Morocco leads Arab World with 33 Blue Flag certified beaches and marinas in 2025
The international Blue Flag label, awarded annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) and represented in Morocco since 2002 by the Mohammed VI Foundation for Environmental Protection, will fly over 28 beaches, one mountain lake, and four marinas in 2025.
With 33 certified sites, Morocco ranks 21st globally out of 50 countries, making it the leading Arab nation and second in Africa for the number of Blue Flag-certified locations, according to a statement from the Foundation.
All 27 beaches certified in 2024 have successfully renewed their Blue Flag status, reflecting the ongoing commitment of local authorities. Sol Beach, located in the Tangier-Assilah province, has been newly certified, bringing Morocco's total to 28 certified beaches for 2025.
These include popular spots such as Oued Laou, Essaouira, Arekmane, El Haouzia, Sidi Rahal (4th phase), Bouznika, Ba Kacem, Mdiq, Rifienne, Sidi Ifni, Saïdia Municipal and West Tourist Station, Dalia, Achakar, Sol, Bedouza, Safi Municipal, Souiria Lakdima, Aglou, Imin Tourgha, Oum Labouir, Foum el Oued, Skhirate, Sidi Abed, Les Nations, Aïn Diab extension, Al Minaa, and East Marina Smir.
In addition to the beaches, the mountain lake Aguelmam Azigza in Khenifra National Park has renewed its Blue Flag certification. Nestled between a majestic cliff and an ancient cedar forest, this gem of the Middle Atlas is Morocco's first natural lake to receive this recognition. Its development—supported by the Foundation and local authorities—includes improved hospitality, road access, sanitary facilities, camping areas, and reception services.
On the marina side, Tanja Marina Bay has become the fourth port site to earn the Blue Flag, joining Saïdia (2018), East Marina Smir (2022), and Al Hoceïma (2023). Opened in 2018 as part of Tangier port's redevelopment, it is now Morocco's largest marina, offering 1,400 berths.
All Blue Flag-certified beaches participate in the Clean Beaches program, which involves 68 local authorities each summer, supported by the General Directorate of Local Authorities, 25 economic partners, and over 100 local associations working together.
For the 2025 edition, 45 beaches submitted applications, highlighting the growing enthusiasm among coastal municipalities for this label, which is recognized for promoting sustainable tourism and enhancing local territories.
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Ya Biladi
a day ago
- Ya Biladi
Morocco leads Arab World with 33 Blue Flag certified beaches and marinas in 2025
The international Blue Flag label, awarded annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) and represented in Morocco since 2002 by the Mohammed VI Foundation for Environmental Protection, will fly over 28 beaches, one mountain lake, and four marinas in 2025. With 33 certified sites, Morocco ranks 21st globally out of 50 countries, making it the leading Arab nation and second in Africa for the number of Blue Flag-certified locations, according to a statement from the Foundation. All 27 beaches certified in 2024 have successfully renewed their Blue Flag status, reflecting the ongoing commitment of local authorities. Sol Beach, located in the Tangier-Assilah province, has been newly certified, bringing Morocco's total to 28 certified beaches for 2025. These include popular spots such as Oued Laou, Essaouira, Arekmane, El Haouzia, Sidi Rahal (4th phase), Bouznika, Ba Kacem, Mdiq, Rifienne, Sidi Ifni, Saïdia Municipal and West Tourist Station, Dalia, Achakar, Sol, Bedouza, Safi Municipal, Souiria Lakdima, Aglou, Imin Tourgha, Oum Labouir, Foum el Oued, Skhirate, Sidi Abed, Les Nations, Aïn Diab extension, Al Minaa, and East Marina Smir. In addition to the beaches, the mountain lake Aguelmam Azigza in Khenifra National Park has renewed its Blue Flag certification. Nestled between a majestic cliff and an ancient cedar forest, this gem of the Middle Atlas is Morocco's first natural lake to receive this recognition. Its development—supported by the Foundation and local authorities—includes improved hospitality, road access, sanitary facilities, camping areas, and reception services. On the marina side, Tanja Marina Bay has become the fourth port site to earn the Blue Flag, joining Saïdia (2018), East Marina Smir (2022), and Al Hoceïma (2023). Opened in 2018 as part of Tangier port's redevelopment, it is now Morocco's largest marina, offering 1,400 berths. All Blue Flag-certified beaches participate in the Clean Beaches program, which involves 68 local authorities each summer, supported by the General Directorate of Local Authorities, 25 economic partners, and over 100 local associations working together. For the 2025 edition, 45 beaches submitted applications, highlighting the growing enthusiasm among coastal municipalities for this label, which is recognized for promoting sustainable tourism and enhancing local territories.
Morocco World
2 days ago
- Morocco World
Morocco Secures 33 Blue Flag Sites, Leads Arab World in Environmental Label
Doha – The Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) has awarded Blue Flag certification to 33 Moroccan sites during the 2025 summer season, according to a statement from the Mohammed VI Foundation for Environmental Protection (FM6E). The sites include 28 beaches, four marinas, and one mountain lake. The certification, which evaluates environmental management standards at bathing areas, places Morocco 21st globally among 50 participating countries. According to the foundation's data, this positioning makes Morocco the leading Arab country and second in Africa for Blue Flag certifications. All 27 beaches certified in 2024 have maintained their status for 2025, with Sol beach in Tanger-Assilah province joining the list as a new addition. The foundation attributes this consistency to the ongoing collaboration between local authorities, economic partners, and community organizations. Aguelmam Azigza mountain lake in Khénifra National Park has renewed its certification. Located between a majestic cliff and a forest of century-old cedars, this Middle Atlas jewel has undergone development. Improvements include road access, sanitary facilities, camping areas, and reception services, making it the first natural lake in Morocco to receive this recognition. Tanja Marina Bay has become the fourth Moroccan marina to receive Blue Flag status, following Saïdia (2018), Est Marina Smir (2022), and Al Hoceima (2023). With 1,400 berths, it has reportedly been the largest marina in the country since its 2018 opening as part of the Tangier port redevelopment. The Blue Flag label is based on four fundamental criteria: bathing water quality, environmental information and awareness, hygiene and safety, and sustainable development and management. Surprise inspections are conducted throughout the summer to verify compliance with these standards. All Blue Flag-labeled beaches are integrated into the 'Clean Beaches' program, which mobilizes 68 local authorities (supported by the General Directorate of Local Authorities), 25 economic partners, and over 100 local associations each summer. The program collaborates with several institutional partners, including the National Laboratory for Pollution Studies and Monitoring, the General Directorate of Civil Protection, the Ministry of Health and Social Protection, and the Ports and Maritime Public Domain Directorate. This coordinated network works for nearly three months during the summer period to improve beach facilities, monitor sand and bathing water quality, ensure safety and health services, and raise awareness among vacationers about environmental issues. For the 2025 cycle, the foundation received 45 beach applications, suggesting increased interest in the certification process among coastal municipalities. Created in 1987 by the FEE, the Blue Flag has become the most prestigious environmental label worldwide. In 2025, 5,195 sites across the globe are part of the Blue Flag global network, with 95% (4,928 sites) located in the northern hemisphere. Read also: 93% of Moroccan Beach Waters Meet Quality Standards
Ya Biladi
2 days ago
- Ya Biladi
Pierre Loti's restored home reopens in France, showcasing his fascination with Morocco
After 13 years of closure due to its deteriorated condition and an extensive restoration, the Maison de Pierre Loti in Rochefort (Charente-Maritime) reopened to the public this June. The 19th-century French travel writer left behind nearly 3,000 objects collected from his journeys around the world, particularly from Morocco, which deeply influenced him. The impact of Arab-Muslim cultures is visible throughout the mansion, from its architectural elements to its interior design. Designated a historical monument in 1990 and labeled a Museum of France in 2002, the house features arches, zellige tiles, a fountain, and even a small mosque. The restoration covered the building's foundations, around twenty rooms, and the numerous objects preserved within, in addition to major structural repairs. «The guiding principle was to create the impression that Pierre Loti had just left the place yesterday», explained Camille Alazet, a decorative painter who restored «a large portion of what is on display», in an interview with ICI. According to Alazet, the project also required extensive research and documentation: «We had to understand how the original decor was created in order to restore it as faithfully as possible». This «colossal project» was supported by €16 million in funding from the city of Rochefort, the regional and departmental authorities, the French state, and the Heritage Foundation. Thirty-four trades contributed to the painstaking restoration, including heritage specialists and skilled craftspeople. In keeping with Pierre Loti's last wishes, the small museum room remains closed to visitors. However, a new surprise awaits—even for returning guests: the restored Chinese Room, now open to the public for the first time. A dedicated interpretation space has also been added to help visitors understand the writer's unique collections. Visits follow a mandatory guided chronological tour, with tickets available via the official website.
