When the Blue Flag Award was first introduced in France in 1985, it was not known at the time how important the scheme would become. This award, initially born from wastewater treatment and recognition of the quality of bathing water, soon spread to European beaches through the FEEE (Foundation for Environmental Education in Europe) during 1987, the “Year European Environment”. When the program was extended to the whole of Europe, the Foundation included a broader range of criteria to make the Blue Flag scheme more comprehensive, including coastal planning and protection and waste management, as well as making the scheme applicable to the marinas.
From a 1987 figure of 10 countries involved and 452 beaches and marinas included in the Blue Flag programme, the scheme has come a long way to reach the 2008 figure of over 3,200 beaches and marinas in 37 countries. With countries as far flung as Bulgaria, Italy, Morocco, New Zealand, Canada, South Africa and Puerto Rico, the continued growth of the Blue Flag Award scheme, with more and more flags awarded each year, is excellent news for locals. tourists and investors alike. By recognizing safe beaches for families and clean waters for children, where the Blue Flag is evident, people can be sure that not only will the beach be of excellent quality but the coast and the environment will also be protected.
This is an attractive prospect for those looking to purchase property on or near these beaches, either for personal use or rental property, and Cyprus is one Blue Flag Awards listed destination where this is evident. Joining the scheme in 1995, the island has seen significant growth in the number of Blue Flags awarded annually to its beaches. From 25 beaches awarded in 1998 to 52 beaches in 2008, the Cyprus Tourist Office is very proud of their country’s achievements, saying on Visitcyprus.biz:
“It is our contribution that the European Blue Flag Campaign recognizes. The ‘Blue Flag’ is in fact an award for all the people of Cyprus!”
Acknowledging the country’s hard work and commitment to the scheme, Cyprus is benefiting from the increased number of Blue Flags, especially given the importance of beaches for holidays: 41% of respondents in a Kayak.co survey. uk said her perfect winter getaway would be a beach holiday. This all adds up to good news for those buying property in the country, with beautiful, clean beaches being a huge draw for those who visit, explains Martin Pearce, UK Sales Manager at Aristo Developers, property specialists. in Cyprus,
“Cyprus has a lot to offer both to holiday makers in the country and to those looking to invest in property, from rich history and impressive architecture to beautiful scenery and crystal clear waters lapping at pristine beaches. It is these clean beaches that are renowned for. for Blue Flag Awards and it’s great to see the numbers awarded to Cyprus increasing year on year, proving that buying property on or near these beaches is a safe and wise choice.”
Sheltered by cliffs, Pissouri Beach is one that has seen the impact of a Blue Flag award, with the mix of colored pebbles and sand combined with clean beaches creating a huge draw for locals and tourists alike. Pissouri Pine Bay is a development that has made the most of this beautiful beach, situated on a hill overlooking the sea and stunning views of the surrounding mountains; There are 2 and 3-bedroom apartments available, with prices ranging from EUR 183,000/£145,500 to EUR 362,500/£288,250.
Taking advantage of Paphos’ beautiful Coral Bay, another Blue Flag winner with its white sands and clear seas, is Coral Bay Village 13, where a 3-bedroom apartment is available just a stone’s throw from the beach. Close to the Akamas Peninsula, the property is available for EUR466,300/£377,914 plus VAT.
