Beach holidays in Cyprus have seen a significant boost with the island receiving a record number of Blue Flag awards.

The Blue Flags have been awarded to 53 beaches on the island in recognition of their quality and safety - the highest ever number.

In beaches located throughout the island with new beaches to join the list in 2009 including 'Miami Beach' in Agios Athanasios near Limassol and 'Spyros Beach' near Larnaca airport.

In addition, Cyprus has been rated the top spot in Europe for bathing water quality with 98.2 per cent of its beaches complying with all obligatory standards on beach water quality in the annual report published by the European Commission and European Environmental Agency Commission.

These bodies monitor the quality and cleanliness of beaches in the 27 member countries.

The prestigious environmental 'Blue Flag' is awarded to beaches that pass strict criteria covering water quality, environmental education and information, environmental management, safety and other services.

The 'Blue Flag' is only awarded for one season at a time, which ensures local authorities constantly strive to meet the criteria.

Source:travelbite.co.uk