аÄÃÅ¿ª½±½á¹û

As summer kicks into high gear, Turkey has once again demonstrated its status as a prime beach getaway, earning the impressive ranking of third globally for its number of beaches certified with the prestigious Blue Flag eco-label. The Blue Flag is an exclusive international certification awarded to beaches and marinas that meet stringent environmental, safety and accessibility criteria set by the Foundation for Environmental Education in Europe (FEEE).

Turkey’s pristine coastlines and well-managed beach facilities have drawn worldwide recognition, with an outstanding 551 beaches, 23 marinas, 14 tourism boats and 10 individual yachts newly awarded the coveted Blue Flag accreditation for 2024. This remarkable achievement places Turkey just behind Spain and Greece in the global Blue Flag rankings.

The latest Blue Flag designations were officially announced on May 22^nd 2024 by the FEEE’s International Blue Flag Jury, kicking off the peak beach season across the Mediterranean region. Turkish beach towns are now prepared to welcome visitors seeking safe, clean and eco-friendly seaside experiences.

The Blue Flag program is crucial for promoting sustainable tourism practices and environmental conservation efforts. By meeting the program’s comprehensive criteria covering water quality, environmental management, safety protocols and public accessibility, Turkey is showcasing its commitment to protecting its precious coastal areas while providing world-class beach amenities.

From

See also

Travel

Why Vacation in Prague? Czechia Ranked Among World’s Happiest Countries

Seaside Jewels  Across Turkiye’s Shores

While the entire nation basks in this beach-quality recognition, certain regions have emerged as true seaside gems. The southern province of Antalya, renowned as one of the world’s top tourism hotspots, maintains its leading position with an impressive 231 Blue Flag beaches. Close behind is the picturesque southwestern province of Mugla with 110 accredited beaches, followed by the western city of Izmir (63), northwestern Balikesir (46) and southwestern Aydın (35).

“The increasing number of Blue Flag beaches in Turkey each year is a testament to our dedicated environmental investments and rigorous beach management efforts,” stated Busra Ozcan, spokesperson for the Turkish Environmental Education Foundation (TURCEV), the national coordinator for the Blue Flag program. “We are immensely proud that our country continues its march towards having the cleanest, safest and most sustainable beaches worldwide.”

Istanbul’s Coastal Charms Earn Acclaim  

Even the culturally rich metropolis of Istanbul boasts its own stretch of Blue Flag beach excellence. The idyllic coastal town of Sile, situated just 70 kilometers from the city center, has emerged as a rising seaside star, with three of its pristine sandy beaches – Ayazma, Aglayankaya and Uzunkum – newly adorned with the prestigious eco-label.

Senem Aydin, a local tour guide specialising in Istanbul beach escapes, extolled the transformation of Sile’s coastline. “Just a few years ago, these very beaches were notorious for dangerous drowning incidents and appalling litter problems. Today, they represent a true success story. Clean waters protected by fully-equipped coastguard teams, top-notch facilities and accessibility features for all visitors to enjoy responsibly.”

Travellers have even more reasons to enjoy the nation’s world-class seaside splendours. With its strengthened beach quality reassurances, this famed crossroads of civilisations is poised for another summer of sunny delights along the Turkish Riviera.