The region of Liguria in north-west Italy, otherwise known as the Italian Riviera, has the most Blue Flag beaches of any region in Italy, following two new entries for 2013. The crescent shaped region between the French Riviera and Tuscany now has 20 Blue Flag beaches, allowing it to retain its title of having the most Blue Flag beaches in Italy for the fourth year in a row.
Blue Flag status is granted to beaches with high standards of water quality, safety, environmental education and information and good environmental management criteria. New entries for Liguria for 2013 are the Port of La Spezia Mirabello and San Lorenzo al Mare.
As well as having high quality beaches, it’s also worth going to Liguria if you are into diving which can be enjoyed there for 10 months of the year. Much of the Ligurian coastline is protected, including the four marine reserves, Cinque Terre, Portofino, Bergeggi Island and the Cetacean Sanctuary, making each dive one to remember with unspoilt crystal clear waters and varied sealife and underwater vegetation. Further details on the marine reserves can be found here. Beginners and expert divers wont be short on choice of diving locations and trips with 80 diving centres and schools and 45 itineraries.
For more information on diving in Liguria, click here.
