Eight beaches awarded blue flag status

A record number of beaches, including one in Gozo, have been awarded the blue flag status, while Golden Bay is now a 'Beach of Quality'.

And for the first time, a private beach has been given the blue flag status, Tourism Minister Karmenu Vella said.

The blue flag beaches are St George's Bay, Bugibba perched beach, Mellieha Bay, Qawra Point, Fond Ghadir, Ghajn Tuffieha Bay, Ramla l-Hamra Bay in Gozo and the Paradise Bay Hotel private beach.