Ayvalık Retains Title as Balıkesir's District with Most Blue Flag Beaches
Translated from Turkish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Ayvalık has maintained its title as the district with the most Blue Flag beaches in Balıkesir.
- The Blue Flags were raised at five beaches managed by the Ayvalık Municipality, recognizing efforts in environmental management and sustainable tourism.
- Mayor Mesut Ergin emphasized the importance of the Blue Flag as a quality indicator and pledged to continue environmental protection efforts.
Ayvalık has once again secured its position as the district boasting the most Blue Flag beaches in Balıkesir. The prestigious international certifications were awarded by the Turkish Foundation for Combating Soil Erosion, forforestation and the Protection of Natural Habitats (TÜRÇEV) for the 2026 season.
The Blue Flags were ceremoniously raised at five beaches under the management of the Ayvalık Municipality: Cunda Arka Deniz, Çamlık Paşa Limanı, Altınova Kum Ada, Çamlık Kapri, and Lale Adası Duba. This achievement highlights the municipality's commitment to environmental management, clean seas, and sustainable tourism practices.
Mayor Mesut Ergin expressed pride in the district's multiple Blue Flag awards, stating, "Ayvalık is the district with the most Blue Flags in Balıkesir. This success is the most concrete proof of our determination to protect our natural beauties." He further noted that the Blue Flag program, with its criteria for clean seawater, environmental education, management, and safety, continues to be a significant quality indicator for both domestic and international visitors.
"We will continue to carry this success into the future with the same determination," Ergin pledged, underscoring the ongoing commitment to environmentally conscious work that strengthens the district's tourism brand value.
Originally published by Cumhuriyet in Turkish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.