Blue Flag 2021: Greece in second place with 545 beaches awarded - See which

545 beaches throughout Greece were awarded with a "Blue Flag."

This was announced at a time when Greece has already begun to welcome its first overseas travelers on the weekend.

In fact, Greece ranked second in the world among 49 countries, while holding 13.5% of the total award-winning coastline.

At the same time, beyond the Greek coasts, there are also 16 marinas along with six tourist boats that were distinguished for this year.

The "Blue Flag" is a global symbol of quality which is awarded with strict criteria to organised beaches and marinas managed by coastal municipalities, hoteliers and other bodies.

It was first piloted in France in 1985, but was actually launched on 5 June 1987, International Environment Day, when it was presented to the Council of Europe.

Since 2000, 49 countries from almost all continents, ie not only Europe, have been participating in this voluntary program.

The top beaches for 2021 are HERE.

READ MORE: Greece receives WTTC award for safe opening of tourism season.