Cyprus has awarded Blue Flag status to 56 beaches and two marinas for 2026, down from 64 beaches and two marinas last year, in a ceremony held on Thursday at Nisi beach in Ayia Napa.
The reduction is largely attributable to the decision by the municipalities of Limassol and Amathus not to submit applications this year, following increased reports of pollution incidents recorded in 2025.
Other Limassol district beaches are included in the 2026 list, and Limassol Marina retained its Blue Flag alongside Ayia Napa Marina.
The Paralimni-Deryneia municipality recorded the highest number of awards, with 18 beaches in the Protaras area included in this year’s list.
Ayia Napa also maintained a strong presence with a significant number of recognised beaches.
Agriculture Minister Maria Panayiotou, who attended the ceremony, said Cyprus had ranked first in Europe for bathing water quality in the three most recent European Commission assessments.
She said the Blue Flag requires “excellent” bathing water quality under European standards, as well as compliance with 33 strict criteria for beaches and 38 for marinas.
She attributed the water quality achievement to continuous monitoring and cooperation between the Department of Environment, Health Services, the State General Laboratory, CYMEPA and local authorities.
The Blue Flag is awarded to beaches and marinas that meet strict international criteria on water quality, cleanliness, safety, organisation and environmental management.
The full list of awarded beaches and marinas:
Paphos: Kafizis, Laourou, Coral Bay, Kotsiatis (Sandy Beach), Palaiokastro (Venus Beach), Faros, Municipal Baths, Alikes, Vrysoudi B, Vrysoudi A, Pachyammos 1, Pachyammos 2, Polis Chrysochous Municipal Beach, Geroskipou Public Beach.
Limassol: Pissouri, Kourion, Limassol Marina, Parekklisia Community Beach, Governor’s Beach.
Larnaca: Mackenzie, Kastella, Finikoudes, Yiannades.
Ayia Napa: Agia Thekla, Louma, Ayia Napa Marina, Ziatzi, Makronissos, Landa, Nissi Bay, Nisi, Vathia Gonia, Pernera, Katsarka, Loukkos tou Manti, Pantachou, Glyki Nero, Ammos tou Kampouri, Limnara (Kermia), Konnos.
Protaras: Nissia Gardens, Nisia, Vyzakia, Lombardi, Protaras (Fig Tree Bay), Vrysi A, Vrysi B, Vrysi C, Pernera, Louma, Mina, Vrysoudi, Agia Triada, Skoutarospiloi, Kapparis, Armyropigado, Glyki Nero, Potami.