How many blue flag beaches are there in Italy?
Cannobio (Piedmont)
Cannobio (Piedmont) Wikimedia commons

Italy is known for its stunning coastline and beautiful beaches, and many of them have been awarded the prestigious Blue Flag designation. What does Blue Flag beach status mean? The Blue Flag is an international eco-label given to beaches and marinas that meet certain criteria for water quality, environmental management, safety, and services. It serves as an indicator of clean and well-managed beaches.

Beautiful, clean and sustainable: these are the beaches that have earned Blue Flags in Italy in 2023. In Italy in 2023, 458 beaches have earned the coveted award, to the delight of holidaymakers preparing for the summer season certain to find the beauty of the sea in every region to enjoy in total relaxation. But where are the blue flag beaches in Italy in 2023? 

With 17 new entries, the number of municipalities boasting a blue flag among their sea or lake coasts in Italy rises to 226, for a total of 458 beaches. This is about 25 per cent of all Italian beaches, and 11 per cent of the award-winning beaches worldwide.

Liguria, Apulia and Campania, tied with Tuscany and Calabria, are on the podium with the highest number of flags awarded (34, 22 and 19 respectively). Five lakeside municipalities in Piedmont (Cannero, Cannobio, Verbania, San Maurizio d'Opaglio and Gozzano) and three in Lombardy (Toscolano Maderno, Gardone Riviera, Sirmione) received the award. To be rewarded are the parameters of cleanliness of the water but also environmental sustainability, efficiency of facilities, safety of bathers, street furniture and so on: there are no less than 32 criteria to be met.

Here are some of the award-winning beaches with Blue Flags in Italy (and here is the complete list). These are just a few examples of the many Blue Flag beaches in Italy. The country's coastline is diverse and offers a wide range of beach experiences, from secluded coves to lively resort towns. Whether you're looking for relaxation or adventure, Italy's Blue Flag beaches provide a fantastic destination for beach lovers.

Diano Marina (Liguria)

Diano Marina (Liguria)
GTRES

Vieste (Puglia)

Vieste (Puglia)
GTRES

Positano (Campania)

Positano (Campania)
GTRES

Igea Marina (Emilia Romagna)

Igea Marina (Emilia Romagna)
Wikimedia commons

Cannobio (Piemonte)

Cannobio (Piemonte)
Wikimedia commons