Sustainability and environmental protection are – quite rightly – topics that should also accompany us on holiday. We have put together a selection of the top 10 beaches in Europe that have been awarded the Blue Flag.
All about the Blue Flag and 10 beaches in Europe:
What does the Blue Flag mean?
The Blue Flag is an international label for beaches that fulfil strict criteria. The following points are particularly important for the award:
- Safety and security
- Accessibility
- Cleanliness
- Compliance with environmental standards
- Provision of educational elements
All beaches with the Blue Flag fulfil the requirements of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. These places are also wonderful destinations for slowing down or indulging in ‘slow travel’ during a sailing trip.
Very good news: Europe has a hundred blue flag beaches.
Here you can see a list of the number of beaches in the countries (as of December 2023):
- Spain: 629 Blue Flag beaches
- Greece: 625 Blue Flag beaches
- Italy: 458 Blue Flag beaches
- France: 398 Blue Flag beaches
- Croatia: 98 Blue Flag beaches
The best Blue Flag beaches for your sailing trip in Italy
The beach: Cala Paura
- Where: In Polignano a Mare, Italy, on the Adriatic Sea
- Why this beach: Cala Paura is a small stone beach surrounded by cliff houses in the town centre. Here you can enjoy the sun or explore one of the nearby caves.
Choose a boat in Italy near Cala Paura.
The beach: Spiaggia Lampare
- Where: In Tusa on Sicily’s north coast
- Why this beach: A beautiful coastline and crystal-clear waters make Spiaggia Lampare a favourite stop for sailing trips, as does the charming village of Castel di Tusa. History buffs will also enjoy the ruins of the nearby town of Halesa.
Rent a boat in Sicily
The best Blue Flag beaches on your sailing route in Greece
The beach: Monastiraki
- Where: In Doridos in the centre of Greece
- Why this beach: It is known as one of the best beaches in the Gulf of Corinth. The village of Monastiraki has some wonderful fish restaurants for travellers who want a truly culinary experience on their boat trip.
Rent a boat in Greece near Monastiraki
The beach: Canal d’Amore
- Where: In the village of Sidari on the north coast of Corfu, Greece
- Why this beach: The small romantic bay is nestled in the middle of an environment reminiscent of a lunar landscape. Canal d’Amore takes its name from a legend that says that two people fall in love when they go swimming there together.
The best Blue Flag beaches on your sailing trip in Croatia
The beach: Beach Zlatni rat, Bol
- Where: Near the harbour town of Bol in Dalmatia, Croatia
- Why this beach: Because of its special shape, this beach is also known as the Golden Horn. Visitors can find shade under one of the pine trees and enjoy the view over the sea.
The beach: Plaza Kolovare
- Where: Outside of Zadar, Croatia
- Why this beach: Kolovare is not only a wonderful beach, it also offers a lot of great shops, bars and restaurants and is therefore a ‘must’ on a boat trip in Croatia. With its famous pool, the beach offers a unique experience that travellers should definitely try.
Explore your boat options in Zadar
The best blue flag beaches for a sailing trip in Spain
The beach: Maspalomas
- Where: In San Bartolomé de Tirajana on Gran Canaria, the largest Canary Island
- Why this beach: Dunes of fine white sand characterise this popular beach. Maspalomas is very versatile due to its size: families get their money’s worth, as do those seeking peace and quiet.
Take a look at the boats in the Canary Islands
The beach: Bogatell
- Where: In Barcelona, Spain, on the Costa del Maresme
- Why this beach: The beach was modernised in the 1990s, since then it has been perfectly integrated into the city and is also safe and easily accessible. In addition to countless sports facilities, the beach also offers a lively nightlife, making it a favourite spot for young and active people alike.
The best Blue Flag beaches for sailing in France
The beach: Plage de Gatseau
- Where: On Île d’Oléron, an island off the west coast of France
- Why this beach: Perfect for travellers who love pure nature. Gatseau is a slightly wilder beach and is surrounded by a dense pine forest. Explore the area or sail along the coast and enjoy the great views.
Rent a boat in France near the Plage de Gatseau
The beaches: Île Sainte-Marguerite Est and Ouest
- Where: On the island of Île Sainte-Marguerite, off the coast of Cannes on the French Côte d’Azur
- Why these beaches: With your boat you have the decisive advantage: both beaches are only accessible by boat – as is the entire uninhabited island – a dream for nature lovers. Peaceful walks between pine and eucalyptus trees are on offer. History lovers will not miss out here either.
- More beaches: There are hundreds of beaches along the Côte d’Azure that have been awarded the Blue Flag. How many will be on your next route?
Find your boat in the French Riviera
