The Blue Flag, or Bandiera Blu, is a pretty big deal along the Italian coast. It’s an international stamp of approval for beaches with spotless water, solid lifeguard cover, top-notch facilities, and a real commitment to taking care of the environment. Earning a Blue Flag in Italy isn’t just about looking good in the photos – it’s a guarantee that the place is clean, safe, and welcoming.
If you’re on the hunt for the best Blue Flag beaches this summer, keeping an eye out for that flag fluttering in the sea breeze is the savvy move.
How many Blue Flag beaches are there in Italy in 2026?
According to the official 2026 list, Italy now counts 525 Blue Flag beaches and 87 Blue Flag marinas, marking a further increase on last year’s total.
Our pick for Blue Flag beaches in Italy by region
Liguria
It’s a slender slice of north-west Italy, squeezed between dramatic mountains and the Ligurian Sea, famed for its craggy coastline, painted villages perched on the cliffs, and hidden pebbly coves.
- Bonassola: tucked away just north of the Cinque Terre, Bonassola’s Blue Flag stretch is peaceful and laid-back, with pebbly sands, clear turquoise water, and paths through scented pines and lemon groves.
- Castelletto San Donato, Finale Ligure: this one’s got a bit of everything. Family-friendly swimming, options for kayaking and paddleboarding, and a lovely beach bar.
Veneto
Flat and expansive, dominated by traditional seaside resorts and shallow waters, with big stretches of golden sand lining the Venetian lagoon.
- Jesolo: golden sand stretching for miles, loads of snack bars, and well-organised sunbeds. Jesolo has plenty of lifeguarded zones and loads of ice cream parlours.
Tuscany
Long, sandy beaches backed by dense pine forests and lively seaside resorts, with a scattering of wild, dune-edged stretches. Tuscany is a great destination for a beach holiday with the family.
- Forte dei Marmi: smart, well-kept sands and fancy beach clubs, all framed by umbrella pines and mountain views—classic Versilia style.
- Spiaggia della Principessa, San Vincenzo: a wild feel at the edges, long stretches of sand, and a nature reserve nearby for a bit of peace and greenery.
Abruzzo
Mostly natural and undeveloped, with long sweeps of sand giving way to pebble beaches and occasional rocky promontories, framed by distant mountains.
- Le Morge, Torino di Sangro: you’ll find a quieter atmosphere and pebbly beaches.
Lazio
Long, mostly flat sandy beaches, many just a train ride from Rome, that are broken up with scenic headlands and pine groves. It also has a handful of less-touristy coastal spots worth checking out.
- Sperlonga: quintessential Tyrrhenian beauty spot with gorgeous cliffs and a brilliant old town, all about an hour’s train ride from Rome.
- Vindicio, Formia: awarded in 2025, it’s got clean, gently sloping beaches and a much-loved local fish market.
Campania
A region of sheer dramatic beauty—think rugged cliffs, hidden coves, and colourful Amalfi Coast towns clinging to the slopes.
- San Giorgio, Sapri: this new entry is surrounded by rugged hills and clear water, far quieter than the Amalfi crowds.
- Fornillo, Positano: it’s world-famous for a reason: dramatic cliffs, vibrant houses, Clavel tower, and a shingle beach with that iconic Amalfi backdrop.
Emilia-Romagna
Broad, flat sandy beaches running for miles along the Adriatic—ideal for families—with vibrant resort towns full of colourful umbrellas and lidi.
- Pinarella, Cervia: endless sandy beach, pines close to the sand and that soothing Adriatic water.
- Misano Adriatico, Rimini: well-managed sandy stretches and organised facilities along a lively Adriatic resort town.
Puglia
Endless beaches range from white sand on the Adriatic side to rocky coves and turquoise waters in the southern heel, with dramatic cliffs around the Gargano promontory.
- Margherita di Savoia: known for its huge salt pans and endless sandy stretches, you’ll get a proper taste of southern Italy.
- Cala delle Arene, Isole Tremiti: main sandy stretch on the Tremiti Islands and the one that tends to draw swimmers looking for clear Adriatic water
Calabria
A short, rugged coastline packed with hidden inlets and rocky outcrops around Maratea, with lush green hills tumbling down to the sea.
- Santa María, Cariati: a colourful coastal town with child-friendly beaches and calm, warm water.
- Corigliano Rossano: renowned for its clean pebbly beaches and citrus groves lining the shore.
Sicily
An island full of contrasts, from broad sandy stretches in the south to pebbly coves and black volcanic shores near Catania, with ancient ruins and historic towns right by the sea. Some of the most beautiful beaches in Sicily are worlds away from each other when it comes to terrain and character.
- Messina: this lively port city now has Blue Flag bragging rights and offers surprisingly clear, swimmable beaches right near the city centre.
- Nizza di Sicilia: new to the Blue Flag club, great for a more relaxed, local vibe with bright blue water and pebbles.
Sardinia
Breathtaking turquoise bays, hidden coves, wild granite cliffs, and lush Mediterranean vegetation - Sardinia has the longest coastline in Italy. Many consider Sardinia to have the Mediterranean’s most spectacular coastline, with some of its beaches leading in the European destination ranking. Plus, one of its beaches was named the most beautiful in the world.
- San Teodoro: known for shallow turquoise waters, fine white sand and a wild nature reserve just north.
- Rena Bianca, Santa Teresa Gallura: turquoise waters and vegetation that tumbles into the waters.
Basilicata
A short, rugged coastline packed with hidden inlets and rocky outcrops around Maratea, with lush green hills tumbling down to the sea.
- Acquafredda, Potenza: not as well known but adored by Italians. Expect dramatic coastline, little coves and a peaceful pace of life.
Molise
A brief but pretty mix of sandy and pebbly beaches, more low-key and less developed than its neighbours, often with peaceful, natural surroundings.
- Sant’Antonio, Termoli: an authentic Adriatic town with a medieval centre just steps from the sea and beach bars on the sand.
Friuli Venezia Giulia
Shorter coastline with a mix of sandy beaches and rocky inlets, plus wetlands near Grado and Trieste that feel wilder and quieter than nearby regions.
- Lignano Sabbiadoro: sweeping sands and shallow waters make this a hit with families. The promenade is full of lively bars for an after-swim spritz.
Marche
Low cliffs alternate with wide, sandy bays and a few sheltered pebble beaches, offering peaceful spots with clear water and a gentler vibe.
- Spiaggia di Ponente, Senigallia: right by the harbour and art-nouveau architecture, it’s easy to see why Senigallia remains a perennial Blue Flag favourite.
- Lungomare dei Tintori, Campofilone: joining the Blue Flag list this year, it offers a tranquil seafront with a real local feel.
Inland Blue Flag beaches in Italy
Not coastal but the lakeshores in northern Italy often feel seasidey, with shingle beaches, dramatic mountain backdrops, and some fairytale lakeside towns.
Trentino Alto Adige
Surrounded by Alpine peaks, this region’s Blue Flag awards highlight lakeside beaches such as those on Lake Caldonazzo and Lake Levico.
- Levico, Levico Terme: clean, calm waters framed by tree-covered hills, and it’s ideal for quiet swims or picnics on the grassy banks.
- Caldonazzo – Lido/Spiaggetta: Located on Lake Caldonazzo, it offers long, accessible waterfronts and shallow entry points, perfect for families as well as water sports.
Lombardy
Lombardy’s Blue Flag beaches run along the shores of Lake Garda and Lake Iseo, offering shingle coves and promenades with views of rolling hills and pastel-coloured villages.
- Lido delle Grotte, Sirmione: this iconic shore combines bright lake water with smooth, flat rocks instead of sand, giving it a ‘tropical’ look that's unusual for Italy.
- Gardone Riviera – Spiaggia Lido: well-kept lawns and a pleasant lakeside promenade make this a favourite for a gentle dip and a stroll.
Stay inspired for your travels in Italy —get our weekly newsletter for the latest travel, legal, and lifestyle news.
