Guide

Blue Flag beaches in Italy

By Covered Abroad Research Desk · Last verified July 2026

Italy's Blue Flag (Bandiera Blu) beaches are awarded each year by FEE Italia, part of the Foundation for Environmental Education, which has run the programme in Europe since 1987. The rules are strict: only places whose bathing water was excellent the previous season can apply, and they need at least secondary sewage treatment. FEE publishes the 2026 list region by region.

What the Blue Flag means

According to FEE Italia, the Bandiera Blu programme is run by the non-profit Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), in Europe since 1987, and has since spread to 49 countries through partnerships with the UN Environment Programme and the UN World Tourism Organization. Its aim is to encourage coastal municipalities to manage their land sustainably.

Municipalities apply every year with a detailed questionnaire and supporting documents, and beach checks are carried out with the support of the Coast Guard (Capitanerie di Porto).

Sources: FEE Italia — Il Programma Bandiera Blu; FEE Italia — Spiagge Bandiere Blu 2026; both read 9 October 2026.

The criteria

FEE Italia sets out some of the hardest tests:

Bathing water quality is mandatory: only places whose water was rated excellent in the previous season can apply
only places with a sewage treatment plant offering at least secondary treatment can go forward
places with less than 80% of wastewater connected to the sewer network aren't considered

The criteria are updated regularly, pushing participating councils to keep improving how they manage their coastline.

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Finding a Blue Flag beach

FEE Italia publishes each year's Blue Flag beaches by region and province. The 2026 list includes, for example, beaches in Liguria at Camogli, Santa Margherita Ligure, Sestri Levante and Lavagna; in Lazio at Anzio and Latina; and in Abruzzo at Vasto and Ortona.

When you're choosing where to live on the Italian coast, the list is a handy signal of clean water and well-run beaches — and our guide to Italy's national parks covers the inland side.

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Common questions

Who awards Blue Flags in Italy?

FEE Italia, part of the Foundation for Environmental Education, which has run the programme in Europe since 1987.

What are the Blue Flag criteria for water quality?

Bathing water quality is mandatory: only places whose water was rated excellent in the previous season can apply.

Which Italian beaches have a Blue Flag in 2026?

FEE Italia publishes the full list by region. Examples include Camogli and Sestri Levante in Liguria, Anzio in Lazio and Vasto in Abruzzo.

Do Blue Flags have to be renewed?

Yes. Municipalities apply every year, and the award is assessed annually.