The 2026 Pancyprian Blue Flag Award Ceremony was held with great success and in an impressive seaside setting on Thursday, June 11, 2026, at Nissi Beach, hosted by the Municipality of Ayia Napa, in collaboration with the National Blue Flag Judge and CYMEPA, under the auspices of the Honorable Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, Dr. Maria Panayiotou.
With the clear blue waters of Ayia Napa as a backdrop, the event was accompanied by a highly aesthetic artistic program, which gave a special character to the event. The musical program with piano on the rocky parts of Nisi Beach made a particular impression, creating a unique image with the sea as a backdrop, the natural beauty of the area and the internationally recognizable identity of Ayia Napa.
A special moment was the impressive maritime parade of boats and marine vehicles, which waved the flags of the Municipality of Ayia Napa and the Blue Flag, as well as the appearance of a parachute with the Blue Flag 2026, creating a spectacular image worthy of the importance of the institution and the international recognition of our beaches.
In his greeting, the Mayor of Ayia Napa, Mr. Christos Zannetou, underlined that the Blue Flag is an international symbol of quality, cleanliness, safety, organization and environmental responsibility, emphasizing that for the Municipality of Ayia Napa, the protection of the marine environment and the maintenance of high standards on our beaches are a constant priority and daily responsibility.
As he characteristically stated, "the Blue Flag is not given. It is earned daily," through collective effort, consistency and continuous care.
The Municipality of Ayia Napa was honored this year with 17 Blue Flags, including the Ayia Napa Marina, confirming the timeless quality, cleanliness, safety, organization and environmental responsibility that characterize our coastal front.
During the ceremony, honorary awards were also given to Ms. Annita Dimitriadou, former Director of Tourism of the Deputy Ministry of Tourism, as well as to Mr. Dimitris Pateras, Beach Inspector of the Municipality of Ayia Napa, for his long-standing and substantial contribution. Mr. Pateras’ award was particularly moving, as this year’s ceremony is the last one he will attend in his capacity, in view of his retirement.
The Municipality of Ayia Napa expresses its warm thanks to everyone who contributed to the organization and success of the ceremony, as well as to all the people who work daily to maintain our beaches at high quality standards.
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