A record number of Italian beaches now boast the prestigious Blue Flag certificate of cleanliness and safety. This year 368 Italian beaches in 175 different municipalities were awarded the Blue Flag, giving Italy 10 percent of all Blue Flag beaches the world over. 

The international Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) awards the marker based on 32 different criteria, including water quality, environmental impact, access, services and "livability" at the height of the summer season, which sees thousands of visitors flock to Italy's coastline and lakes.