Ponti Beach Blue Flag awarded

The international eco label known as the "Blue Flag" is awarded to beaches annually, certifying that they meet high sustainability standards for tourism. The certification is based on a set of criteria, including the cleanliness of the bathing water, the surrounding nature, safety, and accessibility. Lefkada received six Blue Flags in 2023, including Ponti, Nikitas-Pefkoulia, Agios Ioannis, Kathisma 1, Lefkada-Gyra, Mikros Gialos-Poros, and Lefkas Marina in the marinas category. This is one less than the previous year, with the loss coming from Porto Katsiki.

Relevant criteria for beaches

To be granted Blue Flag status for beaches, operators must comply with a specific set of criteria.

Fully compliance with requirements and standards, beaches must meet criteria including excellent cleanliness of bathing water and surrounding nature, as well as safety and accessibility.

Information about bathing water quality must be displayed.

Setting up a commission for beach management committee, comply with legal requirements, meet waste management standards, Ensure the presence of lifeguards, first aid equipment and safe access to the beach and provide for emergency plans.

The beach must be clean.

Waste disposal bins/containers must be available at the beach in adequate numbers and they must be regularly maintained

Facilities for the separation of recyclable waste materials should be available at the beach.

An adequate number of toilets must be provided and they must be kept clean.