56 beaches awarded Blue Flag status

Nearly half of Cyprus’ bathing beaches, along with two marinas, were awarded Blue Flags for 2026 on Thursday, with Environment Minister Maria Panayiotou describing the achievement as recognition of the country’s environmental management efforts.

Addressing the event in Ayia Napa, during which 56 beaches and two marinas out of 123 bathing water areas received awards, Panayiotou said Cyprus’ beaches form part of the island’s collective memory, which is passed on to its visitors....