Cyprus boasts best bathing waters in Europe

Cyprus has been awarded its highest ever number of ‘Blue Flag’ beaches in recognition of the quality and safety of its beaches.

In total 53 beaches located throughout the island successfully achieved the exclusive eco-label. New beaches to join the list in 2009 are ‘Miami Beach’ in Agios Athanasios near Limassol and ‘Spyros Beach’ near Larnaca airport.

In addition, Cyprus has been rated the top spot in Europe for bathing water quality with 98.2% of its beaches complying with all obligatory standards on beach water quality in the annual report published by the European Commission and European Environmental Agency Commission which monitors the quality and cleanliness of beaches in the 27 member countries.

The prestigious environmental ‘Blue Flag’ is awarded to beaches that pass strict criteria covering water quality, environmental education and information, environmental management, safety and other services. The ‘Blue Flags’ is only awarded for one season at a time, which ensures local authorities constantly strive to meet the criteria. Since the scheme was launched in Cyprus the number of beaches achieving the ‘Blue Flag’ seal of approval has increased each year, from 11 in 1995 to the 53 in 2009.

The Cyprus Tourism Organisation proactively invests in initiatives that integrate tourism and protect the coastal environment in order to contribute to sustainable development.

For further details on Blue Flag beaches in Cyprus, log on to visitcyprus.com.