Bluest water beaches: 20 Places with Bluest and Clearest Water in the World

Posted by alexxlab
December 15, 2022
0 Comments

20 Places with Bluest and Clearest Water in the World

Trunk Bay is the most popular and beautiful beach on St. John, part of the Virgin Islands National Park. Warm turquoise water, fine white sand, a shade of coconut palms, and a coral reef inhabited by many sea creatures await tourists here. It’s a great place for snorkeling, diving, and underwater photography. An underwater trail of 205 meters long is created for the explorers of the reef. Special signs on it help identify the types of fish and corals. Those who are tired of a relaxing beach vacation can go for a walk in the park or explore the ruins of sugar plantations, which have survived since the colonization of the island.

Trunk Bay Beach © Sean Pavone / Shutterstock

Bora Bora, French Polynesia

In the 1960s, Bora Bora was named the most beautiful island in the world. It is one of the most romantic places on the planet, and so many newlyweds dream of spending their honeymoon here. Lying in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, the atoll was formed from an extinct volcano. Underwater currents eventually destroyed its central part, and the lagoon arose in this place, protecting the island from the violence of the elements. Bora Bora is unique because the blue ocean water on its shores does not change color, even under cloudy skies. The atoll is surrounded by coral reefs lying 30-50 meters from the shore. They are inhabited by fish of all colors and sizes, sea turtles, and rays. Feeding sharks and swimming with them is popular entertainment in Bora Bora.

There are no poisonous snakes and insects on Bora Bora. The greatest danger for tourists is falling coconuts. The palms on which they grow are up to 30 meters high, and the weight of the nuts is up to two pounds. The falling speed of a coconut reaches 85 km/hour, so the impact force can be the equivalent of a ton.

Bora Bora © Martin Valigursky / Shutterstock

San Blas Islands, Panama

Only 49 of the 378 islands of the San Blas Archipelago in Panama are inhabited. They are populated by Kuna Indians who have preserved their language and culture. Pristine nature, beaches covered with white sand, turquoise water of the Caribbean Sea — this place is called a piece of paradise for a reason. The oldest reefs in the world are not far from the islands. They have become a trap for dozens of ships that still lie at the bottom. The San Blas Archipelago is popular with diving enthusiasts. The water here is not only a stunning blue color but also perfectly clear. The bottom is perfectly visible at almost any depth.

San Blas Islands © Ste Lane / Shutterstock

Moraine Lake, Canada

The treasure of the Rocky Mountains is glacial Moraine Lake. It is located in Banff National Park, in the Valley of the Ten Peaks, at an elevation of 1,885 meters. The mountains and pine forest are reflected in the mirror of the lake’s deep blue color. Moraine Lake owes its amazing hue to the “glacial flour”. The melting water gets into the reservoir and settles at the bottom. Of the entire color spectrum, glacial flour reflects only blue, as if illuminating the water from within. Walter Wilcox, who discovered Lake Moraine in 1899, called the half-hour he spent admiring this natural wonder the happiest of his life.

Moraine Lake © Zhukova Valentyna / Shutterstock

Perhentian Islands, Malaysia

The Perhentian Islands in Malaysia are not visited for the beaches. Most of their coastline is covered with large boulders, and the tourist-favorite white sand is found only in a few places. The real wealth of the islands is clear blue water, beautiful coral reefs, and a diverse underwater world. Diving with a snorkel or scuba, you can meet large turtles, morays, crabs, many bright fish, and even sharks. The Perhentian Islands are a national park, so fishing and water activities are prohibited here.

Perhentian Islands © haveseen / Shutterstock

Whitehaven Beach, Australia

TripAdvisor users are almost unanimous in calling Whitehaven Beach in Australia one of the best beaches in the world. It is located on Whitsunday Island, part of the Whitsunday Pacific archipelago. The coastline is seven kilometers long and covered with perfect white sand. The Coral Sea surrounding the coast is shallow here, so Whitsunday Beach is a unique combination of sand dunes and azure pools. The island on which it sits is a National Park. It’s forbidden to build hotels, smoke, build fires, or even walk with dogs. Thanks to this, Whitehaven Beach has become one of the places with the clearest water in the world. It is so clear that you can study the sea creatures, even without special glasses.

The sand on Whitehaven Beach is 98 percent silica and consists of a dust-like texture. It is free of impurities, which makes it unusually white and soft. The sand reflects the sun’s rays, so it does not get hot even on the hottest days. It is very comfortable to wander barefoot on the beach.

Whitehaven Beach © GagliardiPhotography / Shutterstock

Hanauma Bay Beach, Hawaii

Hanauma Bay is the best beach on the Hawaiian island of Oahu. It was formed in the crater of a former volcano, which was flooded by the sea after the destruction of one of the rock walls. The result is a picturesque bay of semicircular shape. Hanauma Bay is famous for its coral reefs. They look spectacular against the height of the water of a beautiful turquoise color. There is a very diverse underwater world. During a single dive, you can see up to 400 species of fish, among which many rare species live only in this area. Now Hanauma Bay has the status of a nature reserve. Therefore, all guests must watch an educational film before going to the beach. On Tuesdays, the entrance for tourists is closed for environmental and preventive purposes.

Hanauma Bay Beach © I. Noyan Yilmaz / Shutterstock

Cala Macarelleta Beach, Menorca, Spain

Cala Macarelleta is the most recognizable beach on the Spanish island of Menorca and its trademark. It is a secluded bay with a white sandy shore and crystal clear water of stunning blue color. Rocks, covered with conifers, protect the beach from the wind, so even in bad weather, it is always quiet. The water in the bay is so clear that you can watch the sea creatures right from the shore.

Cala Macarelleta Beach © GTTF / Shutterstock

Cala Macarelleta Beach © lunamarina / Shutterstock

Cala Macarelleta Beach © Enrico Pescantini / Shutterstock

Miyako Island, Japan

Miyako is the largest island of the group of the same name. It lies 300 km west of Okinawa and is famous for its beaches, considered the best in Japan. Yoshino Beach, Sunayama Beach, Yonaha Maehama Beach, and Boragā Beach are well-equipped for recreation. There is all the necessary infrastructure — showers, stores, rentals, and lifeguard towers. Coral reefs are hidden under the emerald water of the Pacific, which is teeming with life. Therefore, it is not surprising that the main activities for tourists on Miyako Island are snorkeling and diving. Fishing and underwater swimming with sea turtles are also popular.

Miyako Island © nikosto / Shutterstock

Crater Lake, Oregon, USA

Crater Lake in Oregon is the main attraction of Crater Lake National Park. It was formed in the caldera of the extinct Mazama volcano at 1883 meters above sea level. It is the deepest lake in the US (597 meters), second-deepest in North America, and seventh-deepest in the world. Its water has a rich, bright blue hue. It is perfectly clear, transparent, and very cold. But some brave still dare to swim. You can do this only if you buy a boat tour to Wizard Island, located in the lake’s center. But it is forbidden to dive in a suit or with a snorkel as well as to use your own boards and boats here.

For over 100 years, a large log has been floating in the lake, upright. It has been called the “Old Man of the Lake for its respectable age.” The trunk is about 9 meters long but only 60 cm above the surface of the body of water. Thanks to the cold water, the tree has been perfectly preserved and has become a kind of symbol of Crater Lake.

Crater Lake © Pung / Shutterstock

Abel Tasman National Park, New Zealand

Abel Tasman National Park is the smallest national park in New Zealand. It is named after Abel Tasman, the first European to enter the country. The golden sandy beaches and clear, transparent blue waters of the Tasman Sea have made Abel Tasman the most popular place in New Zealand. Seals and dolphins swim in the wind-protected bay, and sea lions lie on the rocks near the shore. Tourists are offered many options for outdoor activities: boating, kayaking, sailing, excursions to neighboring islands, and kitesurfing.

Abel Tasman National Park © Jiri Foltyn / Shutterstock

Tags:#islands#beach vacation#sea#ocean#lake#nature#beautiful places

Clear Water Beaches: 21 Beautiful World Beaches

You don’t need a crystal ball to tell you where your next vacation will be when you have these clear water beaches waiting for you once it’s safe to travel again.

Every editorial product is independently selected, though we may be compensated or receive an affiliate commission if you buy something through our links. Ratings and prices are accurate and items are in stock as of time of publication.

9MOT/Shutterstock

Clear water beaches galore

Some of the most beautiful beaches in the world are so gorgeous because of their pristine, almost transparent water. Sadly, in today’s hyper-polluted world, beaches with water this clear look almost otherworldly—but they do exist! Unfortunately, the United States doesn’t boast much in the way of clear beaches (though one American beach does make the list). But there are still plenty of stunning places worldwide where the clarity of the water is downright breathtaking. Fair warning: They’ll make you want to pack a beach bag and book a trip! For more natural marvels, plan a trip to one of these stunning black sand beaches you didn’t know existed or plan one of these affordable beach vacations.

Isabel Roy/rd. com

Ypao Beach, Tumon, Guam

The American territory of Guam is filled with stunning jungles, breathtaking mountains, and of course, stunning beaches. While the island is filled with incredible hidden gems, Ypao Beach is easy to access and in close proximity to Tumon’s vibrant cityscape. Despite the plethora of nearby amenities, this long, luxurious beach is the perfect hideaway from the nearby hustle and bustle of the city. Snorkeling in Tumon Bay can’t be beat, and there is both a sandy paradise and grass-covered space on the shore to enjoy any beach-day activities you could want. Guam is also home to the Mariana Trench.

CindyLeighDesign/Getty Images

La Chiva, Vieques, Puerto Rico

Set in the middle of the island’s National Wildlife Refuge, this stretch of coastline, formerly known as Blue Beach, is a true paradise in the heart of Puerto Rico. This beach won’t be overcrowded—the only access points are 21 tiny turnoffs on an unpaved road far off the beaten path. It’s a great spot for snorkeling and walking along the sandy coastline, and it’s well known for its incredible gradient of blues. Speaking of cool colors: You have to see these gorgeous pink sand beaches.

YinYang/Getty Images

Lanikai Beach, Oahu, Hawaii

The words “lani kai” translate to “heavenly ocean,” and it’s an apt description of this stretch of beach. It can be a bit tricky to find, but that’s part of what makes it such a paradise, away from the bustle of tourist traffic in Oahu. The breathtaking blue water will captivate you, but don’t expect miles of sandy beaches to walk nearby. Much of the beach has been eroded, and spacious sand is not what you’ll find here. That being said, beaches are mainly known for their water, and this one is perfect for your kayak, paddleboard, and swimming needs. Here are some of the best all-inclusive resorts in Hawaii to check out too.

via tripadvisor. com

Seagrass Bay, Laucala Island, Fiji

If you’re headed to Fiji, Seagrass Bay in Laucala Island is a must-see, but there’s only one way to see it. This beach is part of a private island, less than an hour’s flight from Fiji’s main island, Nadi. In order to experience the breathtaking magic of Seagrass Bay, you’ll need to stay at the all-inclusive, truly spectacular COMO Laucala Island. This private island experience is billed as an alternate universe, and it has earned a rare perfect rating on TripAdvisor.

Francis White/Getty Images

Crater Lake, Oregon, United States

Looking for those spectacular blue hues a little closer to home? You’ll be blown away by Oregon’s own Crater Lake. In the heart of the Cascade Mountains in Southern Oregon, Crater Lake National Park is an incredible traveler’s paradise and great along a national park road trip. But its namesake, Crater Lake, is definitely the crowning jewel. This beautiful lake can often be covered by clouds, so be sure to check out one of the live webcams of Crater Lake before you start hiking out to know what conditions will be like.

tomch/Getty Images

Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia

The oldest national park in Croatia is well known for its series of turquoise lakes split up by vibrant green barriers. It’s truly one of the most stunning views on earth. Reaching these waters requires a bit of a hike, but when do you ever find the most perfect paradise spots directly on the beaten path? While most lovers of these lakes recommend going in summertime, winter visits still offer breathtaking views … just with a bit less foliage. You’ll also spot Croatia in the photos of the world’s most beautiful countries.

MosayMay/Getty Images

Banana Beach, Koh Hey Island, Phuket Thailand

How have we made it this far down the list without a visit to Thailand? The entire country is known for its breathtaking tropical beaches, and Banana Beach on Koh Hey Island is no exception. Perhaps the vibrant green jungle that serves as the background for this beach makes the water look even bluer, but that doesn’t mean the crystal-clear waters aren’t spectacular in their own right. The name comes from the prevalent banana boat rides available here, and the beach is also a great place to go swimming or try snorkeling or sea kayaking. There’s a single restaurant on the beach, but despite the incredible adventuring potential, this beach is generally much less crowded than many of Thailand’s popular tourist spots. Thinking of booking a smaller vacation? These mini vacation ideas won’t break the bank.

fototrav/Getty Images

Five Flower Lake, Jiuzhaigou National Park, China

Next on our travel bucket list? Five Flower Lake. The valley that this lake calls home is part of a UNESCO heritage site, and we can definitely understand why! The lake is 16 feet deep, but with crystal-clear water, you’ll have no trouble spotting the bottom. It’s considered holy by the locals. A hot spring that feeds the lake means it doesn’t freeze, even in the coldest winter months. While most of the time this lake is a clear, sapphire blue, the color changes, and on various trips to this shore, you may find the water looking emerald green, amber, or even coral. We’ll have to add this one to our list of the most colorful natural wonders on Earth.

Matteo Colombo/Getty Images

Peyto Lake, Alberta, Canada

Travel North to the Canadian Rockies to find this gem of a lake, tucked away in Banff National Park. An easy 3.8-mile round-trip hike will get you to these stunning blue waters near the Icefields Parkway. The best time to visit this lake is in the summer, when glacial rock flour flows into the water, creating its unique turquoise glow.

MartinM303/Getty Images

Honopu Beach Kauai, Hawaii

It’s two for the price of one here! Honopu Beach is actually two beaches split up by a magnificent giant natural rock. The bad news: You cannot drive, hike, or boat to these gorgeous shores. Your only option is a semi-difficult swim. Experts recommend swimming when the tide is low and riptides are less common. If you are a skilled swimmer and make this trek, you will not be disappointed! The views of the water and the peaceful, low-traffic beach are not to be missed if you can make it there. Makes you want to take a warm-water beach vacation, right?

lucianbolca/Getty Images

Porto Katsiki, Lefkada, Greece

Porto Katsiki Beach (which was formerly said to be accessible only by goats, hence its Greek translation of “Goat Port”) is located on an island called Lefkada in the Ionian Sea. It can only be reached by taking narrow roads, which are usually congested with traffic, and then walking down a small, winding staircase alongside a cliff. A taxi boat is perhaps the least complex way to reach this secluded paradise. But rest assured, the journey is worthwhile, as it’s one of the most stunning clear water beaches. In fact, it is considered to be one of the ten best beaches in the Mediterranean and one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.

cdwheatley/Getty Images

Devil’s Bay, Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands

Devil’s Bay can be reached by boat, an easy walk down a path, or a 30-minute hike through the Baths, which requires a great deal of climbing and crawling around granite boulders. Regardless of how you get there, these crystal-clear beaches will make you wonder why you’ve never visited before. The boulders at Devil’s Bay also make the clear water beaches unique, forming arches, grottos, tidal pools, tunnels, and of course, the maze on the way down. They also make for an interesting dive around and down the sides of the partially submerged boulders.

miniloc/Getty Images

Ipil Beach, El Nido, Palawan Island, Philippines

Ipil Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, is known to be free of tourists. Many travelers find that they are the only ones on the beach during their visit, with the exception of some locals. In addition to one of the most stunning clear beaches, visitors can expect to see monkeys, a plethora of chromatic coral, palm trees, and friendly turtles. The backdrop of the mountains makes for incredible scenery, and the sunset is said to be remarkable.

photoaliona/Getty Images

Fulhadhoo, Maldives

Fulhadhoo is an island located in the middle of the alluring Indian Ocean. It’s ideal for those who truly want clear beaches where they can see life through a native islander’s eyes. Located two hours away by speedboat from the Maldivian mainland, with no tourist attractions and only one hotel, it has clear water beaches that make for a true tropical getaway. With that in mind, travelers must abide by the natives’ rules, which include no bikinis allowed outside of the west beach and no consuming alcohol. Surrounded by palm trees, coral reefs, colorful fish, and other marine life, you’ll find every reason to keep exploring the Maldives.

OldCatPhoto/Getty Images

Bai Dam Trau, Con Dao Island, Ba Ria-Vung Tau province, Vietnam

Bai Dam Trau is fairly close to an airport, so visitors can expect to see some occasional low-flying planes. Otherwise, the beach is surrounded by parts of a tropical jungle, a forest plentiful with bamboo and pine trees, offering visitors the enchanting feel of being in their own little world. Dam Trau beach can be reached by a rather bumpy and muddy road, which ultimately opens up to an incredible view of the sea, three small beach restaurants, hammocks, fine white sand, and few to no tourists.

PJPhoto69/Getty Images

Tropic of Cancer Beach, Little Exuma, Bahamas

Tropic of Cancer Beach (also known as Pelican Beach) is the longest of the clear water beaches on Little Exuma, with a span of over a mile. It can be reached after venturing down a long, dirt road. The water is especially transparent, with no obstructions like coral or rocks. With a lack of vendors and tourists (due to its hidden location), this beach is a true oasis.

wallix/Getty Images

Elephant Beach, Havelock Island, India

Perhaps best known for its water sports, Elephant Beach is definitely a destination for adventure-seekers who want the serenity of clear water beaches. Here are some of the excursions you can try: scuba diving, snorkeling (the vibrant reef starts at just five feet deep), trekking, riding in a seaplane, fishing, taking glass-bottomed boat rides, and even sea walking (where visitors are provided with a helmet to breathe underwater while they explore the seafloor). If you’re planning a trip with your relatives, these are the best beaches to visit with your family during the summer.

Giacomo Scandroglio/Getty Images

Rabbit Beach, Sicily, Italy

Rated the best beach in the world by TripAdvisor in 2013, this island in Italy is located 105 miles away from the mainland. Aside from its beauty and status as one of the most impressive places with clear water, history is engraved in its rocky grottos. It was once inhabited by Arabs, Greeks, and Romans, so scuba-diving in these waters could lead to the discovery of historic remains. History isn’t just located at the bottom of the ocean, though; visitors can spot prehistoric huts ashore and hike through astounding, lush trails. Fun fact: There aren’t actually that many rabbits.

simonbradfield/Getty Images

Shipwreck (Navagio) Beach, Zakynthos, Greece

Originally known as Agios Georgios, Shipwreck Beach (also known as Navagio Beach) is quite literally a beach with a shipwreck washed ashore. While the mysterious shipwreck (with many legends surrounding its placement) is what predominantly lures in the crowds, the beach’s clear waters are another draw. The only way to reach Zakynthos’ clear beaches is by sea, but the view from the hiking trails and the tourist platform at the top of the cliffs is what’s really spellbinding.

powerofforever/Getty Images

Hanauma Bay, Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii

Rated the number one beach in the United States in 2013, Hanauma Bay, with some of the clearest waters in the United States, should be on your beach bucket list. Created by a volcanic eruption tens of thousands of years ago and located on the island of Oahu, it’s a marine life conservation area. Before first-timers can enter the bay, they must watch a nine-minute video about conserving marine life and preservation. About 3,000 visitors (it used to be 10,000 or more before there was a population control rule put into place) make their way to Honolulu every day to spend time with the exotic marine life, tranquil waves, and glistening white sand—and the reason is clear (just like the water).

Courtesy Margaret Pattillo

Baie Longue, Saint Martin

With no facilities or vendors, this hidden gem (also known as Long Beach) is able to keep the waters clean and clear, just the way we like it. The beach itself flows over the cliffs of La Samanna to La Pointe des Canniers on the French side of Saint Martin, making it the longest of this Caribbean island’s 37 beaches. It’s the perfect spot to cuddle up with your partner or enjoy some quiet time while gazing at the turquoise waves.

Now that you’ve seen the most beautiful clear beaches from around the world, you can stay local and enjoy the best beach in every U.S. state.

Written with a contribution from Melissa Klurman.

Originally Published: January 26, 2022

Brittany Gibson

Brittany Gibson is a regular contributor to RD.com’s culture, food, health, and travel sections. She was previously an editorial intern for RD.com and Westchester Magazine. Her articles have appeared on Buzzfeed, Business Insider, AOL, Yahoo, and MSN, among other sites. She earned a BA in English from the University of Connecticut

Isabel Roy

Isabel Roy is the newsletter editor at Reader’s Digest. She writes and reports on home, culture, and general interest stories. She graduated from the University of Wisconsin La Crosse in 2017 with a B.A. in Rhetoric and Writing.

Where in Russia are the cleanest beaches marked with a “blue flag”

06/19/2020

The holiday season is finally starting in Russia. It’s time to find out where in our country the cleanest beaches marked with a special award – the “blue flag”, and which hotels and resorts are located next to them.

24 BLUE FLAG BEACHES IN RUSSIA

For the past 20 years, the best beaches in the world have been awarded the Blue Flag. This honorary status is assigned to beach areas for clean waters and landscaping for only one season, so from year to year, tenants and owners of beaches have to confirm their ecological quality.

Russia has been participating in the Blue Flag international project since 2017. In 2020, 24 beaches in our country were awarded the “blue flag” .

There are 2 such beaches in the Kaliningrad region, 1 in Crimea, and 21 in Sochi. Sochi has made special progress: last year, 13 beaches of the resort were awarded an environmental award, and in 2018 there were 6 such objects.

In total, about 3.5 thousand beaches have a “blue flag” in the world. The world leaders in their number are Spain, Greece, Turkey, Italy and France.

BLUE FLAG BEACHES IN SOCHI

“Seagull”
Seaside
Beach of the sanatorium “South”
Sandy beach “Riviera”
Beach resort “Zapolyarye”
“Primorsky”
“Primorsky-1” opposite the Winter Theater
“Primorsky-2”
Maurice Thorez Beach, next to Maurice Thorez Sanatorium, Pullman Hotels, Mercure Sochi Center and Brevis Aparthotel
Beach at Swissôtel Resort Sochi Kamelia
“Children’s Seagull”
Beach “Imeretinka-1”
Beach at Radisson Collection Paradise Resort & Spa
Beach of the city-hotel “Velvet Seasons”
Beach at Radisson Blu Resort & Congress Center
Bridge Resort Hotel Beach
The beach of the recreation complex “Dagomys”
“Bagration”
“Spark 1”
“Spark 2”
Beach at Radisson Lazurnaya Hotel

BLUE FLAG BEACHES IN KALININGRAD REGION

There are two Blue flag beaches in Yantarny village. One is located near the Anna mine, and the second is located near Becker Park.

BEACHES WITH “BLUE FLAG” IN CRIMEA

So far, the only blue flag beach in Crimea is Massandrovsky beach in Yalta. This Black Sea beach received an award in 2017 and has been constantly confirmed ever since.

ATTENTION:

Even more interesting materials from ATOR – in our channel on Yandex.Zen .

You can read the news by subscribing to the Instagram account of the Association of Tour Operators, to the ATOR channel in Telegram or to updates of our Facebook page.

Free online courses, webinars and e-catalogues of tour operators can be found in “ATOR Academy”.

Greece

Spain

Italy

Russia

Amber

Sochi

Turkey

France

Blue Flag

Caraters

Hotels

sanatoriums

Turkish blue flag beaches

In 2018, the Foundation for Environmental Education ( FEE ) awarded 459 beaches in Turkey the highest international award – the right to raise the “blue flag”. Thus, Turkey was in third place in the world in terms of their number, losing the championship only to Spain (590 beaches) and Greece (519 beaches).

A LITTLE HISTORY

Photo courtesy of blueflag.global

The Blue Flag is an annual award that beaches receive for meeting 33 criteria defined by the international Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE). The main ones are territory, information, water purity and security for the entire ecosystem.

The Blue Flag eco-program originated in France in 1985 and two years later conquered all of Europe.

People began to visit the beaches marked with the “blue flag” with pleasure, and the city authorities, together with the hotels and other establishments located on such beaches, began to actively participate in it. In 2001, the program changed from European to international, for the first time including South Africa.

ELIGIBILITY FOR THE “BLUE FLAG”

The blue flag beach is becoming very popular with tourists. It always has toilets, access to drinking water, a rescue post and a first aid station. The beaches are regularly cleaned, pets are restricted, loud music and polluting vehicles such as mopeds are not allowed.

Such beaches can be both municipal and private, admission is free or costs no more than $ 30, and all additional services have a “reasonable price”.

The Blue Flag is awarded for a season, but can be withdrawn at any time if one of the criteria is violated. For example, after a storm, beach workers are required to first eliminate all the consequences and only then raise the flag.

WATER PURITY

Photo: pixabay.com

Criteria for evaluating water on blue flag beaches are developed by the Foundation for Environmental Education and require a specially equipped laboratory.

The sample is taken 30 cm below the water surface, checked during the day and, if everything is in order, then repeated after 31 days.

The water should be free from contamination caused by human industrial activity, as well as elements that can be brought in by a current or source.

WHERE IS THE MOST “BLUE FLAG” IN TURKEY

Turkey joined the program in 1994 with 12 flags. But by 2002, she had 140 such beaches, many of which have not lost their status to this day.

The best region of Turkey in this respect is, of course, Antalya, located on the Mediterranean Sea. Together with the neighboring region of Mugla, it is part of the so-called Turkish Riviera, which hosts almost half of the entire tourist flow in the country. As you might expect, they received the most blue flags in 2018 with around 200 beaches in Antalya and 100 in Muğla.

And, although in Spain there are traditionally more beaches with blue flags than in any other country, it is in Antalya that their greatest concentration is noted.

“BLUE FLAGS” OF THE MEDITERRANEAN COAST

Photo: pixabay. com

Although Antalya is considered a young resort, it was here in 1994 that 4 hotels received the “blue flag” for the first time, which still retain the rights to it.

With regard to the beaches of Antalya in recent years, only an increase in the number of “blue flags” can be noted. There are also new winners who received the award for the first time in 2018.

The famous municipal beaches of the Antalya region – Konyaalti, almost all of them received the “blue flag”. According to the requirements of the Foundation, they are adapted for wheelchair users – there are special paths laid down to the descent to the sea.

In the Konyaalti region near Sarisu, there is another municipal beach marked with a “blue flag” – Antalya Metropolitan Municipality Beach of Women. At certain hours it is open only to women. This innovation appeared in 2014 and still causes heated debate.

Recently, the beaches of the Muratpasha region have also begun to receive “blue flags”. Their peculiarity is that they are located on the rocks, but are equipped with wooden flooring, which provides a safe entry into the water.

The “Blue Flag” in 2018 again received the sandy beach of Lara, which is so popular with our tourists. It was raised this season by at least 14 luxury hotels of the highest category. The sand here is most often mixed with small shells and does not stick to the body, which is appreciated by many vacationers.

The beaches of the Belek resort area adjacent to Lara are also marked with blue flags. The territory of the village of Serik turned out to be especially outstanding in this regard – more than 40 hotels will raise the flag there.

The award was given to the beaches of the Side and Alanya regions, where the famous Cleopatra Beach is located, the sand on which, according to legend, was brought from the Nile Valley, and many others. By the way, Bera Hotel Alanya, which received the Blue Flag in 2018, is one of the few halal beach hotels in Turkey that does not serve alcohol.

Pebble beaches are also considered the cleanest in the province of Antalya – as before, the “blue flag” went to Kemer – to its villages of Goynuk (here, in particular, it is near the beach of the family hotel Otium Hotel Life Kemer 5 *), Kiris and Camyuva. The famous village of Tekirova (although it is dominated by sand and pebble beaches), was also marked with blue flags in at least three hotels.

In general, we can say that almost the entire Turkish Mediterranean coast is solid beaches with “blue flags”. Other flagged resorts in the Mediterranean are Mersin with 8 beaches and Adana with 2 beaches.

BLUE FLAGS OF THE AEGEAN COAST

Photo: pixabay.com

The second part of the Turkish Riviera, the Mugla region, is washed by two seas at once – the Mediterranean and the Aegean, which create numerous bays.

The beaches here are sandy and sandy-pebbly. The leader in the number of “blue flags” is Bodrum with its mostly sandy beaches on the Aegean Sea. There are over 50 Blue Flag hotels and several municipal beaches. No wonder there are networks such as Hilton, Kempinski and Swissotel.

The second famous Mugla resort – Marmaris, which has pebble beaches, is located almost on the border of two seas. Here, “blue flags” are less common – about 20 hotels have the right to them.

Other resorts of Mugla – Fethiye, Datca, Akyaka – were also awarded “blue flags”.

Another famous resort on the Aegean is Izmir, which received 52 Blue Flags in 2018. They marked the most popular beaches – Cesme, Ilici, Gumuldur, Foca and Urla.

Also, “blue flags” was received by another resort on the Aegean Sea – Aydın (30 beaches). And Balıkesir and Canakkale, located on the coasts of the Aegean and Marmara Seas, received “blue flags” on 23 and 12 beaches, respectively.

BLACK AND MARBLE SEA

Photo: pixabay.com

These regions are not as popular with tourists as the Mediterranean and Aegean coasts of Turkey. The Sea of Marmara is considered unsuitable for a beach holiday due to high waves, and the Black Sea also loses to the Mediterranean in many respects.

Absolutely all the beaches that have received “blue flags” here are municipal. The only exception is the Samsun region in eastern Turkey, where the only Blue Flag beach in the city of Ilkadim belongs to the Sheraton Hotel.

On the Sea of Marmara, the regions of Tekirdag and Kocaeli have the most “blue flags” – 5 beaches each, and least of all in the Yalova region – 2 beaches.

On the Black Sea, the eastern direction is most popular, where the Samsun region is located with 8 beaches with “blue flags” and Ordu with 5 such beaches. Then comes Duzce – 3 flags, Sakarya – 2 and Kirklareli – 1.

The most famous city washed by both the Sea of Marmara and the Black Sea – Istanbul, also received 2 “blue flags” in 2018. True, not for the beaches, but for the marinas – parking of boats and yachts (there is such a category in the flag award program).