Lucrezia Ciotti With the arrival of the summer season, interest in Italian seaside destinations grows and, like every year, the Blue Flags return to indicate the cleanest, safest and most sustainable beaches. Thelist 2026 confirms Italy's leading role, which stands out once again for the high number of award-winning locations along its coasts and lakes.
Italy breaks records: the number of Blue Flags awarded in 2026 is growing.
The new edition of the Blue Flags 2026 confirms Italy at the top of the Mediterranean for coastal quality and environmental managementThe country reaches a new record with 250 resort awarded by the FEE, an increase compared to previous years, testifying to a widespread improvement throughout the entire territory, from the sandy coasts to the lake areas.
What stands out is not only the clarity of the sea, but also attention to sustainability, safety and inclusion.
I award criteria They remain very rigorous and include constant monitoring of water quality, environmental education initiatives for residents and tourists, efficient waste sorting and beach cleaning systems, as well as the provision of essential services such as lifeguards, first aid, and accessibility for people with disabilities.
Sustainable mobility and the presence of infrastructure such as cycle paths and pedestrian areas are also essential, elements that increasingly impact the overall assessment.
Blue Flags 2026: The complete list of award-winning seas and beaches: which regions dominate the top 5?
As reported by I read, The standings regional once again sees the Liguria in the lead with 34 awarded locations, including Bergeggi, Varazze and Spotorno in the Savona area, Camogli and Santa Margherita Ligure in the Genoa area, and Lerici together with the Cinque Terre in the La Spezia area. Immediately after, the Puglia, driven by Salento with Melendugno, Salve and Castro, in addition to the towns in the Bari area such as Polignano a Mare and Monopoli, up to the Tremiti Islands and Vieste in the Foggia area. Campania remains a key player thanks to Cilento with Castellabate and Pollica (Acciaroli), the Amalfi Coast with Positano, and the confirmations of Capri and Anacapri. Calabria continues to grow, with Tropea, Praia a Mare, and Diamante, along with the confirmations of Soverato and Roccella Jonica on the Ionian coast. Toscana maintains high standards with Castiglione della Pescaia, Argentario, Forte dei Marmi, Camaiore and the Island of Elba with Marciana Marina.
Also new for Sicily and Sardinia, which are expanding their presence thanks to new entries linked to the protection of marine ecosystems. Finally, excellent results for the inland waters of Trentino and Lombardy, which continue to stand out among the most popular lakes. Despite the vastness of Italy's coastal landscape, Liguria, Puglia, Campania, Calabria, and Tuscany lead the ranking, while the large islands, despite growing, still remain outside the top spots.