Just ahead of the start of the summer season, Italy has once again received a record number of acclaimed beach destinations recognized with the award. As the Italian environmental organization FEE Italia has announced, a total of 257 coastal and lakeside municipalities will carry the international "Bandiera Blu" in 2026. A total of 525 beaches and 87 tourist marinas received the designation.
The "Blue Flag" has been one of the most important environmental and quality certifications for beach destinations worldwide for years. The current figures are based on official publications from FEE Italia and the Italian Ministry of Tourism, as reported by, among others, the portal Spiagge.it .
Liguria remains Italy's top region
Once again, Liguria leads the ranking. The narrow coastal region in northwestern Italy now counts 35 recognized municipalities, defending its top position in the national comparison. Calabria and Apulia follow, each with 27 locations. The Toscana has also continued to gain ground, now reaching 20 recognized municipalities. A newcomer there is Monte Argentario on the southern coast of the region. Other new "Bandiera Blu" destinations include Rimini in Emilia-Romagna, Limone sul Garda in Lombardy on Lake Garda, Lipari on Sicilia , as well as Andora and Taggia in Liguria.
Liguria in particular has demonstrated for years how effectively sustainable tourism and classic beach destinations can go hand in hand. Many of the recognized locations lie in regions that simultaneously face high visitor numbers, limited space, and rising demands for environmental and coastal protection.
More than just clean water
The "Bandiera Blu" is often associated with exceptionally clean seawater. In reality, the criteria have become considerably more comprehensive. Factors evaluated include water quality, wastewater treatment, beach safety, accessibility, environmental management, sustainable mobility, and environmental education programs.
Water quality must consistently meet high standards over multiple years, based on analyses from the previous four years. Municipalities must also demonstrate that they are implementing sustainable concepts for infrastructure, waste management , and coastal protection. According to FEE, around 94 percent of recognized municipalities now have multi-year sustainability programs in place.
Well-known beach destinations can also lose the award
The "Blue Flag" is not a permanent status. Municipalities are re-evaluated every year. In 2026, three locations lost their designation, including San Felice Circeo in Lazio. At the same time, the importance of sustainable coastal policy in Italy continues to grow. Issues such as coastal erosion, water scarcity, and the pressures of mass tourism are playing an increasingly significant role in tourism quality assessments. Beyond the classic coastal regions, Italian lakes are also benefiting more and more from the program. In 2026, 23 lakeside municipalities likewise carry the "Bandiera Blu".
Internationally, Italy continues to rank among the most successful participants in the program. According to FEE, approximately 11.5 percent of all beaches recognized worldwide are located in Italy. This makes the "Bandiera Blu" not only a tourism quality seal, but increasingly a symbol of which regions are striving to bring together tourism, environmental standards, and the long-term protection of their coastlines.