More than five hundred beaches in Turkey have earned « blue flag.” This is stated by the Turkish media, referring to the decision of the International Blue Flag Jury, which announced the 2023 Blue Flag awards. In total, 551 beaches and 23 marinas have received the award in the country.
This rating is compiled by the International Foundation for Environmental Education – FEE, headquartered in Copenhagen (Denmark). According to the overall results, Turkey became the third in the world in terms of the number of blue flag beaches, leaving behind Spain and Greece. They are followed by Italy and France in the top five.
Of the provinces popular with Russian tourists, Antalya “received” the most beaches with a “blue flag” – almost half of the total number or 231 beaches falls on this particular resort province beloved by our tourists. In second place is the province of Mugla, there are 110 awarded beaches. On the third – Izmir with 63 beaches. By the way, there is one award-winning beach in the vicinity of Istanbul.
Experts also remind that Turkey has been participating in the Blue Flag program, which was created in 1987, since 1993. Mandatory evaluation criteria include beach water analysis every 15 days during the season, suitability of treatment facilities, protection of vulnerable natural areas, availability of lifeguards and first aid supplies, emergency plan, facilities for the disabled, and a waste separation system and environmental education.
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