15 Blue Flags for Pieria in 2025 – Greece Ranks 2nd Worldwide with 657 Awards
The Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature (HSPN), National Operator of the International “Blue Flag” Program in Greece, announced the 2025 awards for beaches, marinas, and tourist boats. With 623 awarded beaches, Greece once again holds 2nd place globally among 52 participating countries.
The 15 awarded beaches of Pieria for 2025, by Municipal Unit, are:
Municipality of Katerini – 6 Blue Flags:
Kallithea, Kallithea/Mediterranean Village, Korinos, Olympiaki Akti (Olympic Beach), Paralia Katerinis, Peristasi.
Municipality of Dio-Olympos – 9 Blue Flags:
Variko, Leptokarya, Leptokarya 2, Gritsa Litochoro, Neoi Poroi, Neos Panteleimonas–Skotina, Neos Panteleimonas–Skotina 2, Plaka, Platamonas.
It is worth noting that Greece continues to show a steady upward trend in the number of awarded sites, consistently surpassing 600 each year. Among the 52 countries participating in the program, Greece accounts for 15% of all internationally awarded beaches.
The “Blue Flag” is the most recognized and widespread eco-label of quality worldwide. It has been awarded since 1987 to beaches and marinas that meet strict criteria. A fundamental requirement for a beach to receive the Blue Flag is for its water quality to be classified as “Excellent.” No other rating, not even “Good,” is acceptable under the program. The award is valid for one year.
In addition, beaches must meet the rest of the 33 total criteria (38 for marinas and 51 for boats), which concern cleanliness, organization, information, safety for swimmers and visitors, protection of the natural environment of the beach and coastal area, and environmental awareness.
