Thirteen beaches and bays across the country have been granted Blue Flag status, an international eco-label recognising beach cleanliness, accessibility, safety and education standards. Two of the beaches listed are private beaches. The Tourism Ministry announced the list Saturday following a visit to Golden Bay by ministry officials this week. Malta’s Blue Flag beaches are: Mellie魔a Bay Golden Bay Paradise Bay Resort Hotel beach, Mellie魔a (privately-run beach) G魔ajn Tuffie魔a 摩ondoq Bay Fond G魔adir Fajtata Bay St George鈥檚 Bay The Westin Dragonara Resort beach (privately-run beach) Bu摹ibba Perched Beach Qawra Point Ramla Bay Marsalforn Speaking at Golden Bay, Tourism Minister Ian Borg said the certification was “more than just a symbol – it reflects our deep-rooted commitment to preserving the natural beauty of our coastal areas”. The visit also saw a rescued turtle released back into the wild after spending almost a year at the Nature Trust Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre. A map of Blue Flag sites across the world may be found here.