Liguria beaches receive Blue Flag recognition

This year, the coastal region of Liguria has been awarded 31 Blue Flags – the highest number of blue flags in Italy.

The voluntary eco-label has been awarded to over 3,450 beaches and marinas in 41 countries across Europe, South Africa, Morocco, Tunisia, New Zealand, Brazil, Canada and the Caribbean. 14 of Liguria’s marinas have also been awarded the Blue Flag.

The Blue Flag Programme works towards sustainable development at beaches and marinas, taking into consideration aspects such as water quality, environmental education, environmental management and safety, among others. The Blue Flag is a statement of quality so visitors can be assured of the most crystal clear waters, pristine shores and a welcoming, safe environment.

For those looking for inspiration for summer breaks, here are just a few of Liguria’s Blue Flag beaches.

Finale Ligure, one of the most beautiful parts of Liguria, is a town characterised by its long sandy beach and exotic palms. At fourteen kilometres Finale Ligure Beach is one of the longest in Liguria and visitors to the area will be enchanted by the ‘mountain at the seaside’ landscape in this Riviera town.

Situated on the Western Riviera just 13 km from Savona is the charming seaside resort of Spotorno. The principal street, Via Aurelia, separates the golden beach from winding alleys of the old town. Above the village, the hills are rich with grapevines, olives and maritime pines, providing a wonderful contrast to the sparkling blue of the Spotornese sea.

As with most of the Liguria maritime towns, Moneglia is split into two by the long medieval caruggio or narrow lane running parallel to the shore. The long clean strip of sand extends the length of the bay and is easily accesible from the centre of town, making it easy to alternate lying on the beach with a stroll around the shops, restaurants and wine bars. For those keen to do a bit of underwater exploration, the bay is rich with sea life and coral reefs.

Already quite popular with British visitors, Bordighera Beach is located in the Imperia Province of the Liguria Region. The beach is famous for its deep water as a result of the steep drop of the sand bed. Due to the year long warm climate, the areas surrounding Bordighere Beach are rich in vegetation. For those who feel like a break from swimming and sunbathing, the exotic garden of ‘Pallanca’ and the Bicknell museum are both worth a visit.

Lerici Beach in the province of La Spezia is the perfect destination for those after stunning scenery and crystal clear waters. The beach is a perfect combination of sandy stretches and rocky cliffs, with views over to the islands of Tino, Tinetto and the distinctive lighthouse on Palmeria. The charming beach and seaside resort are great for relaxing and whiling away the day, but also make a great base for discovering the rest of the Eastern Riviera, including the rugged coast of Cinque Terre.

British Airways has regular flights to Cristoforo Colombo airport in Genoa throughout the summer and prices start from £128 return. Ryanair also flies to Genoa from Stansted, from £19.99 one way.

For further information on “In Liguria” please visit: turismoinliguria.it