Italy Awards 257 Blue Flags for Clean Water

Why this is here: Calabria gained four Blue Flag beaches this year, representing a substantial portion of the 14 new locations recognized across Italy.

In Rome, the Foundation for Environmental Education presented 257 Blue Flags to Italian municipalities. This recognizes clean water and quality services along seas and lakes—an increase of 11 from last year’s 246. Most new flags went to southern Italy, with Calabria gaining four, Puglia and Sicily two each, and Sardinia one.

Liguria again led with 35 flags, but Calabria, Puglia, and Campania followed closely with 27 and 20 flags respectively. Fourteen new locations received the designation this year, including the lakeside town of Limone sul Garda and the coastal city of Rimini.

The criteria for earning a Blue Flag include water quality, waste management, pedestrian areas, and sustainable fishing practices. While southern Italy shows growth through investment in sustainability, the organization notes that full community participation—not just government action—is key. The work to maintain these standards and expand the program continues.