This year there are 17 new recipients of the prestigious eco-label for cleanliness and sustainability, while one municipality has not been confirmed.
The 226 municipalities on the list translate into a total of 458 beaches, 11 per cent of the total awarded globally.
Northwestern Liguria is the region with the most Blue Flag municipalities, at 34, followed by Puglia with 22 and Tuscany, Campania and Calabria with 19.
This year 21 lakeside municipalities earned the international label, with four new recipients.
FEE is a not-for-profit non-government organisation and its Blue Flag criteria include standards for quality, safety, environmental education and information, the provision of services and general environmental management criteria.
The Blue Flag is sought for beaches, marinas, and sustainable boating tourism operators as an indication of their high environmental and quality standards.
There are 65 organisations that make up FEE in 77 member countries, of which Australia is not one of them.
ANSA
