Italy Announces 2026 Blue Flag Awards: 525 Beaches Recognized for Environmental Excellence
Italy has unveiled its 2026 Blue Flag designations, honoring 525 beaches across the country for meeting rigorous environmental, quality, and sustainability standards. The certification serves as a critical benchmark for coastal management, highlighting the regions most successful in preserving their natural ecosystems while supporting tourism.

The 2026 awards span 257 municipalities, reflecting a wide geographical distribution of high-quality coastal areas. Among the winners, 14 beaches are first-time recipients of the honor, marking a steady expansion of certified sites throughout the peninsula.
Regional performance varied, with Liguria emerging as the top-performing region. Other significant recognitions include the municipalities of Sardinia and the city of Pisa, which successfully maintained certifications for both its coastline and its port.
The continuation and addition of these awards underscore a national commitment to environmental stewardship, ensuring that Italy’s most popular tourist destinations remain sustainable for future generations.