Much more than crystal clear waters: discover which Italian beaches have the Bandera Azul 2025

Summer is at its peak in Europe, and there’s no better time to dive into the crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean. Italy, with its unique coastal landscapes and vibrant culture, offers beaches that are not only beautiful but also certified for their environmental excellence.

This year, the country has 487 beaches awarded with the Blue Flag the international recognition that distinguishes coastal destinations for the quality of their waters, tourist services, sustainability, and safety.

What is the Blue Flag?

The Bandera Azul(Bandiera Blu) is a quality label awarded by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE). It is synonymous with:

●Clean and safe waters

●Well-managed and sustainable beaches

●Quality accessibility and infrastructure

●Commitment to environmental education

Only destinations that meet more than 30 stringent criteria achieve this recognition. Thus, by choosing a Blue Flag beach, you are opting for a peaceful, responsible, and high-quality vacation.

Where to find the best beaches in Italy in 2025?

Italy has 246 awarded coastal municipalities, and these are the regions that stand out:

Liguria (north): 33 awarded locations

Ideal if you’re looking for charming seaside towns like Alassio, Finale Ligure, or Sanremo. Other awarded beaches include:

● Varazze

● Laigueglia

● Andora

● Celle Ligure

● Santa Margherita Ligure

● Camogli

● Portofino

● Imperia

● Albisola Superiore

● Noli

Puglia (south): 27 awarded beaches

It is the ideal destination for those who love turquoise waters, cliffs, and local cuisine. This year, gems like Castrignano del Capo and Margherita di Savoia are added. Other notable beaches include:

● Otranto

● Gallipoli

● Santa Maria di Leuca

● Monopoli

● Polignano a Mare

● Fasano

● Vieste

● Pulsano

● Porto Cesareo

● Lido di Ostuni

Calabria: 23 locations recognized with the Blue Flag

Perfect for a quieter vacation away from the tourist bustle. Cropani, Cariati, and Corigliano-Rossano join the list in 2025. Other popular beaches include:

● Tropea

● Scilla

● Pizzo

● Joppolo

● Soverato

● Reggio Calabria

● Siderno

● Catanzaro Lido

● Rossano

● Gerace

Sicily: 18 awarded beaches

The large southern island is not far behind, with new beaches like Messina and Nizza di Sicilia, which combine sea, history, and gastronomy in one place. Also awarded are:

● Cefalù

● San Vito Lo Capo

● Favignana

● Lipari

● Marina di Ragusa

● Taormina

● Vulcano

● Palermo

New coastal gems to discover

2025 brings 15 new Blue Flag destinations that deserve a spot on your travel itinerary:

Sapri (Campania), ideal for a relaxed seaside vacation.

Formia (Lazio) , a perfect getaway close to Rome.

Torino di Sangro (Abruzzo) ,for lovers of unspoiled nature

Campofilone (Marche) ,where the sea meets great food.

Beaches for everyone: sustainable, safe, and accessible

Italy’s Blue Flag beaches offer much more than beauty. Among their key services are:easy access for everyone,lifeguards and clear signage,eco-friendly services,environmental education activities for all ages.

In this way, Italy adds to its renowned gastronomic, cultural, and historical offerings an extra incentive to enjoy its beautiful crystal-clear beaches. It invites visitors to live a unique experience, where nature, comfort, and sustainability come together in perfect harmony.

By Yanina Navarro