From Eilat to Nahariya, via Haifa and Tel Aviv, which lead the list, these are the bathing beaches that meet the strictest quality standards.
Out of 157 beaches across the country, 61 beaches and three marinas have received the international environmental label, the “Blue Flag.” This is one of the world’s most recognized environmental certifications, which determines whether beaches meet strict standards for environmental quality, maintenance, safety and accessibility. The program in Israel is operated by the EcoOcean association, which works to preserve the marine environment.
Beaches that received “Blue Flag” label
Tel Aviv-Yafo — 15 Beaches & Marinas
Beaches: HaZuk Tzafon (North), HaZuk Darom (South), Tel Baruch, Nordau (Separate/Orthodox beach), Metzitzim, Hilton, Gordon, Frishman, Bograshov, Jerusalem, Geula, Charles Clore, Givat Aliya.
Marinas: Tel Aviv Marina, Jaffa Port.
Haifa — 12 Beaches
Neve Sha'anan 2, Neve Sha'anan 3, Bat Galim West, Bat Galim East, Carmel 1, Carmel 2, Zamir North, Zamir Center, Zamir South, Dado North, Dado Center, HaStudentim.
Netanya — 8 Beaches
Zanz, HaOnat, Amphi, Herzl, Sironit North, Sironit South, Argaman, Poleg.
Ashdod — 7 Beaches
Mei Ami, Lido, Oranim, HaKshatot, HaNifrad (Separate/Orthodox beach), HaPrachim, Be'er Sheva.
Rishon LeZion — 6 Beaches
HaKachol, Neve Chof, Chofit, Tel Yona, HaYeladim (Children's), HaNifrad (Separate/Orthodox beach).
Herzliya — 3 Beaches & Marina
Beaches: Acadia North, Acadia Center, HaKochavim.
Marina: Herzliya Marina.
Hof HaCarmel — 3 Beaches
Neve Yam, Dor Center, HaAqueduct.
Nahariya — 2 Beaches
Galei Galil South, Sokolov.
Acre (Akko) — 2 Beaches
Argaman North, Argaman Center.
Eilat — 2 Beaches
HaShachafim (Seagulls Beach), HaTzafoni-Ma'aravi (North-Western Beach).
Also included in the list are Bar Kochba South Beach in Ashkelon, Tzemach on the Kinneret and Shavei Tzion in the Mateh Asher region.
The Blue Flag program, which operates in about 50 countries worldwide, marks 37 years since its global launch and 12 years since it began operating in Israel. Its goal is to encourage environmental awareness and responsibility for protecting coastal and marine environments among beachgoers, nearby communities and the authorities and organizations managing the beaches.
How is the rating determined? Beaches must meet 33 categories during the bathing season. These include public information requirements such as signage, flags and access to beach information; mandatory public education programs such as school visits to beaches, plastic pollution prevention activities and citizen science initiatives; and transparent water quality data, with regular monitoring.
There must also be a clearly available beach map showing the location of lifeguard stations, restrooms, accessibility equipment, drinking fountains, parking and more. Behavioral codes must be clearly defined. Water quality tests must be conducted every 31 days at fixed points, carried out by an independent body.
The managing authority must establish a beach committee including representatives from the local authority, hotels, lifeguards and education professionals. There must be arrangements ensuring which beaches are equipped for people with disabilities, including floating beach wheelchairs and temporary ramps allowing wheelchair access to the shoreline. Beaches must provide clean drinking water, free public access, clean restrooms and a ban on driving vehicles on the beach.
“When pollution problems are identified at a beach during the bathing season, the flag is taken down,” said Arik Rosenblum, CEO of EcoOcean. “There are drainage issues and Israel allows sewage discharge into the sea, but not during the bathing season. That is why we are trying to ensure that the Blue Flag is present on all beaches from April to October, the bathing season months.”