Blue Flags 2026: Calabria rises to 27 | News
Calabria strengthens its position as one of the best coastal destinations in the Mediterranean after receiving 27 Blue Flags by 2026. This puts it in second place in Italy, behind only Liguria. This award confirms the region’s reputation as a coastal destination that successfully combines scenic beauty, environmental quality, tourist facilities and commitment to sustainability.
The Blue Flag, awarded by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), is one of the most renowned international awards for beaches, marinas and boats dedicated to sustainable tourism. To qualify, sites must meet strict criteria regarding water quality, environmental education and information, land management, safety, accessibility and service delivery. In 2026, the program will reaffirm its global reach, with more than five thousand locations worldwide awarded the Blue Flag, making it an instantly recognizable symbol for international audiences.
Calabria’s result is particularly significant and marks tangible growth. The number of Blue Flag resorts has increased from 23 last year to 27 this year, thanks to four new additions: Amendolara, Montegiordano, Falerna and Locri. This increase is a testament to the work being done in the coastal areas, which is strengthening the reputation of the region along the Ionian and Tyrrhenian coasts. The awards cover the entire coast of Calabria, from the Riviera dei Cedri and the Upper Ionian coast of Cosenza to the coast of Crotone, the Ionian part of Catanzaro and the Costa degli Dei and Costa dei Gelsomini. Award-winning locations include well-known destinations such as Praia a Mare, San Nicola Arcella (including the Arcomagno area), Diamante, Cirò Marina, Isola Capo Rizzuto, Soverato, Parghelia, Tropea, Roccella Jonica and Siderno, as well as locations that enhance their tourist profile through environmental quality, services and local promotion.
The Blue Flag therefore serves as a symbol of the quality of the sea and as a means to promote the region as a tourist destination. For travelers, the Blue Flag provides an immediate guarantee of high-quality water, well-maintained beaches, safety measures, services, environmental information and responsible destination management. For Calabria, this means presenting the sea not only as a natural heritage, but also as an organized, sustainable and competitive tourist experience. The 2026 target is part of a wider strategy to promote Calabria as a year-round destination that can integrate its coastal attractions with inland offerings such as villages, parks, hiking trails, cycle routes, food and wine, culture and nature. In this way, the quality of the coastline becomes a gateway to a broader regional system in which the sea interacts with the hinterland, protected areas, local communities and the region’s defining cultural experiences.
“The 2026 Blue Flags confirm that Calabria is making progress in quality, sustainability and hospitality. This achievement recognizes the work done across the region and strengthens Calabria’s image as a leading coastal destination in southern Italy, which can appeal to travelers looking for beauty, good services and commitment to the environment.”
Giovanni Calabrese, Councilor for Tourism for the Calabria region.
For more information about the award-winning resorts and to discover Calabria’s Blue Flag beaches, visit the dedicated section on certified coastal destinations on the official Calabria Straordinaria website: https://calabriastraordinaria.it/en/travel-tips/calabria-blue-flags
