early June.

Based on materials:

In everything that concerns beach holiday, you can argue about tastes for a very long time: someone likes to bask on the sand, and someone sincerely loves pebbles, someone only visits closed beaches five-star hotels, and some even go to nudist ones. But there is one single criterion that is important for everyone - the cleanliness of the water and coastline.

How to find a truly eco-friendly beach? International certificates are faithful helpers in this matter. The main marker of purity in this matter since 1987 has been the Blue Flag. Blue Flag on the Beach: What does it mean? The Blue Flag is a prestigious international award confirming that a beach, harbor or marina meets the highest standards of quality.

The initiative belongs to France, and the procedure is managed by the non-profit non-governmental organization Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE). European beaches are annually certified before the start of the swimming season, and the awards are given on June 5. In total, 3.6 thousand beaches and 677 harbors in 45 countries can boast “Blue Flags” in the world, including such popular tourist destinations, like Cyprus, Tunisia, Israel, etc.

In 2018, only one beach in Russia received the prestigious mark. It is located in the village of Yantarny, Kaliningrad region, and has received the award for the third time in a row. However, the beaches of Yalta have already been included in the nomination, and last year the beach areas of Sochi joined the competition. Beaches marked with a blue flag have been certified on 27 points, including water quality, safety level, environmental management, the presence of ramps and toilets for wheelchair users, etc.

Other flags on the beach: to avoid confusion

Flags of other colors usually indicate the degree of danger on the water. The International Safety Alert System is adopted in all countries of the world.

✔ Red the color, as you might guess, indicates danger - swimming is prohibited for one reason or another. A double red flag indicates increased danger. These include not only sharks and all kinds of fauna, but also powerful tidal currents that can carry them out to the open sea, quicksand, whirlpools.