210 Italian municipalities have obtained the Blue Flag this year, the recognition of the most pristine and sustainable coastal resorts and marinas, awarded by the Foundation for Environmental Education (Fee), an international NGO based in Denmark.
The awarded Municipalities are 9 more than the 201 of last year: 14 are the new entries, 5 Municipalities not confirmed.
82 tourist landings also get the Blue Flag.
The 14 new entries among the municipalities are Alba Adriatica in Abruzzo, Caulonia and Isola di Capo Rizzuto in Calabria, Ispani in Campania, Riccione and San Mauro Pascoli in Emilia Romagna, Porto Recanati in the Marche, Cannobio in Piedmont, Castro, Rodi Garganico and Ugento in Puglia, Budoni in Sardinia, Furci Siculo in Sicily, Pietrasanta in Tuscany.
San Mauro Cilento and Sapri in Campania, Ventotene in Lazio, the Tremiti Islands and Otranto in Puglia have not been confirmed this year.
The criteria for assigning the Blue Flag are absolute validity of bathing water, efficiency of purification and waste management, pedestrian areas, cycle paths, street furniture, green areas, beach services, removal of architectural barriers, courses of environmental education, hotel facilities, public health services, tourist information, environmental certification of institutional activities and tourist facilities, sustainable fishing.