Italy's Blue Flag Beaches

23rd Apr 2023 Travel Guides

3 min read

Italy’s coastline is a stunning medley of quaint fishing villages, long swatches of sand, and small coves. Blue Flag certified beaches meet a rigorous criteria set by the Foundation for Environmental Education, which includes water quality for bathing, sustainable tourism, and environmental management.

In 2022, a whopping 427 Italian beaches were awarded the Blue Flag accolade, and of this list, we share our firm favourites.

Tropea Beach, Calabria

Located on the southern coast of Italy, hosts a dazzling coastline of white-sand beaches and gelateria-lined streets. Located beneath Santa Maria dell'Isola monastery, your beach day is made with umbrellas, loungers and pedalos available for hire. Crystal-clear waters meet soft golden sands and to top it off, you’re surrounded by stunning scenery. Towering cliffs watch over the beach providing a dramatic backdrop for lazy days on the sand. There’s lots of activities on offer too with watersports like kayaking, windsurfing and snorkelling. For those who wish to stay on land, there’s plenty of hiking trails and cycling routes around the area.

Santa Teresa Gallura, Sardinia

Nestled on Sardinia’s northern tip and within easy reach of the Maddalena Islands and Corsica, you can find flour-white sands and waters so blue they almost look photoshopped! Known for its stunning beaches and rich history, Santa Teresa Gallura is a must visit for anyone looking to discover the real Italy. Visitors can explore the town’s historic centre filled with narrow winding streets, beautiful churches and vibrant buildings.

Polignano a Mare, Puglia

Located below an old town of labyrinthine lanes, Polignano a Mare is bookended by cliffs, and you’ll regularly see locals hurling themselves off into the clear blue Adriatic during the summer months. With stunning cliffs and crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming, Polignano a Mare is filled with beauty and culture. Be sure to explore the charming old town with narrow streets and interesting architecture. One of the highlights of Polignano a Mare has to be the Grotta Palazzese, a beautiful Mediterranean cave restaurant set into the cliffs overlooking the sea.

Santa Maria di Castellabate, Cilento

Tucked away in Cilento National Park you’ll find a historic, elegant palazzi and quaint fisherman’s houses enclosing a sandy bay that boasts a wide promenade, lovely beaches and safe bathing. A beautiful seaside town, Santa Maria di Castellabate is the perfect destination to enjoy authentic Italian life. Set on a stunning stretch of coastline, its beaches are well known for their soft golden sands and turquoise waters.

Viareggio, Tuscany Coast

Easy to reach from Florence, you can admire stunning views over the Tyrrhenian Sea at Versilia Beach, a long, wide stretch of sand that’s lined with chic bathing establishments. Viareggio is a charming coastal town with long sandy beaches and clear blue waters. The beach promenade is lined with cafes, bars and restaurants where you can enjoy delicious and authentic Italian cuisine. For those looking for a mix of sun, sea and culture, Viareggio is the place to be.

Marina di Ragusa, Sicily

Experience a long stretch of golden sand and crystal-clear waters in Marina di Ragusa. This sleepy hamlet in Sicily comes to life in the summer with its seaside restaurants, lounge bars, and watersports opportunities. The town is popular for its long sandy beaches stretching for miles along the Sicilian coast. Feast on Sicilian cuisine at one of the many cafes or restaurants that line the promenade and then watch the sun set with a drink in hand.

Discover the real Italy with Citalia

Are you ready to relax on Italy’s beaches? Citalia are the UK’s leading Italy specialist with over 90 years' experience in tailoring holidays to Italy. Experts are on hand every step of the way to ensure you make memories to last a lifetime. It’s never too late to start planning your Italian escape!

Visit citalia.com to discover the real Italy on your next adventure. Andiamo!