Cyprus has awarded Blue Flag status to 56 beaches and two marinas for 2026, down from 64 beaches and two marinas in 2025, according to figures announced at a ceremony held at Nissi Beach in Ayia Napa.
The reduction is mainly attributed 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.
Strong performance in other districts
Despite the overall decline, several districts maintained a strong presence in this year’s list.
The Paralimni–Deryneia municipality recorded the highest number of awards, with 18 beaches in the Protaras area receiving Blue Flag recognition.
Ayia Napa also retained a significant number of awarded beaches, continuing its strong reputation as one of the island’s leading coastal destinations.
Limassol Marina retained its Blue Flag status alongside Ayia Napa Marina, despite fewer municipal submissions overall.
Cyprus leads in bathing water quality
Agriculture Minister Maria Panayiotou said Cyprus ranked first in Europe for bathing water quality in the three most recent European Commission assessments.
She noted that the Blue Flag programme requires “excellent” bathing water quality under European standards, alongside compliance with 33 criteria for beaches and 38 for marinas.
She attributed Cyprus’ strong performance to continuous monitoring and cooperation between the Department of Environment, Health Services, the State General Laboratory, CYMEPA and local authorities.
Full distribution of awarded beaches
The Blue Flag Cyprus awards for 2026 are distributed across the island as follows:
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, Nissi, 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.
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