Blue Flags 2026: Sicily adds two new beaches

The Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) announced the Blue Flags 2026 list. Italy counts 257 municipalities awarded the flag and a total of 525 beaches. Among the 14 new national entries are two Sicilian locations: Ispica (Ragusa) and Lipari (Messina), bringing Sicily's total to 16 recognized destinations.

• New Blue Flags 2026: Ispica and Lipari are among the 14 new entries at national level.
• Regional figures: Liguria leads with 35 locations; Sicily increases to 16.
• Sicilian beaches awarded: noted stretches include Messina Nord, Mazzeo di Taormina, Sampieri-Pisciotto of Scicli, Marina di Ragusa, Santa Maria del Focallo and other island coastlines.

The Blue Flag is granted based on 33 criteria covering water quality, environmental management, services, accessibility and sustainable mobility. FEE highlighted municipalities' work on the 2025-2027 sustainability action plans, addressing climate change mitigation, territory enhancement and sustainable tourism.