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West Liguria confirms its excellence with Blue Flags 2025

Once again, Liguria proves itself a top coastal destination: for the 16th consecutive year, it leads Italy with the highest number of Blue Flag beaches. In the 2025 edition of the prestigious international recognition awarded by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), Liguria secured 33 Blue Flag municipalities, reaffirming its position as the region with the cleanest and most environmentally sustainable coastline in the country.

Balzi Rossi (Ventimiglia) – Credits: Corriere della Sera

What is the Blue Flag?

The Blue Flag is an internationally recognized award given to coastal locations that meet strict environmental, quality, and safety criteria. The evaluation process takes into account the cleanliness of the water, waste management, sustainable tourism initiatives, accessible beaches, and the presence of lifeguards and safety measures. Only those municipalities that demonstrate consistent dedication to environmental protection and public services are honored with this recognition.

West Liguria shines again

In this year’s list, West Liguria once again plays a starring role. Towns like San Remo, Ospedaletti, Bordighera, Riva Ligure, Santo Stefano al Mare, Imperia, San Lorenzo al Mare, and Cipressa proudly renew their Blue Flag status, confirming their reputation for excellence along the Italian Riviera. These are not only seaside destinations of remarkable beauty but also places offering a high quality of life, where traditional Ligurian charm meets modern services and a vibrant cultural and gastronomic scene.

In addition to the main towns of West Liguria, several coastal destinations in the province of Savona and beyond have been reconfirmed or newly added. Albenga, Loano, Andora, Finale Ligure, Spotorno, Laigueglia, Noli, and Varazze are just a few of the towns helping to form a coastline that is both breathtaking and environmentally respected.

Blue Flag ports in West Liguria

And the excellence extends beyond the shoreline. Some of the most important marinas of West Liguria have also been awarded the Blue Flag in 2025. Among them is PortoSole in Sanremo, one of the largest and most prestigious tourist ports in the Mediterranean, known for its elegance and first-class facilities. Joining it are the Marina degli Aregai in Santo Stefano al Mare, the Marina di San Lorenzo, the Tourist Port of Bordighera, and the Marina di Alassio. All of these ports have been recognized for their environmental management, safety measures, and high-quality services. These marinas not only enhance the region’s appeal for yacht owners and sea lovers but also contribute to the broader commitment to responsible coastal development.

Italy’s Blue Flag 2025 rankings by region

Liguria’s leadership is even more significant when placed in the national context. Italy saw a record 236 municipalities and 81 marinas receiving the Blue Flag in 2025. Liguria remains firmly in first place with 33 recognitions, ahead of Puglia (27), Calabria (23), Campania and Marche (both with 20), and Tuscany (19). This result reflects a long-term vision, where environmental policy is fully integrated into regional identity, creating value for both residents and investors.

Why it matters for property buyers

For international and Italian buyers looking to invest in real estate along the Italian Riviera, the Blue Flag designation is more than just a label, it’s a guarantee of environmental quality, safety, and long-term value. Owning a property in a Blue Flag municipality means enjoying pristine surroundings, clean waters, and sustainable living.

At LiguriaHomes Casamare, we proudly represent some of the finest properties in these award-winning areas, offering our clients access to a lifestyle that is truly second to none.

Explore life on Liguria’s most prized coastline

Whether you’re dreaming of a sea view apartment in Sanremo, a romantic villa in Bordighera, or a traditional home in the charming village of Ospedaletti, our team is here to help you find the perfect property in the heart of Italy’s most awarded coastline.

👉 Browse our properties and discover why life in West Liguria is truly Blue Flag living at its best.

2020 Blue Flag beaches: Liguria is (again) the most pristine

Italy has 407 top beaches, 22 more than last year, in 195 municipalities. The figures emerge from the 2020 Blue Flag table, which certifies the services and environmental friendliness of coastal and lakeside resorts, as well as the cleanliness of the water.

Blue Flags are international distinctions, created in 1987, with patronage and support from UNEP, the United Nations Environment Programme, and the World Tourism Organisation, which aims to promote a sustainable development at beaches and marinas through strict criteria such as water quality, environmental management, safety and services provided close to or within the beach area. To the Blue Flag Programme participate beaches and marinas in 41 countries of all the world.

Liguria again tops the regional table with 32 blue flags (30 last year), with 2 new entries: Diano Marina and Sestri Levante.

It is followed from far away by Tuscany with 20, Campania with 19, Marche and Apulia with 15, then Sardinia and Calabria with 14, Abruzzo with 10, Veneto and Lazio 9, Sicily reaches 8 flags, Emilia Romagna 7 flags, Basilicata 5, Friuli Venezia Giulia 2 and Molise with 1. But Blue Flags are also for the lakes and Trentino Alto Adige leads with 10 flags, followed by Piedmont with 4 and then Lombardy with 1 flag.

In West Liguria these are the 2020 Blue Flags: Bordighera, Sanremo, Arma di Taggia, Riva Ligure, Santo Stefano al Mare, San Lorenzo al Mare, Diano Marina, Imperia, Ceriale, Borghetto Santo Spirito, Loano, Pietra Ligure, Finale Ligure, Noli, Spotorno, Bergeggi, Savona, Albissola Marina, Albisola Superiore, Celle Ligure and Varazze.

So, after the report “Indice del clima” from Il Sole 24 ore who has crowned West Liguria as BEST CLIMATE in Italy based on 10 different weather parameters (days of sun, days of rain, days of strong wind, humidity, etc) calculated over the period 2008 – 2018, today we have the confirmation that Region Liguria has – again – the most pristine and clear waters in Italy.

Still have doubt where to buy your next home in Italy?

Just click here: https://www.liguriahomes.com/en/ to find your next property in Liguria, Italy.

2019 Blue Flag beaches: Liguria is AGAIN the most pristine

Region Liguria has again the highest number of Blue Flag beaches in Italy.

Italy has 385 top beaches, 17 more than last year, in 183 municipalities. The figures emerge from the 2019 Blue Flag table, which certifies the services and environmental friendliness of coastal and lakeside resorts, as well as the cleanliness of the water.

Blue Flags are international distinctions, created in 1987, with patronage and support from UNEP, the United Nations Environment Programme, and the World Tourism Organisation, which aims to promote a sustainable development at beaches and marinas through strict criteria such as water quality, environmental management, safety and services provided close to or within the beach area. To the Blue Flag Programme participate beaches and marinas in 41 countries of all the world.

Liguria again tops the regional table with 30 blue flags (27 last year), with 3 new entries: Sanremo, Imperia and Riva Ligure.

It is followed from far away by Tuscany with 19, Campania with 18, the central Marche region with 15, then Sardinia with 14, Apulia with 13, Calabria 11, Abruzzo with 10, Veneto 9, Lazio with 8, Emilia Romagna and Sicily reach 7 flags, Basilicata 5, Friuli Venezia Giulia 2 and Molise with 1. But Blue Flags are also for the lakes and Trentino Alto Adige leads with 10 flags, followed by Piedmont with 3 and then Lombardy with 1 flag.

In West Liguria these are the 2019 Blue Flags: Bordighera, Sanremo, Arma di Taggia, Riva Ligure, Santo Stefano al Mare, San Lorenzo al Mare, Imperia, Ceriale, Borghetto Santo Spirito, Loano, Pietra Ligure, Finale Ligure, Noli, Spotorno, Bergeggi, Savona, Albissola Marina, Albisola Superiore, Celle Ligure and Varazze.

So, after the report “Indice del clima” from Il Sole 24 ore who has crowned West Liguria as BEST CLIMATE in Italy on 10 different weather parameters (days of sun, days of rain, days of strong wind, humidity, etc) calculated over the period 2008 – 2018, today we have the confirmation that Region Liguria has – again – the most pristine and clear waters in Italy.

Still have doubt where to buy your next home in Italy? Just click here: https://www.liguriahomes.com/en/ to find your next home in Liguria, Italy.