'Blue Flags of Europe'

Each year this programme presents an award to the coasts and marinas which meet strict criteria as regards the cleanness of the sea and the coast, good organisation and safety as well as the protection of the coastal environment in general. More specifically, the criteria for the award of the "Blue Flag" are the following:

1. Cleanness of the sea and the coast
- Quality of swimming water verified by measurement of water samples;
- Absence of industrial sewage discharge on the coast;
- Treatment of urban sewage as required by the relevant EU directive;
- Adequate number of litter bins which must be emptied at regular intervals;
- Periodical cleaning of the beach from litter, cigarette stubs etc.

2. Organisation of the coast and safety of the visitors
- Continuous information of the public regarding the quality of swimming water;
- Immediate information if the water has become unsafe for swimmers;
- Plans to deal with a pollution accident and to immediately inform the public;
- Adequate number of sanitary facilities with controlled sewerage;
- Trained lifeguards or direct access to telephone, lifesaving equipment and First Aid;
- Safe passage to the coast and special care for people with disabilities;
- No driving (vehicles and motorcycles) is allowed on the beach;
- Free camping is forbidden; and
- Pets have to be supervised on the beach.

3. Protection of nature and environmental education
- Printed information and publicly displayed instructions regarding behaviour on the coast;
- Activities actively promoting the protection of the natural coastal environment.

	Grand Beach Lagonissi The development followed the famously high standards of the Helios Resorts chain (Elounda Beach, Nafplia Palace, etc.), which owns the Grand Resort hotel complex. What is unusual about this new 1300 m2 pier is that it will have a swimming pool - yes, that's right, you'll be able to swim in a swimming pool out in the sea!
	Asteria Sea Side Other beaches have redeveloped, but this one has undergone a total transformation. The well-known Glyfada beach had been deserted since the mid '80s until it was decided two years ago to turn it into the new summer hot spot.
	Asteras Vouliagmenis Beach Astir Beach is located within the Astrid palce hotels vouliagmeni.Situated among pines, elms, palms trees and assorted shrubbery, it is considered the gem of the area, with a natural sandy beach stretching 300 meters long and 30 meters wide.
	Attiki Akti Vouliagmenis This big beach, with its deep and clear waters, is a favorite with 20somethings. It is complementary to the Asteras beach on the opposite side of the promontory. When it is windy on one side, it is dead calm on the other. There is a special area for sports behind the umbrellas.
	Varkiza Beach This, however, meant that all the old facilities had to be torn down and everything completely redeveloped from scratch. The result is that the work has taken a long time and the opening ceremony has been postponed until the summer of 2004, when the beach will be able to show off its new look.
	Agios Kosmas Microscopic, not especially pretty, and divided by a cape into two smaller bays. But it does have two basic advantages: it is close to Athens and it is well looked after. The installations (completely renovated two years ago) consist of low brick buildings with green wooden trim. The self-service bar has a pretty pergola.
	Voula Beach A' One of the two organized beqches at the Voula suburb of Athens, this sandy beach features all kinds of facilities and amenities, including a restaurant, a bar, changing rooms, and water sports. It is especially attractive for children of all ages, with various playgrounds and games.
	Voula Beach B' On the edge of the seaside town of Kavouri, the second organised beach in Voula won us over last year with its calm clear waters. This year, we found its new facilities intriguing. Picking our way through construction sites, we discovered a number of interesting things - for instance, they are building beautiful beach cabanas that will be let as small cottages for the summer.