Which places are included in the blue flag? What does the Blue Flag on the beach mean? Under what flags is swimming in the sea prohibited?

In everything that concerns beach holiday, you can argue about tastes for a very long time: someone likes to bask on the sand, and someone sincerely loves pebbles, someone visits only the closed beaches of five-star hotels, and someone even goes to nudist beaches. But there is one single criterion that is important for everyone - the cleanliness of the water and coastline.

How to find a truly eco-friendly beach? International certificates are faithful helpers in this matter. The main marker of purity in this matter since 1987 has been the Blue Flag. Blue Flag on the Beach: What does it mean Blue Flag is a prestigious international award confirming the compliance of a beach, harbor or pier to the highest standards quality.

The initiative belongs to France, and the procedure is managed by the non-profit non-governmental organization Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE). European beaches are annually certified before the start of the swimming season, and the awards are given on June 5. In total, 3.6 thousand beaches and 677 harbors in 45 countries can boast “Blue Flags” in the world, including such popular tourist destinations, like Cyprus, Tunisia, Israel, etc.

In 2018, only one beach in Russia received the prestigious mark. It is located in the village of Yantarny, Kaliningrad region, and has received the award for the third time in a row. However, the beaches of Yalta have already been included in the nomination, and last year the beach areas of Sochi joined the competition. Beaches marked with a blue flag have been certified on 27 points, including water quality, safety level, environmental management, the presence of ramps and toilets for wheelchair users, etc.

Other flags on the beach: to avoid confusion

Flags of other colors usually indicate the degree of danger on the water. The International Safety Alert System is adopted in all countries of the world.

✔ Red the color, as you might guess, indicates danger - swimming is prohibited for one reason or another. A double red flag indicates increased danger. These include not only sharks and all kinds of fauna, but also powerful tidal currents that can carry them out to the open sea, quicksand, whirlpools.

It's time to find out which beaches in the world received the prestigious international Blue Flag award this year. Where will we sunbathe and swim in the most environmentally friendly and comfortable environment?

So... Drum roll!

Spain was simply overwhelmed with “Blue Flags” for the 2018 season - it is in first place, and it has 590 awards. In Greece, 519 ideal beaches were noted. Türkiye also broke into the top three with 459 beaches. In fourth place is France, and 399 Blue Flags are now flying here. Italy closes the TOP 5 countries with the best beaches (368 beaches). Next come Portugal, Denmark, Croatia, Ireland, Great Britain, the Netherlands, Cyprus, Mexico, Israel, South Africa, Dominican Republic, Montenegro... In Russia, only 7 beaches were awarded, and in Ukraine – 14.

Beaches with Blue Flags are not only distinguished by the cleanliness of their sand and water, which are constantly checked until the end of the season (until September 1 - 30, depending on the resort). They are equipped with changing cabins, showers, sun loungers and umbrellas, and rescue stations. There are no industrial enterprises nearby, only natural beauty, parks, cafes, parking lots and excellent hotels. Ideal for the whole family! Which ones deserve special attention? We have compiled the TOP 10 eco-beaches in the world with recommended hotels. Choose!

Playa de Muro on the island. Majorca

Scenic, long spanish Beach Playa de Muro in the north of Mallorca is a true paradise for families with small children. There is soft snow-white sand, a clean and warm Mediterranean Sea, and a gentle entrance to the water. In the morning there is calm, and after 16 o'clock there are waves with which you can play. To get to sea ​​depth, you will have to walk about 50 meters. The beach has showers, toilets, cafes, sun loungers and umbrellas. You can roast under the sun, or you can wonderfully relax in the shade of spreading pine trees. Well, on the streets along this beach you will find restaurants, shops, attractions for children - trampolines, electric motorcycles, carousels.

Nikolina Beach (Nikolina Beach) in Croatia

Nikolina Beach, in the municipality of Baska Voda (Makarska Riviera), is not only the most popular beach in the resort, but also in almost all of Croatia. The small pebble coast is surrounded by majestic mountain range Biokovo is surrounded by palm trees and lush pine trees and is washed by the cool waters of the clear Adriatic Sea. There are rescuers and ambulances working here, there are changing cabins, showers, toilets, sunbeds and umbrellas, a center water activities, beach bar, fruit and ice cream stands. Along the beach you can find cafes, pizzerias and restaurants, a playground with trampolines, and bicycle rentals.

Vale de Centeanes beach in Portugal

Vale de Centeanes, one of the best urban beaches in Portugal, featured this season " Blue Flag", located on the sandy ocean coast, in Carvoeiro.

On one side it is surrounded by the blue waters of the Atlantic, and on the other by high rocks, sharpened by the sea and wind, with natural grottoes and arches. Its advantage is that there are no constant landings of tourists on boats next to it. The water is very clean, suitable for small children. The downside is that during peak season there can be a lot of tourists.

The cliffs offer incredible views of the ocean. At the entrance to the beach there is a restaurant, a kiosk with drinks and ice cream, toilets, parking, a gentle slope to the coast for people with disabilities disabilities.

Vai Beach on the island. Crete

In every region of the island of Crete, in Chania, Rethymno, Heraklion, there are magnificent, clean beaches awarded with Blue Flags. It’s worth visiting the pink coast of Elafonisi (with the obligatory annual eco-award) at least once, as well as the incredibly beautiful Balos Lagoon.

The beautiful Matala beach is located in a cozy bay of the Libyan Sea, in the south of the island. It is surrounded by cliffs with numerous caves where hippies once lived. The Rolling Stones performed here.

The favorite of all holidaymakers on the island of Crete is the palm-lined beach of Vai, with golden sand and a grove of green date palms. This year he is again with the Blue Flag. Although it is located in the very east of the island, where, for example, it takes a very long time to get to it from the other end of Crete. The beach is equipped with sun loungers and umbrellas, changing cabins and showers. There are bars and taverns, parking.

"Massandra" beach in Yalta

For the first time, “Massandra” beach, located on South Coast Crimea, was awarded the Blue Flag in 2010. The certificate was confirmed in 2016, 2017 and now in 2018. This means that the cleanliness of the water and the quality of services on the Yalta coast are invariably above all praise.

The length of the Massandra beach is about 500 meters. 6 breakwaters divide it into six well-maintained, comfortable sectors. There is free entry to the beach, there is a rental of sun loungers and umbrellas, as well as personal bungalows, many cafes, restaurants from the simplest to the most sophisticated, a children's pool and playground, showers, toilets. Frequent guests of the coastal zone are Black Sea dolphins. Many people call this beach “Little Europe”. Recommended for holidays with children.

Kumburnu Beach in Oludeniz, Türkiye

The Turkish village of Oludeniz, 15 km from Fethiye, is famous not only for its unforgettable landscapes over which paragliders fly, but also for its wonderful beaches with Blue Flags.

The Kumburnu sand spit (a continuation of Belcekiz beach), a peninsula cutting into the sea, was awarded the Blue Flag and belongs to the Blue Lagoon National Natural Park. The left side of the spit is washed by the Mediterranean Sea, with free entry and sunbeds for rent. The right side embraces a shallow bay with warm water, and this is already the territory natural park With paid entrance. The place is ideal for a holiday with small children. Here you can rent a catamaran, see fish and Caretta-Caretta turtles.

There are many quality beaches in Oludeniz! Choose depending on your preferences and budget.

Canal d'Amour beach on the island. Corfu, Greece

Canal d'Amour - famous landmark Greek island Corfu with the prestigious Blue Flag award. The Love Channel is definitely worth a visit. Especially if you are looking for your soulmate or want to perpetuate your existing love.

He is in resort town Sidari is a narrow sea strait surrounded by wild cliffs. Thanks to the sea, caves and tunnels formed in the rocks. The bank of the canal has golden soft sand and a small grove. Due to the influx of tourists, it is well equipped - it has sun loungers, beach umbrellas and other amenities. There are taverns and bars nearby, where you will be offered delicious traditional Greek dishes and drinks. You can also sunbathe on the rocks themselves.

Here you can meet families with children, because... The entry into the sea is shallow and gentle, there are never waves, and the water is warm.

Blue Beach in Budva Riviera, Montenegro

Of all the beaches in Montenegro, the Budva Riviera received the most awards. Among those awarded are certain areas picturesque bay Yaz, which is about as popular as Copacabana in Brazil, is considered almost the most beautiful in Montenegro. On concert venue Madonna and the Rolling Stones performed here, and there is an atmosphere of endless celebration. Despite the distance from Budva, there are always plenty of vacationers here.

Plavo Plaza or Blue Beach- a well-equipped area with a wide sandy beach Language The beach has modest parameters (only about 150 meters in length), but it has been awarded the Blue Flag for many years now. Equipped with sun loungers and umbrellas, changing rooms, showers, rescue station, and parking. There is a children's playground and a cafe. The entrance to the sea is sandy and gently sloping.

Together with Blue Beach, the neighboring beaches Escarella Beach and C&I Beach Life received Blue Flags.

Baia Blu beach in Lerici (Liguria), Italy

Italian Spiaggia beach Baia Blu in the San Terenzo area is incredibly picturesque! It is located between the capes of Punta Santa Teresa and Punta Galera. Transparent, sparkling waters the clearest sea wash a beautiful curve sandy coast, framed by ancient oak trees and olive groves. No wonder there are so many positive reviews about it!

The beach is small, only 200 meters long, but well equipped: there are sun loungers and umbrellas for rent, free showers, toilets, changing rooms, 3 bars, a restaurant, 2 parking lots and even a compressor for inflating mattresses and balls.

If you go from San Terenzo towards Lerici, you will find several more beaches awarded the Blue Flag. For example, Venere Azzura Beach (Blue Venus Beach). It is equipped with rental of umbrellas and sun loungers, pedal boats, animation and cafes. Moving further towards Fiascherino, you will find the exclusive Blue Flag beach Eco del Mare.

Beach Shakhta Anna, in Yantarny, Kaliningrad

Pride Kaliningrad region- Shakhta Anna beach in the village of Yantarny, winner of the Blue Flag 2018. Wide beach strip 300 meters long and strewn with soft white sand. The entrance to the water is gentle, the Baltic Sea is almost always calm.

The beach has wooden decks for easy movement, there are showers and drinking fountains, changing rooms and benches, a children's playground, and areas for beach sports. You can sunbathe on the sand, or you can rent a sun lounger, which comes with an umbrella and towel. Families should try out the unusual “soft baskets” for sunbathing, which can fit two or even three people.

Near this wonderful beach you will find parking and a cafe, a lake and a chic green Park Maurice Becker.

How many people have seen the Blue Flag on the beach? What does it mean? Apparently, not many people know this. Therefore, it is worth understanding what the special flag means and whether it makes sense to look for beaches marked in this way in advance.

Beach holiday

Many people cannot imagine their vacation without gentle sun and the sea. Therefore, every year warm southern resorts accept great amount tourists who flock to the beaches. But their needs vary: some like a calm sea, while others like small waves and wind. For some, it is critical whether the beach is pebble or sandy, but there are people with special needs. But be that as it may, everyone understands that they need to relax on the shore that is completely safe, where there is all the necessary equipment.

Many beaches around the world have a special system of colored flags, which shows that, for example, there are creatures in the sea that are dangerous to people, or the waves are too big, and therefore swimming is prohibited. But the same colors are not always used, so it is easy to get confused in the designations. But there is also an international sign - the Blue Flag on the beach. What does it mean?

Blue flags

The problem of assessing the quality of beaches became relevant quite a long time ago, and already in 1985 a special system began to operate. Initially it operated only within Europe, but in 2001 the organization, which certifies seaside holiday destinations, became global. Today it has about 50 participating countries in Eurasia, Africa, Oceania, North and South America. Initially, a blue flag on the beach meant high quality sea ​​water(according to several parameters), today they mark only those places that meet almost 30 different criteria. Obviously, this sign is very prestigious, and such beaches attract more tourists. That is why the requirements become more stringent every year, but more and more recreation areas receive these awards, and that’s all more countries joins a kind of club. Certification of beaches in eastern hemisphere is held in May-June, and in early November.

Award Criteria

Before each season, the beaches of the countries participating in the project are certified. Many parameters are taken into account, divided into the following categories.

1. Water quality:

  • Compliance with the requirements adopted by the EU Directive.
  • No industrial wastewater discharge.
  • Availability of local or regional action plans in case of pollution as a result of accidents.
  • Preventing the accumulation of algae in recreation areas.
  • Meeting municipal wastewater treatment requirements.

2. Environmental information:

  • Availability of at least 5 educational programs.
  • Timely notification of actual or suspected beach pollution.
  • Providing information to visitors about applicable laws and codes, as well as rules of conduct.
  • Information about dangerous areas near the coast, including habitats of local flora and fauna, the representatives of which can cause harm to humans.
  • Availability of a special educational center.
  • Timely updating and actualization of all provided information.

3. Environmental management:

  • Having a sufficient number of garbage cans that are regularly serviced and emptied.
  • Carrying out regular and, if necessary, daily cleaning of the beach area.
  • Availability of a land use and development plan for the coastal zone separately or regionally.
  • Full of vehicles without special permission, unauthorized camping, dumping of waste and car or motorcycle racing on the beach.
  • Availability of secure access.
  • Actively promoting the use of environmentally friendly safe species transport for visiting the coastal zone.

4. Security:

  • Availability of all first aid equipment on the beach.
  • Strict compliance with state laws regarding the presence of various animals in the recreation area.
  • Availability of lifeguards and necessary equipment on the beach and/or other means of ensuring safety and preventing accidents.
  • Access to the source drinking water.
  • Availability of a working telephone if there are no lifeguards on the beach.
  • All buildings and structures must be kept in order and clean.

Not all of the above criteria are mandatory; some of them are advisory in nature. And yet, to get highest rating- blue flag - every year the authorities try to make the beaches better and better. And many succeed: in 2015, there were 4,159 places on the world map that were awarded this quality mark. Beaches marked with the Blue Flag received a huge number of tourists over the summer, while not forgetting to maintain the required level of safety and cleanliness. The prestige of this award is so high that many people even plan their vacations based on the most highly rated recreation areas by experts. So where are most of them located?

Spain

Every year, a huge number of beaches are awarded the Blue Flag. In 2015, Spain became the first in the number of such places - 577 certified sections of sea coasts were counted on its map. Most of the beaches, the environmental cleanliness and safety of which have been confirmed, are located in Galicia. Valencia was in second place, and Catalonia in third. Let's see if Spain will be able to maintain its leadership in 2016 and, perhaps, improve the result? In the meantime, it is much more difficult for an inexperienced tourist to get to a beach that is not marked with a flag, and soon this will probably be completely impossible.

Türkiye

In the spring of 2015, it turned out that another popular southern country received “silver” in the competition for the number of certified beaches. It was Türkiye with a score of 436. Most of of the marked beaches is located in regions traditionally popular among Russians - Bodrum, Kemer, Antalya, Marmaris. And there is hope that next year even more places will receive the distinction - the Blue Flag.

Greece

Hellas moved to third place from last year's second place, with a result of 395 recreation areas, having lost as many as 13 marked coasts. Obviously, the crisis affecting Greece was also the reason why the government focused on more pressing issues. Most of local beaches over which the Blue Flag flies is concentrated in traditional resort places- on Crete and the Chalkidiki peninsula.

France

The country that gave birth to the Blue Flag movement ranked fourth in terms of the number of Blue Flags in 2015. France is quite a bit behind Greece - on its territory there are 379 beaches that meet all the criteria of environmental cleanliness and safety. Vacation spots marked with the Blue Flag are distributed fairly evenly along the coast. A sufficient number of them are located both near the English Channel and Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean.

Cyprus

Another country that is always loved by residents of northern latitudes, in 2015 it received 57 awards, the same as last year, and almost all of them are concentrated in the southern part of the island. This may not seem like much compared to the hundreds in previous countries. However, let's not forget about the small size of the island. By the way, it is worth mentioning that Cyprus is a kind of record holder: firstly, there are marked holiday destinations per capita, and secondly, the largest number of them per unit length coastline. Mostly with the Blue Flag are located in the areas of Limassol, Larnaca, Ayia Napa and Famagusta.

Russia

Despite the fact that the Russian Federation does not have many warm places with beaches, it has been participating in the Blue Flag program for several years. Unfortunately, during all this time, only a couple of yacht clubs were awarded the prestigious award, but not a single beach was certified to meet European standards. However, let’s not be discouraged: perhaps in the coming years the situation will change for the better.

(1 ratings, average: 5,00 out of 5)

When you go abroad with a worthy mission - to get a nice bronze tan, you don’t immediately, but you pay attention to some strange flags hanging there. As it turns out, they are there not just for beauty (although they add brightness and festivity with their appearance). In fact, each color of the flag (on the beach) and even its shape has a certain
important for holidaymakers.

You can swim

  • Blue flag
  • Green flag
  • Yellow/orange flag.
  • White flag

Swimming is prohibited

For the convenience of vacationers, the meaning of the same flags on the beaches different countries the same.

What flags can you swim under on the beach?

  • (can be with a picture)

Beaches marked with the Blue Flag are beaches that have passed 32 international criteria that are responsible for environmental cleanliness, meaning that the beach is well equipped and freely accessible to vacationers. The blue flag also comes with an additional white stripe pattern. This means that this beach is characterized by increased comfort.

There are almost no beaches approved by the Blue Flag award on the territory of Russia and Ukraine. The maximum that can be seen on the beaches of these countries is the Blue Flag with a pattern of shells (most often, three shells). This flag only means deluxe beach.

  • Green flag on the beach

Entry into the water is permitted. The water is calm, the wind is within normal limits. If a beach is equipped and clearly maintained, but has no visible flags, it is presumably worthy of a green flag.

  • Yellow/orange flag.

There will be waves or strong currents in the sea today. Lifeguards present on the beach may (at their discretion) prevent vacationers from entering the water.

  • White flag

You can swim in the waters of the beach where such a flag stands.

Under what flags is swimming in the sea prohibited?

  • Red flag

Swimming is prohibited today.

  • Purple/blue flag.

Animals or other living creatures that are dangerous to life and health (sharks, stingrays, jellyfish, snakes, etc.) have appeared off the coast.

  • Brown (sometimes orange) flag.

The local beach or coastal area is polluted. For example, an oil slick was discovered off the coast of a beach.

  • Double red flag

Increased degree of danger. Entry into the water is prohibited.

Variants of danger for which a red flag may be raised:

  • Dangerous flora or fauna in the water near the beach (sharks, dangerous jellyfish, crocodiles, etc.).
  • The beginning of the local hunting season marine fauna: sharks hunt fur seals and so on.
  • The period of ebb and flow, which can drag a swimmer far from the shore.
  • The appearance of quicksand on the beach.
  • Formation of whirlpools or whirlpools in the water near the shore.

  • Black flag or ball

In the waters of this beach shark attacks on humans have been recorded. It is strictly prohibited to enter the water.

Information flags on the beaches

This is how surfing spots are marked. It is not advisable to swim in the area limited by such flags in ordinary swimming trunks - you may run into a surfer.

  • Flag with a black circle on a yellow background.

On US beaches within the area marked by these flags, riding heavy boards (surfing) is prohibited.

  • Red-yellow flag.

These flags on the beaches of the USA and Australia mark the area controlled by lifeguards. Outside the area marked with red and yellow flags, vacationers in the water are responsible for themselves.

  • Blue triangular flag.

Similar flags are common on beaches. They indicate that there is a certain danger in the waters of the designated beach: strong waves or currents.


In addition to the above colored flags, flags are also installed on beaches that indicate the degree of threat from sharks in coastal waters. The flag has an outline of a shark and a different color background: green, red, black and white.

The Blue Flag award is awarded annually to the cleanest and best beaches since 1987. Since then, almost all countries of the world have taken part in the international certification program. It became very prestigious to receive the award. This increases the tourist attractiveness of not only the hotel with a private Blue Flag beach, but also the resort itself.

Environmental Education Foundation

The organizer of the international beach certification program is the Foundation for Environmental Education - Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE). The headquarters is located in the capital of Denmark. President Jan Eriksen strives to intensively develop and expand his activities.

This non-profit organization is engaged not only in monitoring and checking water quality and the condition of the coastline of resorts. Employees see their main mission primarily in the educational program. They teach us to protect not only the environment around us, but also the people living on its territory. Organizations that make a profit from ecosystems (resorts, hotels, recreation centers, etc.) should also protect nature. They must realize that recreation areas depend on them and should not suffer from unsustainable environmental management.

Eco-standards program

In 46 countries around the world, about 4,500 beaches, bays and marinas have the Blue Flag. This means that their territory has excellent water quality, ideal environmental conditions in the coastal zone, and a high level of safety. The environmental standards program is not only aimed at protecting nature. It supports the interests of tourists and local residents to the right to rest and live in comfortable conditions without threat to health or life.

You can look at the world map (created by the Foundation) which shows all the Blue Flag beaches. It can be seen that most of them are concentrated in Europe. A significant number of such quality marks are available in countries Caribbean, in southern Africa.

This doesn't mean that good beaches only in Europe. It’s just that other countries are slowly joining the program; some resorts, unfortunately, simply do not see the need for this. The fact is that initially the international beach certification program was called European and was valid only in the corresponding territory. Since 2001, the award has acquired an international status and began to be awarded on other continents. South Africa was the first to join the environmental protection programme.

Ecological brand - Blue Flag

This brand is world famous and is trusted by millions of people from all over the planet. Applicants for this prestigious award must meet strict environmental, educational requirements, and comply with and maintain site safety criteria. Even the flag is made from environmental textiles.

If we see the Blue Flag on the beach, what does it mean? This means that the resort should conduct information work with the population so that residents know more about the flora and fauna and better navigate the area. Resort safety measures must be taken at all times to protect the environment, tourists and employees. For monitoring purposes, regular random and comprehensive checks of coastlines and water are carried out. The level of compliance or non-compliance with the Blue Flag environmental standard is revealed. In the second case, the beach is deprived of the award.

Local organizations are chosen to administer the program and must ensure uniformity of the standard.

What is a Blue Flag Beach?

This is an area that has Free access(input) and developed infrastructure. It is mandatory to have a rescue team on the beach, a medical center with all emergency conditions medical care. For the convenience of vacationers, toilets and showers are equipped, and access to free drinking water is created. It is mandatory to have garbage bins, restrict access to the beach for domestic and street animals, and motor vehicles.

The water along the coast is regularly tested for levels of pollution and the presence of dangerous microorganisms, such as E. coli. The sand should be cleaned twice a day to remove large and small debris. In other words, a Blue Flag beach is perfect place for a safe holiday.

Corporate Partners

It's huge international network those who cooperate with the Foundation or are awarded the Blue Flag. More than 2,300 hotels and recreation centers, 4,150 beaches and ship moorings in 73 countries of the planet are bona fide partners who comply with the terms of a mutually beneficial agreement with FEE.

In order to be nominated, you must provide information about yourself on the site. An international jury reviews candidates twice a year: residents of the Northern Hemisphere in April, and residents of the Southern Hemisphere in September. “There is nothing more important to us than quality,” say those who select applicants. The awards ceremony takes place on June 5 and November 1, respectively. Marinas and boat stations receive the mark for one year, and the beach quality certificate is valid for one season. The award must be confirmed next year.

Leading countries 2017

The cleanest beaches with clear water, which annually confirm the Blue Flag award, are located in Spain, Greece and Turkey. Spanish costa have long been leaders in this list. More than 500 beaches in this country (that is, every fifth) have high levels of safety and cleanliness. Among the Greek beaches with a high degree of water transparency, the main part is located on the island of Crete. In Turkey, such beaches can be found in the resorts of Fethiye, Antalya, Bodrum and Kemer.

Follows the undisputed leaders French Riviera, Italian, Portuguese, Danish beaches, coastal recreation areas of Croatia and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

What information is hidden behind the color of the flag?

In some countries you can see a red flag on the coastline. This symbol means that it is prohibited to enter the water. At the same time, there may be clean sand and a perfectly calm sea surface around. You must pay attention to the warning and do not go into the water, at least alone. Red flags are placed in places where attacks on people by sharks, alligators and other predators occur. Strong ebbs or flows can suddenly begin here, which drag bathing tourists far into the sea. There is a possibility of getting into whirlpools, quicksand, etc.

Some tourists coming to Vietnam are happy to see blue flags on the beaches and confuse them with blue ones. In fact, a blue flag, often triangular, indicates rough seas.

Green and white flags allow swimming. On US beaches you can often see a purple flag - a sign that there are toxic jellyfish in the water. Even in the states, they install flags with black circles on a yellow background. This symbol warns against large quantities divers in the water to avoid injury to swimmers by diving equipment.

Beaches of Russia

Russian tourists are more accustomed to seeing on the beaches of our country either a “Swimming is prohibited” sign or its absence. In the second case, everyone boldly runs into the water. On more gentrified and modern beaches Russia, which are more often private territory hotels, you can see yellow or black (less often brown) flags. What does it mean? The blue flag on the beach (as it turned out) is a guarantee of safety and cleanliness of the area. Availability yellow flag means that a rescue team is monitoring the area. You can swim, but there is a danger of tides, storms, strong river currents, gyres, etc. The black flag completely prohibits swimming. Brown - warns of severe water contamination, which can be harmful to health.

Russian pride - Massandra and Yantarny beaches

In 2017, two beaches with the Blue Flag appeared in our country. With slow but sure steps we are approaching quality rest.

Massandra beach is located in Yalta (Southern coast of Crimea). It has long been considered the best equipped coastal recreation area in the city (including for people with disabilities), but this year it was awarded again. There is a swimming pool with running water, children's and sports grounds, a walking area, a cafe and restaurant, toilets, showers and trash cans. The territory, about 500 m long, is divided into 6 sectors by breakwaters. The safety of swimmers is kept under control by a team of rescuers.

For the second year in a row, the Anna Mine beach in the village of Yantarny, Kaliningrad region, has been awarded the Blue Flag. This place is strikingly different from the turbulent coastal areas of Zelenogorsk or Baltiysk. Opposite the beach there is a beautiful promenade where many happy mothers stroll with strollers. A wide sunbathing area is separated by small sand dunes from a small lake. There is a separate children's beach area with playgrounds and a lagoon for swimming children with insignificant depth.

"Anna Mine" is a picturesque area near the place where pre-war years mined amber. Many tourists claim that if you walk along the coast of the beach for a long, long time, you can find a small fiery yellow pebble playing beautifully in the sun.

Instead of drawing a conclusion, I would like to note that our country has a huge amount of recreational resources. The condition of beaches, as part of these resources, largely depends on the population. You can clean the banks of a river or sea 10 times a day, and place trash cans at every step. It’s clean not where they clean, but where they don’t litter.



We recommend reading