Tuscany continues to strengthen its reputation as one of Italy’s top coastal destinations, with 19 seaside municipalities receiving the prestigious Blue Flag certification for 2025. The latest addition is Marciana Marina on Elba Island, which regains the recognition after missing out in 2024.
The Blue Flag is an internationally recognized award assigned by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE). It certifies not only the quality of the water but also a wide range of environmental and service standards. More than 30 criteria must be met, including waste management, accessibility, beach safety, sustainable mobility, and climate action plans.
Tuscany’s 2025 Blue Flag Beaches
With Marciana Marina back on the list, the full lineup of Tuscany’s Blue Flag locations now includes: Carrara, Massa, Forte dei Marmi, Pietrasanta, Camaiore, Viareggio, Pisa, Livorno, Rosignano Marittimo, Cecina, Bibbona, Castagneto Carducci, San Vincenzo, Piombino, Follonica, Castiglione della Pescaia, Grosseto, and Orbetello.
Italy’s Growing Blue Flag Network
At the national level, Italy reaches a new record with 246 municipalities awarded the Blue Flag, up from 236 in 2024. This includes 487 beaches, representing around 11.5% of all Blue Flag beaches worldwide. Additionally, 84 tourist harbors have been certified this year. However, the number of recognized lakeside locations drops to 22.
Fifteen new municipalities join the national list this year, including popular seaside towns like Sapri in Campania, San Teodoro in Sardinia, and Messina in Sicily. Tuscany’s Marciana Marina is among these newcomers. Meanwhile, five municipalities lost their certification, including Capaccio Paestum in Campania and Lipari in Sicily.
Focus on Sustainable Development
To maintain the certification, municipalities are required to meet increasingly demanding standards. For the 2025-2027 cycle, the FEE has asked all participants to submit a Sustainability Action Plan outlining current and future activities.
The plan focuses on five key goals:
- Sustainable Mobility
- Sustainable Cities and Communities
- Life on Land
- Life Below Water
- Climate Action
The evaluation includes wastewater treatment efficiency, waste management, beach accessibility, swimmer safety, urban and coastal maintenance, environmental education, and community engagement. Municipalities are also encouraged to adopt certification processes for local tourism services and public administration activities.
With another Blue Flag added to the list, Tuscany not only celebrates its beautiful coastline but also its ongoing commitment to sustainable tourism and environmental protection.
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