Beaches

The Culture and Tourism Ministry has announced that the number of free five-star public beaches will be increased to 35 across the country.

The number of Blue Flag beaches in Türkiye has risen to 551, the Culture Ministry has said.

The Blue Flag awards for 2023 have been announced, and 551 beaches, 23 marinas, 14 tourism boats and 10 private yachts have been awarded with a Blue Flag, according to a statement of the ministry.

The Blue Flag International Jury announced its 2021 awards, with Turkey holding on to its world ranking, housing the third highest number of Blue Flag beaches.

After Spain, which has 713 Blue Flag beaches, Turkey has 519 Blue Flag beaches, ranking third among 49 countries and coming after Greece.

There are two more beaches in the top European beaches

With a delayed tourist season on the horizon, Turkey boasts the third-highest number of beaches worldwide with the eco-friendly Blue Flag certification, according to the group handing out the honor.

486 beaches in Greece have been awarded the Blue Flag this year!

Greece clinched second spot in the world in the number of blue flags with 486 of its beaches receiving the award, announced the Hellenic Society for the protection of Nature (HSPN), with 12 Greek marinas also picking up blue flags. Greece had 25% of the total of the 47 countries that took part in the international program, with the region of Chalkidiki getting 71.

Turkey, which hosts nearly 40 million tourists annually, has ranked second in the number of blue-flagged beach, an international label awarded to beaches which meet a high standard in multiple categories, including cleanliness. 

According to information by the Culture and Tourism Ministry, Turkey has increased the number of its blue flag beaches every year.   

Turkey is aiming to be the world leader in the number of Blue Flag beaches as part of its 2023 targets to mark the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Republic, Prime Minister Ahmet Davuto?lu has said.

Turkey has been chosen third in the world in 2014 with its 397 blue-flagged beaches, according to the Chamber of Shipping’s (DTO) İzmir Branch.

In 2012, the number of blue-flagged beaches in Turkey was 355, marinas 19 and yachts 13, while in 2013 the number of blue-flagged beaches numbered 383, marinas 21 and yachts 13.