Italy is flying high in 2025 with an impressive 487 Blue Flag beaches—more than almost anywhere else in the world. With such a vast and varied coastline (and a few sparkling lakes thrown in), you’re truly spoilt for choice when it comes to Italy's many blue flag beaches. To save you wading through the full list, here’s a handpicked selection of the most stunning and best-rated Blue Flag beaches across the country.
- Bonassola – Litorale, Liguria
- San Vincenzo – Rimigliano Nord/Sud, Tuscany
- Forte dei Marmi – Litorale, Tuscany
- Sperlonga – Ponente, Lazio
- Jesolo – Lido di Jesolo, Veneto
- Margherita di Savoia – Litorale, Puglia
- Pozzallo – Pietre Nere, Sicily
- Praia a Mare – Punta Fiuzzi, Calabria
- Cagliari – Mare Pintau, Sardinia
- Sirmione – Lido delle Grotte, Lombardy
Bonassola – Litorale, Liguria
Set just north of the better-known Cinque Terre, Bonassola is a favourite among those after laid-back vibes and a touch less tourist traffic. Recent visitors rave about the pebble-and-sand mix (bring beach shoes), the clear, fresh sea, and the brilliant little paths winding through fragrant pines and lemon groves. It’s a quieter spot for wild swimming or a lazy nap, with handy cafés just a short stroll from the beach. Weekends can fill up, but midweek gets you plenty of space for lounging or snorkelling near the rocks.
San Vincenzo – Rimigliano Nord/Sud, Tuscany
This stretch wins praise for its unspoilt, natural feel and could be added to the list of Italy's best hidden beaches. There’s loads of room, a pine forest for shade, and soft, welcoming sand. Visitors love the shady Rimigliano Nature Park behind the dunes for a pre- or post-beach walk, and highlight the clean water and spot-on facilities, like toilets and small snack bars tucked among the trees.
Forte dei Marmi – Litorale, Tuscany
Forte dei Marmi feels a bit posher, with wide, raked sands, classic wooden beach huts, and umbrella pines at your back. The beaches are spotless and the service at the historic bagni (beach clubs) is friendly but old-school. It's ideal if you fancy splurging on a sunbed, less so if you want a wild, “bring your own towel” sort of spot. The shallow shore makes it one of Italy's popular beaches for families or long, lazy dips, and you’re never far from good coffee or a stylish gelato.
- Property for sale in Forte dei Marmi
- Long-term rentals in Forte dei Marmi
- Holiday rentals in Forte dei Marmi
Sperlonga – Ponente, Lazio
A perennial favourite for those looking for beaches near Rome, Sperlonga’s Blue Flag beach gets great write-ups for its combination of golden sand, gentle waves and panoramic views of the whitewashed old town teetering above. Families especially rate amenities like well-run lidos and plenty of spots for a proper Italian lunch. Arriving early is advised, especially in high summer, but many call it one of the region’s most inviting coastal escapes.
Jesolo – Lido di Jesolo, Veneto
Jesolo is all about energy. Endless rows of umbrellas, a bustling boardwalk, and a proper Italian family-friendly scene. It’s clean, very well-organised and, thanks to shallow water, safe even for kids who can’t yet swim like fish. Expect a blend of old-fashioned fun (pedalos, volleyballs) and stacks of ice cream spots for cooling off on hot afternoons.
Margherita di Savoia – Litorale, Puglia
Long sands stretching as far as the eye can see, with calm, warm sea and a relaxed mix of locals and summer visitors. The dramatic salt pans behind the beach are great for a wander if you get tired of the waves. Facilities are good, with plenty of places to hire a lounger or duck out for a plate of local seafood, and there’s lots of space to spread out, even in July and August.
- Property for sale in Margherita di Savoia
- Long-term rentals in Margherita di Savoia
- Holiday rentals in Margherita di Savoia
Pozzallo – Pietre Nere, Sicily
A classic stretch of golden sand on Sicily’s less-hyped southeast coast, Pietre Nere is popular for its gentle, gradually sloping shore, making it great for families and casual swimmers. It has clean facilities and warm, friendly local crowds, while the evening passeggiata along the beachfront is a real feature in summer. There are beach clubs and public spaces, and the water is noted for being especially clean and inviting right through the hottest months.
Praia a Mare – Punta Fiuzzi, Calabria
This is one for nature lovers, with pebble beaches, wild rock stacks just offshore, and sea that gets top marks for clarity, whether you’re a snorkeller or just fancy floating about. It’s still delightfully uncrowded, and hiring a boat or kayak is a great way of getting a proper look at the nearby Dino Island caves. Basic but decent facilities, gorgeous sunsets and a proper “secret Italy” atmosphere come up again and again.
Cagliari – Mare Pintau, Sardinia
Mare Pintau sits about 40 minutes from Cagliari and lives up to its name—“painted sea”—with incredible bands of turquoise and deep blue, thanks to its rocky seabed beneath clear, shallow water. It’s a visually stunning spot, a little wilder and less commercial than most city beaches, with rugged cliffs and Mediterranean greenery setting the scene. There’s just a summer kiosk and limited roadside parking, so it pays to arrive early, especially in high season.
Sirmione – Lido delle Grotte, Lombardy
Jamaica Beach, as it’s known to pretty much everyone now, is an instant favourite for those after something “different” on Lake Garda. Flat limestone rocks underfoot aren’t ideal for sandcastle-building, but the 'beach' stands out for its Caribbean-blue water. The Roman ruins behind also give the spot a dramatic backdrop. A local tip is to wear sturdy shoes, as the stones can be slippery, and bring water, as amenities are basic.
