This year 385 Italian beaches in 183 different municipalities were awarded the prestigious Blue Flag, meaning Italy still has 10 percent of all Blue Flag beaches in the world. The international Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) awards the marker based on 32 different criteria,  from water quality to facilities for visitors, and various safety and environmental factors.

The environmental organisation monitors the coastlines of 44 countries, awarding the sought-after blue flags to beaches which meet their standards. The indicator is invaluable for beachgoers who are looking to spend a day in the sun but are unsure where to go.