Blue Flag Criteria: How Beaches Get Awarded
The Blue Flag is awarded every year by the FEE (Foundation for Environmental Education) based on 32 criteria across four broad areas: bathing water quality, environmental management, services and safety, and environmental education and information. A beautiful sea isn't enough — the award certifies a whole set of requirements checked by a review board.
1. Bathing water quality
This is the toughest, most selective criterion. Water must fall in the "excellent" quality class based on sampling carried out by regional environmental agencies (ARPA) throughout the bathing season. Microbiological parameters are analysed (such as E. coli and intestinal enterococci), and untreated discharges are not allowed. A single out-of-range reading can disqualify a location.
2. Environmental management
The municipality must show proper management of the coastal area: wastewater treatment, separate waste collection (including on the beaches themselves), care of green areas and dunes, and monitoring of local ecosystems. Councils with structured environmental policies are the ones that get rewarded.
3. Services and safety
Award-winning beaches must offer adequate services: safe access, lifeguard and rescue services, cleanliness, restrooms, and at least one sea-access point designed for people with disabilities. Bather safety and accessibility for everyone are explicit requirements.
4. Environmental education and information
Finally, the municipality must promote environmental education and inform residents and visitors about water quality, local ecosystems and conservation initiatives. The Blue Flag doubles as an awareness tool.
Who awards the Blue Flag
The Blue Flag programme was launched in 1987 and is run internationally by the FEE. In Italy the programme is coordinated by FEE Italia. The award is valid for one year: every municipality must reapply and prove it still meets all the criteria, which is why the Blue Flag list changes every season.
Want to go deeper? On the What is the Blue Flag page you'll find a summary of the programme, official sources and data updated for 2026.
Frequently asked questions
What are the Blue Flag criteria?
The Blue Flag is based on 32 criteria across four areas: bathing water quality, environmental management, services and safety, and environmental education and information. Some criteria are mandatory, others are recommended.
Who awards the Blue Flag?
The Blue Flag is awarded by the FEE (Foundation for Environmental Education), an international NGO based in Denmark. In Italy the programme is run by FEE Italia.
How often is the Blue Flag renewed?
The Blue Flag is valid for one year: every municipality must reapply and demonstrate it still meets all the criteria. The updated list is published every year, usually in May.
Sources: 2026 Blue Flag beach list (FEE) · Italian Ministry of Tourism · © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL). Data is provided for informational purposes — always check official sources before visiting.