Chennai’s Marina Beach in the ‘Blue Flag’ certification race: Why the beach should be on every traveller’s bucket list in 2025

Chennai’s one of the most iconic beaches, the Marina Beach is undergoing a major renovation with Blue Flag certification on the horizon. For those who don’t know, the Blue Flag certification is awarded by the Foundation for Environmental Education in Denmark, is among the world’s most prestigious eco-labels for beaches.

It is a prestigious title and earning this means that the beach meets strict international standards in cleanliness, safety, environmental management, and accessibility. These are the prime criteria on which the beaches are awarded the certificate. For years, Marina Beach has been an important part of Chennai’s identity. It is a place where locals walk at dawn, families gather for evening snacks, and fishermen return with the day’s catch. Must-visit in 2025It’s a must-visit attraction in 2025 because all the other famous beaches in India are no more crowd free. But Marina Beach, a 50-acre stretch by the sea, is beautiful beyond words. With dedicated zones for yoga, open-air gyms, reading corners, meditation spaces, and play areas, the beach is more than just sand and surf.Travellers visiting here can climb new watchtowers installed along the shoreline. And in a big win for inclusive travel, special facilities like HDPE pathways and balloon-wheelchairs are being introduced to ensure accessibility for all.

Beach dreamer’s dreamToday’s global travellers look for destinations that are not only beautiful but are eco-friendly as well. At Marina, visitors will find solar lighting, bamboo dustbins, clean public toilets, and better waste management practices — all aligned with the Blue Flag vision. What makes Marina Beach different is the cultural beauty it offers. Just steps away are colonial-era buildings like the University of Madras, the historic lighthouse, and the Vivekananda House.

You can begin your morning with sunrise yoga, snack on fresh local delicacies like sundal and murukku by afternoon, and cap off the day with a horse ride along the shore or a stroll past street performers and artisans.Best time to visit: November to March.

How to reach: Marina is easily accessible via Chennai’s MRTS and upcoming Metro corridors. If you're flying in, it's just 45 minutes from Chennai International Airport.Marina Beach in 2025 will have something to offer. With its new eco-conscious design, improved infrastructure, and a deep respect for both nature and heritage, this Chennai icon is ready to welcome the world.