Thirty-eight Greek beaches lost their 2014 “Blue Flag” award and their position on the international celebrated list, for not fulfilling the imperative criteria required to maintain the “Blue Flag” status, according to the Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature. On the island of Corfu alone, 23 bathing spots were found inadequate and had their flags removed. Other Greek beaches that lost blue flags are located in Attica (1), Zakynthos (2), Kavala (1), Lesvos (3), Magnesia (1), Preveza (2), Rethymno (1), Rodopi (2) and Fthiotida (2).   
Members of the “Blue Flag” organizing committee found that although the beaches had clean waters, they had serious deficiencies in the provision of services to bathers. Meanwhile, the beaches did not meet criteria relating to cleanliness, safety measures, and environment and coastal area protection. However, these 38 beaches are now banned from the 2015 award process.