Blue Flag clean beaches announced for 2018

With the summer season nearly upon us, the international Blue Flag programme has announced the results of its annual clean beach survey. Nineteen Tuscan municipalities have been awarded the recognition for their beaches, all located along the Tyrrhenian coastline, weighing in as the second region with the most Blue Flag beaches in Italy.

This year’s Blue Flag beaches in Tuscany, divided by municipality, are:

CARRARA: Marina di Carrara Centro/Ovest

Wide soft sandy beaches separated by blue sea on one side and green pine forests on the other.

MASSA: Ronchi Levante, Ronchi Ponente, Sinistra Brugiano/Marina Centro/Destra Frigido/Sinistra Frigido, Campeggi/Ricortola/Marina Ponente/Destra Brugiano

Popular beaches with umbrellas and deck chairs to rent and several century-old resorts.

FORTE DEI MARMI: Litorale Centro/Capannina

Glamorous, well-equipped beaches immersed with the backdrop of the Apuan Alps.

PIETRASANTA: Tonfano

A free beach with plenty of space for everyone to lay out a towel.

CAMAIORE: Lido Arlecchino

A quiet area of fine, golden sand equipped with modern facilities.

VIAREGGIO: Marina di Viareggio Levante/Ponente/Torre del Lago Puccini

Easily accessible by train from Florence, enjoy a dolphin-watching tour off the shores of Viareggio.

PISA: Calambrone/Tirrenia, Marina di Pisa

Sheltered beaches surrounded by pine forests.

LIVORNO: Cala del Miramare, Rogiolo, Del Sale/Roma, Tre Ponti, Rex, Cala Quercianella

Regarded as some of the most beautiful beaches in Tuscany with a coastline perfect for diving and other water sports.

ROSIGNANO MARITTIMO: Castiglioncello, Vada

Long stretches of white beaches surrounded by green pine woods, a paradise for surfers and sailors.

CECINA: Le Gorette, Marina di Cecina

Varied scenery with plenty to do in the areas around the beaches.

BIBBONA: Marina di Bibbona Centro/Sud

A popular tourist spot with outstanding facilities for an active or relaxing day.

CASTAGNETO CARDUCCI: Marina di Castagneto Carducci

Wide sandy beaches surrounded by Mediterranean shrubland with beautiful panoramic views.

SAN VINCENZO: Rimigliano, Spiaggia Centro, Principessa, Spiaggia della Conchiglia

Fine, golden sandy beaches stretching for kilometres with areas for swimming and bathing.

PIOMBINO: Parco Naturale della Sterpaia

A long beach of golden sand with snack areas, wooden tables and other facilities.

MARCIANA MARINA: La Fenicia

The most famous beach locally, loved by sailors and visitors.

FOLLONICA: Spiaggia Nord

The perfect place for water sports due to the long beaches and clear water.

CASTIGLIONE DELLA PESCAIA: Rocchette/Roccamare-Casa Mora/Riva del Sole/Capezzolo/Ponente, Spiaggia Pian D’alma/Casetta Civinini-Piastrone/Punta Ala, Levante/Tombolo

Offering long stretches of untouched beauty and well-equipped beaches for a fun-filled trip.

GROSSETO: Marina di Grosseto, Principina a Mare

Easily accessible beaches, ideal for admiring the area’s natural beauty.

MONTE ARGENTARIO: Porto Santo Stefano - Il Pozzarello, La Soda, Cala Piccola, La Caletta, Il Moletto / Porto Ercole - Le Viste, La Feniglia

A great place to sunbathe while enjoying the crystal-clear sea.

Operated under the auspices of the Foundation for Environmental Education headquartered in Copenhagen, Denmark, to qualify for the prestigious Blue Flag award, a series of stringent environmental, educational, safety-related and access-related criteria must be met and maintained.