Croatian Adriatic - sea water quality is excellent

Out of 879 tested Croatian beaches – only 7 moderately polluted

Croatian Ministry of Environmental Protection, Physical Planning and Construction has published results of the second sea water pollution measurement in the year 2008 that was held between 12 and 30 May. Out of 879 measurement points (beaches) not a single point with a strong pollution was found. Only 7 points were found to be moderately polluted.



(above) Zlatni Rat (Golden Horn) beach in Bol on the island of Brac. One of the most beautiful beaches in Croatia.

Sea water quality testing will take place each 15 days until the end of September all along the Croatian Adriatic coast and the results will be published on the web site of the Ministry where you can look for the results of many beaches all along the coast. The site is in Croatian, but easy to navigate. Just choose a county on a clickable map and then a place you are interested in.

Symbols used on the site of the Ministry:
Sea water of high quality (I category)
Sea water suitable for swimming (II category)
Moderately polluted sea water (III category)
Strongly polluted sea water (IV category)

Testing is being done according to the high standards and criteria are even stronger than it is regulated by EU regulations.

The Blue Flag Beaches

Until June 2008 all together 125 Croatian beaches and 21 Croatian marinas have earned Blue Flag Award, and the numbers are increasing constantly.

(above) Berulia beach in Brela, one of Croatian Blue Flag beaches

The Blue Flag is a voluntary eco-label awarded to over 3200 beaches and marinas in 37 countries across Europe, South Africa, Morocco, Tunisia, New Zealand, Canada and the Caribbean. The Blue Flag Programme is owned and run by the independent non-profit organisation Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE). The Blue Flag works towards sustainable development at beaches/marinas through strict criteria dealing with water quality, environmental education and information, environmental management, and safety and other services.
The Blue Flag Programme includes environmental education and information for the public, decision makers and tourism operators.