Even a beach with the softest, whitest sand and the clearest, turquoise waters won't necessarily make the grade. To meet the criteria of the Blue Flag eco-label, which was awarded last week to more than 2,900 beaches and marinas in 24 countries across Europe and South Africa, a beach must have a whole lot more.

There must be enough litter bins (emptied regularly in the bathing season), and clean toilets, a safe source of drinking water, and somewhere to recycle bottles and cans. There must be a trained lifeguard on duty or ready access to a telephone for emergencies, and a first aid kit must be easily accessible. There must also be plans in place to cope with pollution accidents and access for people with disabilities. The list goes on and on.

A Blue Flag beach might not always be the most stunning in the resort, but at least you'll know it's clean and safe, and that it's doing its bit for the environment.

Here's our selection of some of the European beaches which have made the grade this year, and how you can enjoy a holiday close to them.For a full list see www.blueflag.org

Portugal
Vilamoura, Algarve
Vilamoura is one of the largest tourist complexes in Europe, stretching over some 2,000 hectares. It's one of the Algarve's main resorts with an impressive marina sandwiched between sandy beaches. The town's main beach is a wide expanse of sand and is within walking distance of many of the resort's main hotels. It has excellent restaurants and cafes and offers all sorts of watersports.

The deal
Magic of Portugal (0870 888 0222; www.magictravelgroup.co.uk) is offering seven nights at the five-star Tivoli Marinotel for £743 (that's 10 per cent off the brochure price) B&B, based on two sharing a twin or double room, flying from London Heathrow or Gatwick on 1 July. The hotel has direct access to its own beach, but is just minutes from the main Vilamoura beach.

France
Cleut-Rouz, Brittany
Cleut-Rouz is just one of the beaches that makes up a magnificent stretch along the coast of Fouesnant in Brittany. Its clean, gentle waters and soft sand make it a favourite with families and many a happy child has built a castle and moat here. Camping d'Atlantique is a friendly family-run campsite with direct access to the beach through pine trees and over small sand dunes. If the kids tire of making sandcastles, the campsite has a water park too.

The deal
A 12-night break to Camping d'Atlantique, arriving at the site on 17 June, costs £499 for a family of two adults and up to four children, with a ferry crossing from Dover to Calais and tent hire, through Canvas Holidays (01383 629000; www.canvasholidays.co.uk).

Cyprus
Coral Bay, Paphos
Shaped like a horseshoe, this fine-grained sandy beach north west of Paphos is bordered by limestone rock and has calm, clear waters. It is in fact two bays and gets its name from minute frag ments of coral which give the sand a delicate pink hue. Tiny tavernas line the beachfront: perfect for an intimate drink as the sun sets.

The deal
Cyprair Holidays (0870 2302300; www.cyprair.com) offers seven nights at the Coral Beach hotel right on the beach for £652 per person based on two sharing, B&B, with flights from London Heathrow to Larnaca or from Gatwick to Paphos, departing 1 July.

Croatia
Bacvice, Split
Although this beach is right on the doorstep of Croatia's second city and despite the fact that it's made of shingle and not sand, it's still one of the most popular for locals. It's home to a unique sport called picigin, which is only played in and around Split. The idea of the game is to make sure a small ball doesn't hit the surface of the sea, no matter how much diving and splashing it takes to keep it in the air. Bacvice has recently been given a makeover with a new Art Deco-style pavilion that curves around the beach.

The deal
Built in traditional Dalmatian style, the recently renovated Hotel Park (00 385 21 406400; www.hotelpark-split.hr) overlooks Bacvice beach. It has 54 rooms, a chic reception area and a terrace lined with palm trees. A double room costs €137 (£90) per night including breakfast. Croatia Airlines (020 8563 0022; www.croatiaairlines.hr) flies direct from London Gatwick to Split three times a week and from London Heathrow on Saturdays from around £245.

Greece
Sidari, Corfu
Sidari is actually two small coastal villages connected by a long, sweeping, sandy beach and two smaller beaches. Despite commercialisation, the beaches have managed to retain their Blue Flag rating and provide a safe, lively place for families and couples, with plenty of watersports from banana rides and ringos to paragliding and scuba diving.

The deal
First Choice (0870 850 3928; www.firstchoice.co.uk) offers seven nights' B&B at the Afroditi Hotel and Studios in Sidari for £308 per person (based on two adults sharing) when departing London Gatwick on 27 September, including return flights and transfers.

Turkey
Ciftlik Plaji, near Marmaris
This once-isolated beach, now home to a holiday village, is just one of many beautiful bays along this coastline. The well-protected bay is a popular stopping-off point for sailing trips and has numerous jetties and intimate restaurants. Sailors can stock up from a market or even buy fish directly from local fishermen. It's also great for water sports.

The deal
Sunsail (02392 222222; www.sunsail.com) offers a two-week sailing trip from Marmaris on a 35ft Sun Odyssey for £1,125 per person based on four sharing, including flights from Manchester or Gatwick departing 10 July.

Italy
Poetto, Cagliari, Sardinia
This fabulous beach is just 3km east of the centre of Cagliari, the island's capital, and at weekends it's the place to hang out for the locals. Around six miles long, its wide boulevard is lined with cafes and restaurants where you can sample typical Sardinian hospitality. Just west of the beach is the Stagno di Molentargius where you'll be treated to the magnificent sight of pink flamingos on the salt lake.

The deal
Sardatour Holidays (020 7242 2455; www.sardinia-holidays.co.uk) offers a three-night city break in Cagliari at the three-star Hotel Itali in the city centre for £355pp B&B, based on two sharing, flying with British Airways from London Gatwick.

Spain
La Granadella, Javea
A tiny beach of coarse sand, pebbles and rocks, La Granadella is around 5km from the Costa Blanca resort of Javea and is only accessible along a windy road through Mediterranean pines. Its clear, turquoise waters, once a favourite with smugglers, make it one of the most attractive in this area and also ideal for practising scuba diving.

Javea itself is a low-key resort where high-rise hotels have been banned. Many British and German expats live in the villas dotting the pinewoods up in the hills behind the resort and La Granadella is one of their best kept secrets - until now.

The deal
Spanish Harbour Holidays (0870 165 2604; www.spanish-harbour.co.uk) offers a week's self catering at the Villa Campana, with views across Javea Golf Course and a short drive to La Granadella for £375pp, based on six sharing, including flights from Gatwick to Alicante and car hire, for departures between 26 June and 16 July.