Saros Gulf faces lack of Blue Flag beaches despite rising diving tourism

The Saros Gulf in Edirne is experiencing a contrast between its growing popularity as a diving destination and a lack of official Blue Flag beach certifications. While the region is recognized for its self-cleaning waters and rich underwater biodiversity, a report from the Edirne Provincial General Assembly Tourism Commission highlighted that there are currently no Blue Flag beaches along its coastline.

To bolster diving tourism, the region has implemented an artificial reef project. This initiative has introduced various sunken objects to the seabed, including an Airbus A330 passenger plane, a combat tank, and scaled models of local landmarks such as the Selimiye Mosque and the Meriç Bridge. These attractions have turned the area into a hub for divers, with approximately 20,000 dives recorded.

Local officials and commission members have expressed concern that the absence of Blue Flag status represents a failure to fully realize the area's tourism potential, noting that the region previously held such certifications. Efforts are reportedly underway to improve coastal management and leverage the gulf's unique natural characteristics to attract more visitors.