Cyprus continues to uphold its reputation for clean, well-managed coastlines, with 66 Blue Flags (64 for beaches and 2 for marinas) awarded in 2025. Although this represents a decrease from the 78 Blue Flags awarded in 2024 (76 for beaches and 2 for marinas), the country still ranks 12th worldwide for the number of awarded beaches and 14th overall—including both beaches and marinas—tied with Israel.

The Blue Flag, overseen by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), is an internationally recognized eco-label that certifies beaches, marinas, and tourism boats based on strict criteria for water quality, safety, environmental education, and accessibility. In 2025, a total of 4,302 beaches, 736 marinas, and 158 boats globally received the designation.

Spain leads the 2025 rankings with 749 Blue Flag sites, followed by Greece with 657 and Turkey in third place with 625.

Municipalities of:

• Paralimni-Deryneia: 18 beaches

• Ayia Napa: 16

• Amathounta: 9

• Paphos: 6

• Geroskipou: 3

• Larnaca: 3

• Akamas: 2

Local councils:

• Oroklini, Zygi, Pentakomo, Parekklisia, Episkopi, Pissouri, and Lemba, as well as to the marinas of Limassol and Ayia Napa: 1

During the national award ceremony held at Fig Tree Bay—the first beach in Cyprus to receive the Blue Flag back in 1996—Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment Maria Panayiotou emphasized that the Blue Flag is “not given, but earned daily” through strict compliance with 33 coastal and 38 marina-specific criteria. She highlighted that “excellent” bathing water quality, as defined by EU standards, remains a non-negotiable condition.

Panayiotou also reminded the public that Cyprus had ranked first in the EU for bathing water quality in both 2022 and 2023, with the European Commission’s latest 2024 report expected soon.

>>Coastal Downgrade: Cyprus Loses 12 Blue Flag Beaches This Year<<

Mayor of Paralimni-Deryneia, Giorgos Nikolettos, underscored the economic and cultural importance of the area’s 22 organized beaches, saying they serve as the “driving force” of the local economy. He called on the government to boost support, particularly with lifeguard staffing and coastal infrastructure, to safeguard the quality of Cyprus’s beach tourism sector.

Tourism officials echoed that sentiment. Annita Dimitriadou, Director of Quality Assurance at the Deputy Ministry of Tourism, noted that Cyprus recorded over 4 million tourist arrivals in 2024, generating €3.2 billion in revenue—up 7.3% from the previous year. She added that a growing portion of that success stems from shoulder-season travel and specialized tourism products, with beaches remaining a top strategic priority.

Meanwhile, Dr. Michalis Ierides, Secretary General of CYMEPA and Chair of Cyprus’s National Blue Flag Committee, emphasized the importance of ongoing compliance. “The flag can be lowered at any time,” he warned, revealing that 16 Blue Flags were revoked last year due to non-compliance. This year, on-site audits will soon begin to ensure that criteria are met throughout the season.