In the world of pristine coastlines and eco-conscious tourism, the prestigious Blue Flag designation is among the highest honors. Awarded by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), it recognizes beaches, marinas, and tourism boats that meet rigorous standards in water quality, environmental management, safety, and accessibility.

Türkiye’s ascent in the Blue Flag rankings signals its unwavering commitment to sustainable, premium beach tourism. With globally competitive numbers—especially from Antalya, Muğla, and İzmir—the country is carving out a top-tier image on the world coastal map. Türkiye aims to surpass its Mediterranean rivals by expanding its environmental stewardship further—a goal well within reach given its recent growth trajectory.

🌊 Where Does Türkiye Stand?

• 3rd globally in total number of Blue Flag beaches

• 567 certified beaches in the 2024 cycle—an increase of 16 over the previous year

• Also home to 27 marinas and 20 tourism boats flying the Blue Flag

Top-ranking nations in 2024:

1. Spain – 747 Flags (beaches, marinas, boats)

2. Greece – 596 Flags

3. Türkiye – 614 Flags (567 beaches + other categories)

Türkiye’s goal is clear: challenge Spain and Greece to claim the top Blue Flag position in coming years—bolstered by continuous coastal improvement efforts .

🏖️ Türkiye’s Coastal Front-Runners

When it comes to Türkiye’s Blue Flag success, the Mediterranean and Aegean coastlines lead the way.

• Antalya stands out as the top-performing province with 233 Blue Flag beaches, along with five certified marinas and 15 tourism boats proudly flying the flag.
• Following closely is Muğla, home to 112 Blue Flag beaches, 10 marinas, and around eight certified boats, offering some of the country’s most picturesque coastal towns like Bodrum and Marmaris.
• İzmir follows with 64 certified beaches and six marinas, particularly popular in areas like Çeşme and Foça.
• Balıkesir and Aydın are also notable contributors, with 49 and 38 Blue Flag beaches respectively.
• Other coastal cities such as Samsun, Çanakkale, and Mersin each host between 13 and 16 Blue Flag beaches, while provinces like Kocaeli, Bartın, Düzce, İstanbul, Ordu, Sakarya, Kırklareli, Van, and Bursa have smaller but meaningful contributions to Türkiye’s overall count.

Within Antalya Province, district-level leaders include:

• Manavgat – 59 beaches

• Alanya – 56 beaches

• Kumluca – 52 beaches

⚠️ Why It Matters

Holding a Blue Flag is about more than clean sand—it ensures:

1. Water purity, monitored regularly

2. Safety measures, including lifeguards and first-aid

3. Environmental education activities and informative signage

4. Facilities for all, including waste separation, disability access, and more

These standards elevate Türkiye’s beaches, making them not only sustainable but also extremely attractive to discerning travelers.