# European Blue Flag beach certification rankings

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/european-blue-flag-beach-certification-rankings
> Updated: 2026-08-25T21:37:28.000Z. Sources: 2. Developments: 2.

Data from 2026 indicates that Portugal holds the highest proportion of Blue Flag beaches in Europe. Approximately 64% of the country’s beaches, encompassing 438 coastal and river locations, have earned the international distinction based on criteria including water quality, environmental management, safety, accessibility, and environmental education.

Portugal leads the continent in this metric, followed by Ireland with 50% and Cyprus with 47%. Other major European destinations report lower percentages, such as Greece at 38%, Spain at 35%, France at 14%, Croatia at 12%, and Italy at 11%.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-25: Portugal leads Europe in proportion of Blue Flag beaches

Portugal leads Europe in beach quality, with 64% of its 438 coastal and river beaches receiving the Blue Flag distinction in 2026, surpassing Ireland, Cyprus, and other major Mediterranean destinations.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/portugal-leads-europe-in-proportion-of-blue-flag-beaches

### 2026-08-16: Extremadura leads Spanish tourism perception and expands Blue Flag beach goals

Extremadura leads Spain in tourism perception with a 7.7/10 score for Q2 2026 and aims to expand its Blue Flag inland beach certifications.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/extremadura-leads-spanish-tourism-perception-and-expands-blue-flag-beach-goals

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Cite as: European Blue Flag beach certification rankings. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/european-blue-flag-beach-certification-rankings