Blue Flag Beaches Italy 2025

In Italy, we have beautiful beaches and coastlines that never fail to amaze, thanks to their crystal-clear waters and the stunning natural settings in which they are nestled. Thanks to the quality of the services offered and their focus on the local environment, many Italian beaches have been awarded the Blue Flag – a prestigious international recognition granted by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE).

What does Blue Flag beach mean? To earn this recognition, a beach must meet several quite strict criteria falling into four main categories:

• Water quality. Bathing waters must meet high standards of cleanliness and safety, with regular checks to ensure no pollution.

• Environmental management. The beach must demonstrate a concrete commitment to protecting the environment.

• Services and security. Adequate facilities must be available, such as clean toilets, showers, lifeguard services, and access for people with disabilities.

• Environmental education, meaning the presence of informative and educational activities aimed at the public on environmental topics, sustainability, and the conservation of marine flora and fauna.

This recognition is renewed every year, ensuring the ongoing commitment of the establishments to maintain high-quality standards over time. Which beaches have the Blue Flag in 2025? Today, we want to tell you about three of the awarded municipalities: Forte dei Marmi, Melendugno and Taormina.

Forte dei Marmi Blue Flag 2025

Forte dei Marmi is a popular coastal town across Italy, renowned for its chic atmosphere, excellent shopping, and stunning beaches. The very first beach establishment dates back to the early 1900s, marking the beginning of a tradition that remains very much alive today: once again this year, the Versilia resort has been awarded the Blue Flag.

Forte dei Marmi beach is a long strip of fine golden sand that stretches the entire length of the town. To the north, bordering the Cinquale area, lies the most famous part of the coastline: the free-access Dune beach.

It's a free-access beach equipped with free parking and a bar ideal for a lunch break. Although it's well-known and much loved, it doesn't get overly crowded during weekdays, so you can find your own quiet spot: a clean and convenient alternative to private beaches, set within the greenery of the WWF Natural Oasis.

Where to stay in Forte dei Marmi

If you want to enjoy the beauty of a Blue Flag beach in Tuscany, the ideal choice is to book a room at a nearby hotel that lets you reach the sea quickly – even better if by bicycle. We recommend UNA Hotels Forte Dei Marmi, a true oasis of tranquillity. The hotel's 76 rooms feature modern design, great attention to detail, and views overlooking the indoor pool available to guests.

Style, comfort and relaxation come together in harmony with UNA Hotels Forte dei Marmi. In addition to the aforementioned pool, here you will find two clay tennis courts, free parking and a prestigious restaurant where you can enjoy the best of local and Italian cuisine.

Blue Flag beaches in Melendugno

Melendugno is a municipality in the province of Lecce located in the heart of Salento, the area of Apulia famous for the beauty of its landscapes and the sea it overlooks. This area, in particular, offers several marine zones considered among the most beloved along the Adriatic coast, with a captivating mix of cliffs and beaches. Among the most popular Blue Flag beaches are:

• Torre Specchia Ruggeri. Loved by wild nature enthusiasts, this stretch of coast features wide, comfortable sandy areas alternating with rugged cliffs, creating a striking landscape from the very first glance. From the beach, you can also admire the military tower.

• Torre dell’Orso. Nestled between two cliffs and set in a unique environment, this beach offers one of the most captivating landscapes in Salento: on one side, a refreshing pine forest; on the other, two towering, nearly identical sea stacks known as Le Due Sorelle (The Two Sisters). 

• Torre Sant'Andrea (Saint Andrea's Tower). A small yet enchanting sandy beach accessible by dedicatedthe famous Faraglioni rock formations. 

• San Foca is a lively and dynamic spot, famous for its timelessly charming sandy coastline.

Beach resort in Puglia

Let's stay in the resort of San Foca: here stands the Posia Retreat & SPA | UNA Esperienze, a luxury 5-star hotel that resembles a villa on the Adriatic Sea. Here you'll find 23 rooms and suites, designed with carefully considered details to ensure maximum comfort, bright spaces, and an overall elegant atmosphere – all created to make your stay truly memorable. 

Posia Retreat & SPA offers its guests a little slice of paradise: a private beach accessible directly from the hotel. This is Mora Mora Beach, an oasis kissed by crystal-clear waters, nestled between the Grotta della Poesia and the Le Cesine nature reserve. In addition, you will find a warm welcome and a lovely Bistro where you can sip a cocktail overlooking the sea.

Summer 2025 in Taormina

Sicily has long been renowned for the quality of its beaches, and indeed the region has earned 14 Blue Flags, including both new entries and well-established winners. Among these is Taormina, the pearl of the Ionian Sea that rises on Mount Taurus, with Mount Etna on one side and the Ionian Sea coastline on the other. This beautiful city offers some of the most beautiful beaches on the entire eastern coast of Sicily:

• Isola Bella. The most beloved and visited beach, a corner of paradise nestled among lush vegetation and crystal-clear waters.

• Mazzarò beach, perfect both for those who love to relax and for those who want to dive into the local nightlife. The seabed is shallow and pebbly, and the water is crystal clear.

• Spisone beach features a landscape split into two distinct scenes: to the south, you'll find dramatic cliffs and stunning views, while to the north, a long stretch of sandy shore.

• Mazzeo beach. Less well-known compared to the others, but no less enchanting for that reason. You'll also find several bars, restaurants, and kiosks in a very peaceful setting.

Hotels in Sicily near award-winning beaches

UNA Hotels Capotaormina is the perfect location to stay close to the beaches of Taormina, perched dramatically above the sea between Mount Etna and the Bay of Naxos. An elegant property evoking the most enchanting Sicilian atmospheres, offering a wealth of prestigious services: from the saltwater pool just steps from the sea to the fitness room, from the private beach to the complimentary shuttle to explore Taormina – everything in this hotel is designed to ensure you a luxurious holiday.

The Blue Flag beaches are perfect destinations for a holiday, as they combine excellent waters and rare beauty with state-of-the-art services and attention to the environment. If you want to choose as your next travel destination one of the places we've described, all that's left is to book your room and get ready for an unforgettable stay.