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As an increasingly popular holiday destination, particularly during the summer season, Turkey is proud that the number of its beaches and marinas to be granted the Blue Flag award has risen to 486 this year.

Altogether 486 Turkish beaches, 22 marinas, and 7 yachts are now entitled to fly the Blue Flag. The province of Antalya, the ultimate destination for the sea, sun, and sand holidays, leads with no less than 54 flags. The lively city itself, its spectacular environs, and many historical monuments and ancient cities attract the largest Turkish and foreign tourists of any Turkish province.

The Blue Flag beaches range from Konyaalti Beach to those at Alanya to the east and the vast Patara Beach to the west. The most surprising place on the Blue Flag list is the inland city of Elazig, which has been awarded two flags for beaches on the shore of Lake Hazar.

According to European Union health, safety, and amenities standards for beaches, the Blue Flag awards are presented annually based on evaluations by the European Foundation of Environmental Education and environmental conservation criteria for marinas.

The awards are an influential factor in the tourism market since holidaymakers preferred destinations with Blue Flag beaches, and Europe's leading tour operators prioritize these destinations. The Blue Flag program operates in countries that are members or candidates for membership of the European Union. The Turkish Foundation for Environmental Education initially selects beaches likely to meet Blue Flag standards, and samples of seawater are analyzed every fifteen days throughout the season by the ministries of Tourism and Health in cooperation with the foundation.

Besides, facilities such as showers, lavatories, first aid posts, life-saving services, and amenities for the disabled are inspected.

This year the European selection committee awarded Blue Flags to 2038 beaches and 708 marinas in Europe. Of the total 2746 Blue Flags awarded this year, 1685 went to countries located on the Northern Mediterranean coast, including Turkey.

Check these top beaches in Turkey: https://madeinturkeytours.com/locals-guide-most-beautiful-beaches-turkey/