Sicily boasts some of the most spectacular coastlines in the Mediterranean, but not all beaches offer the same quality of sea, services, and environment.
For this reason, each year the Blue Flag award becomes a valuable guide for those planning vacations and wanting to know which beaches in Sicily have received this recognition.
Here is the list of all the 2026 Blue Flags in Sicily, including the awarded locations, what's new compared to last year, and the beaches to keep an eye on.
Blue Flags Sicily 2026: List and Location in Italy
In 2026, the FEE (Foundation for Environmental Education) awarded a total of 257 Blue Flag locations in Italy, for a total of 525 beaches. This data confirms a gradual growth in the number of individual stretches of coastline achieving high standards of environmental quality, services, and safety.
Every year, some locations enter the list for the first time, others consolidate their presence, and, sometimes, a few leave it if they no longer respect the required criteria.
Blue Flags 2026 in the Province of Agrigento
In the province of Agrigento, the Blue Flag locations especially enhance the south-western coast, characterised by wide beaches, fine sand, dunes and a strong integration between the natural landscape and tourist facilities.
- Menfi – Lido Fiori Bertolino: Large sections of this beach are free or have minimally invasive beach facilities, framed by dunes and Mediterranean vegetation. The water is clear, the seabed slopes gently, and the beach is constantly kept clean.
- Menfi – Porto Palo Cipollazzo: Porto Palo is a seaside village with a relaxed atmosphere, featuring a beach that alternates between private and public lidos, and a small marina that keeps the fishing tradition alive. The Cipollazzo area is popular for its tranquillity and the presence of essential services close to the beach.
Province of Messina: Blue Flags
The Messina province encompasses the Tyrrhenian coast, which opens towards the Aeolian Islands and is dotted with long beaches overlooking the inland mountains, and the Ionian coast, with bays and shorelines overlooking the most popular tourist destinations and traditional seaside villages.
- Alì Terme – Alì Terme Promenade: the coastline features a pebble beach that runs parallel to a well-maintained promenade, with bars, clubs, and clearly marked access points to the sea. The town is also known for its spa tradition.
- Nizza di Sicilia – Nizza di Sicilia Beach: a long stretch of pebbles and sand, with clear water and rapidly deepening waters, beloved by those seeking tranquillity and open spaces. The beach is easily accessible from the SS114 and the seafront promenade..
Lipari – Vulcano Gelso, Acqua Calda, Canneto, Vulcano thermal waters, Stromboli Ficogrande: the Aeolian Islands offer some of the most unique beach experiences among the 2026 Sicilian Blue Flags.
On Vulcano, the wilder and quieter Gelso area and the thermal waters areas, famous for their mud baths and sulfur emissions, stand out.
On Lipari, Canneto beach combines clear sea and amenities, while Stromboli Ficogrande impresses with its black volcanic sand and a panorama dominated by the volcano.
Santa Teresa di Riva – Lungomare: one of the liveliest towns on the Ionian Riviera, with a long pebble beach and a promenade equipped with bars, play areas, and services for families.
The organised access to the sea, the seasonal lifeguard service, and the beach maintenance are key factors in earning the Blue Flag award.
Letojanni – Letojanni Centre: the coastline is easily accessible from the main road and the train station, with beach resorts, bars, and restaurants directly overlooking the beach.
The water is clear, the seabed is mostly pebbly, and the town often serves as a quieter base than nearby Taormina, despite being just minutes away.
- Taormina – Mazzeo: Mazzeo Beach is located on the coastal stretch of Taormina and is less crowded than more famous bays like Isola Bella. It offers private beach areas, free stretches of beach, and very clean water, with views of the surrounding mountains.
Messina – Messina North, Messina South, Messina Tyrrhenian: the municipality of Messina is recognised for its diverse coastline.
The northern areas, overlooking the Strait of Messina, offer beaches overlooking Calabria and particularly clear waters thanks to the currents.
The southern and Tyrrhenian areas alternate between urban beaches and more natural stretches.
- Furci Siculo – Coast: The coastline is tidy and easily accessible from the coastal road, with clean water and essential services nearby. It's a popular destination for those seeking a quiet setting, with a pebble beach, a beachside bar, and a good level of cleanliness.
- Roccalumera – Coast: Roccalumera beach is a long stretch of pebbles and coarse sand, served by a pedestrian promenade lined with shops and recreational facilities.
Tusa – Seafront: On the Tyrrhenian coast, Tusa offers a seafront promenade overlooking a stretch of coast characterised by pebble beaches and panoramic views of the Aeolian Islands on clear days.
The location is also popular with snorkelers, thanks to the excellent clarity of the water.
The best beaches in the Province of Ragusa
The province of Ragusa has been one of the protagonists for years, thanks to a largely sandy coastline, a favourable climate and a tourism system that has been able to grow by focusing on quality and sustainability.
- Modica – Maganuco: This is a wide beach with fine sand and a relatively quiet setting compared to other, more popular destinations in the Ragusa area.
- Modica – Marina di Modica: a lively seaside resort, with a pedestrian promenade that's very popular on summer evenings and a sandy beach that attracts both families and young people.
Pozzallo – Pietre Nere: One of the most famous beaches in the Ragusa area, it boasts golden sand, clear waters, beach resorts, and a waterfront lined with bars and restaurants.
It's ideal if you're looking for a vibrant destination with plenty of amenities and a strong tourist vocation, yet still meeting the quality standards required to maintain the Blue Flag status.
- Pozzallo – Raganzino: This is a more secluded beach than Pietre Nere, perfect for those seeking a slightly quieter atmosphere. The sea here is also clean, and amenities are easily accessible on foot, with particular attention paid to maintaining public spaces and waste management.
Ragusa – Marina di Ragusa: a prime location on the southeastern coast with a wide sandy beach, a modern and well-maintained promenade, a marina, and a wide selection of accommodations.
The Blue Flag recognises not only the quality of the sea, but also the overall organisation of the coastline.
- Scicli – Sampieri – Pisciotto: The coastline between Sampieri and Pisciotto boasts long beaches, dunes, and wilder stretches of coastline, with fine sand and clear water.
- Ispica – Santa Maria del Focallo: a long sandy beach surrounded by dunes and Mediterranean scrub, with wide open spaces, clean water, and shallow waters ideal for children.
- In recent years, services, accommodations, and environmental protection have grown.
Living in Sicily
Sicily's landscape is constantly changing: from the crystal-clear sea to the baroque cities, from the volcanic villages perched on the slopes of Mount Etna to the sunny countryside of the hinterland.
In terms of quality of life, the island offers a unique balance: real estate is generally more affordable than in other areas of the country, while the mild climate throughout most of the year allows for plenty of outdoor living.
Stay in the know about living in Italy as a foreigner—get our weekly newsletter for the latest travel, legal, and lifestyle news.
For a taste of the high life, sign up for the monthly luxury market round-up.
