Cyprus awards 56 beaches and two marinas with Blue Flag status for 2026

During a ceremony held on 11 June at Nissi Beach in Ayia Napa, Cyprus announced that 56 beaches and two marinas were awarded Blue Flag status for 2026. This figure marks a decrease from 2025, when 64 beaches and two marinas received the distinction. The reduction is primarily linked to the decision by the municipalities of Limassol and Amathus not to submit applications following reports of pollution incidents in 2025. Despite this, Limassol Marina successfully retained its status. The municipality of Paralimni-Deryneia received the highest number of awards with 18 beaches, while Ayia Napa also maintained a significant presence. Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment Maria Panayiotou attended the ceremony, noting that Cyprus currently ranks first in Europe for bathing water quality based on recent European Commission assessments. The awards are granted based on strict adherence to 33 criteria for beaches and 38 for marinas, involving inter-agency cooperation. The Blue Flag programme remains a key indicator for Cyprus's coastal management and tourism standards.