Green Flags 2026: these are the 153 best child-friendly Italian beaches chosen by paediatricians

The 2026 Green Flags certify the beaches considered most suitable for children according to the opinion of over 3,200 Italian and foreign paediatricians. The criteria are clear: shallow water, safe water, wide beaches, services for families and the constant presence of rescue operators. The objective is to identify places where bathing is not only safe, but also stimulating for the development of the little ones.

The updated list reported by Adnkronos it has 164 beaches in total, of which 153 in Italy, 5 in Europe and 6 in Africa. There are six new locations added: three Italian and three African. The selection was presented in Modica, during an institutional meeting with paediatricians, local administrators and project promoters, led by Professor Italo Farnetani, research coordinator. Farnetani himself explained:

The Green Flags were assigned on the basis of the indications of 3,238 Italian and foreign paediatricians, who participated in the initiative in a totally voluntary manner, without compensation, profit-making purposes or sponsor interventions. The beaches must be truly usable by children and families: water that does not immediately become high, adequate spaces between umbrellas, play and catering services dedicated to the little ones, and the indispensable presence of rescue workers.

The new Italian locations

The new Italian entries are Modica in Sicily, Sellia Marina in Calabria and Campomarino in Molise. The latter represents a significant return for the region, which after 14 years returns to add a new beach to its list.

The national ranking still sees Calabria in the lead with 22 Green Flags, followed by Sicily with 19. Sardinia is also on the podium with 16, while Marche and Puglia both stop at 13. At provincial level, six territories emerge with the highest number of awards: Latina, Ragusa, Reggio Calabria, Salerno, Venice and Teramo, confirming a concentrated distribution along the coasts best equipped for family tourism.

The educational model and the vision of paediatricians

As mentioned, the award-winning beaches are not only chosen for safety, but also for the quality of the experience. Paediatricians underline the importance of “living” environments, where children can socialize, move freely and receive sensory stimuli useful for growth. The nearby services are also fundamental, from catering to evening recreational activities, to guarantee a complete holiday for families.

Africa and Gambia among the new seaside excellences

The project, born in 2008, has progressively expanded its scope: first in Italy, then in the European Union since 2017 and finally in Africa since 2021, marking a growing international dimension. Three new Green Flags arrive from Gambia, with the beaches of Fajara Beach, Kololi Beach and Kotu Beach. Here local pediatricians have highlighted wide beaches, structured tourist services, sports activities and the presence of pediatric healthcare nearby, such as the Bundung Maternal and Child Health Hospital.

Green Flags 2023: the list of Italian beaches

Below are all the seaside resorts, divided by Region, which have obtained the Green Flag. Next to each municipality, the province and the year in which the recognition was awarded for the first time is indicated.

Abruzzo

Basilicata

Calabria

Campania

Emilia-Romagna

Friuli Venezia Giulia

Lazio

Liguria

Marche

Molise

Puglia

Sardinia

Sicily

Tuscany

Veneto

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