The gentle soundtrack of waves crashing, the soothing feeling of sand beneath your toes, and the calming hues of the clear blue waters—the best beaches in the world strike that ideal formula for the perfect summer vacation.
But before packing the sunscreen and coverup into that beach bag, there is another major factor to consider: just how environmentally-sound and clean are these beaches? Fortunately, the Blue Flag program has made it easy, awarding only the beaches that pass a strict set of standards to be certified their seal.
This year’s list of top 10 countries with the most Blue Flag-awarded beaches, includes eight European countries, plus Türkiye, which is in both Asia and Europe, and Mexico, the only nation from the Americas.
What is the Blue Flag?
The Blue Flag program, run by the Copenhagen-based Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), is one of the world’s most recognized voluntary awards for beaches, marinas, and tourism boats, awarded based on a series of stringent environmental, educational, water safety-related, safety-related, and access-related benchmarks that must be met and maintained by the operators. For travelers, seeing the accolade means going to a place where you can expect stunning beauty as well as a commitment to sustainability, top-notch amenities, and educating beachgoers about their environments. The program also contributes to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.
How is a Blue Flag awarded?
To receive the prestigious certification, the sites must meet and maintain the criteria developed with experts in each category, which are regularly reviewed and updated to ensure the highest standards. Whether it’s a beach, marina, or tourism boat, the Blue Flag will only be awarded if it meets 33 criteria in six categories across education and information engagement; climate action; biodiversity management; pollution management and water quality; accessibility; and safety and services.
All of the Blue Flag sites are reviewed annually and the certification only lasts for one year. While National Operators oversee the sites within each country, it’s the International Jury—consisting of representatives from the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), and European Network for Accessible Tourism, among others—which does the inspections to make sure a uniform standard is met worldwide. The beaches in the northern hemisphere are reviewed in April, and the southern hemisphere in September.
As of June, 5,274 beaches, marinas, and boats across 52 countries have been certified. Here are the top 10 countries with the most Blue Flag beaches to help you plan your next trip.
1. Spain
Number of Blue Flag beaches: 676
Spain is famed for its 5,000 miles of coastline, from its Cantabrian Coast on the north to its Mediterranean stretch, which includes Costa Brava, and its famed Balearic Islands, which includes Mallorca and Ibiza. The European nation has long established itself as the leader in beach standards, having cinched the Guinness World Record for most Blue Flag beaches in 2022. Back then, it had 621, and has since climbed to 676. One of the cleanest and most beautiful beaches in Spain is Burriana Beach in the southern resort town of Nerja. This dark-golden sand beach has rental sun-loungers, a scuba diving area, and even a library where you can borrow a beach read. It is surrounded by a promenade full of souvenir stands, shops, and a variety of restaurants.
2. Greece
Number of Blue Flag beaches: 624
Greece clinches the runner-up spot, with a respectable 624 certified Blue Flags, including 154 in the Region of Crete and 93 from the Halkidiki region on the northern side of the country. There, Kampoudi Beach, (near Ouranoupoli) is divided into three sections, earning it three Blue Flags. It’s a long, sandy beach that is easily accessible by road, has shallow waters ideal for kids and is well-equipped with accessible facilities such as ramps in different parts of the beach. Sail around the beach or rent a boat and explore the island.
3. Türkiye
Number of Blue Flag beaches: 580
From the chic resorts of Bodrum to the historic charm of Antalya, Türkiye boasts an impressive array of Blue Flag beaches—580, to be exact. This year, the European-Asian nation is most proud of adding public beaches, with free entry, to the list. Most notably, Bodrum Türkbükü Public Beach was certified, Culture and Tourism Minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy said in a post on X. He added that the nation’s coasts are now “a global brand.” One family-friendly option is Kleopatra Beach with easy access to the water sports facilities and the promenade.
4. Italy
Number of Blue Flag beaches: 525
With a coastline of about 4,971 miles, Italy added 14 newly certified beaches since last year, climbing to a total of 525 Blue Flag beaches. Liguria, along the Italian riviera, leads the nation with 35 beaches, including Andora and Taggia, both new this year. The Calabria region—better known as the toe of the Italian boot—grew by four new flags, Amendolara, Montegiordano, Falerna and Locri, the latter known as a “child-friendly” beach.
5. Portugal
Number of Blue Flag beaches: 396
When the Blue Flag was hoisted above Portugal’s Mira Beach on June 8, 2026, it marked a momentous occasion: the span of sand on the Atlantic Coast is the only one to have received the prestigious certification for 40 consecutive years, since the program started. The nation continues to prioritize protecting its coastline, with Algarve home to 94 of the certified locations, and the outlying nine-island chain Azores with 57.
6. France
Number of Blue Flag beaches: 387
The country where the Blue Flag was conceptualized in 1985, has certified sites in every corner, from Normandy and Brittany on the northern coast to Cote d’Azur on the rivera, and all in between, like Plage du Lac (Lake Beach) in Bordeaux and Lac Montrejeau in Occitanie. One standout is Plage de Trez Goarem in the hilly northwestern region of Brittany, located in an environmentally protected area. Though small at just about half a mile long, the beach is home to dunes and colorful birds like the reed warbler.
7. Denmark
Number of Blue Flag beaches: 140
From the soft, powdery sands of Skagen to the picturesque coastline of Bornholm, Denmark boasts some of the prettiest beaches in the world. While most Blue Flag beaches go dog-free in the busy summer months, the Nordic nation allows the furry visitors year-round, as long as they’re on a leash. Søndervig Beach is one of its most well-known and lies by the North Sea. The wide sandy beach is an accessible destination for all ages, with kite-flying, ball games, beach yoga, running, and sandcastle-building among the favorite activities.
8. Mexico
Number of Blue Flag beaches: 103
As the only non-European country to crack the top 10, Mexico is proving that its beaches across the country, from Los Cabos and Puerto Vallarta on the west to Cancun and Riviera Maya on the east, are some of the most desirable in the world. The list includes several resort hotels, like the beaches at Hotel Viva Maya by Wyndham in Playa del Carmen and The Westin Resort & Spa Puerto Vallarta.
9. Ireland
Number of Blue Flag beaches: 85
In Ireland, the Blue Flag program has been operated by An Taisce, the National Trust for Ireland, on behalf of the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) since 1988. County Kerry, along the Wild Atlantic Way, was awarded the most of any part of Ireland this year with 16, while County Wexford’s Duncannon Beach received the certification for the first time since 2007, and County Waterford’s Bunmahon Beach the first time since 2012.
10. Croatia
Number of Blue Flag beaches: 78
As one of the most-coveted European destinations, Croatia continues to lure travelers to its 3,700 miles of coastline, running along the Dalmatian coast, including Dubrovnik, Zadar, and Split, as well as islands of the Kvarner Gulf and around the Isteria peninsula. That includes Cava Beach in Dubrovnik, where the Coral Beach Club, with a restaurant and two bars, is located, as well as Plaza Vala, a pebbly beach in the fishing village of Mokalonear, near Orebić.
Additional reporting by Jahnavi Bhatt