The official news has arrived: the 2026 Blue Flag returns to fly on the beaches of Vieste and Gargano, once again confirming the quality of Puglia's seas. The Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) has awarded Puglia 27 Blue Flags, making it one of the most awarded Italian regions for clean waters, services, and environmental sustainability.
In the Gargano region, the award went to Vieste, Peschici, Rodi Garganico, the Tremiti Islands, and Zapponeta. This significant achievement further enhances one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline on the Adriatic, with its sandy beaches, secluded coves, trabucchi, and crystal-clear sea.
The Blue Flag is awarded not only for the quality of the sea, which is constantly monitored, but also for the presence of efficient services, separate waste collection, cycle paths, pedestrian areas, and attention to the environment.
For those who are planning a vacation and are wondering what to see in Vieste or on the Gargano, these beaches represent some of the most beautiful places to experience during the summer.
The 2026 Blue Flag beaches in Vieste
San Lorenzo beach
San Lorenzo Beach is located north of Vieste's town center and is one of the city's most popular. Its long sandy shore, shallow waters, and numerous amenities make it perfect for families and children. In recent years, it has also become a hotspot for water sports such as wingfoiling, windsurfing, and kitesurfing, thanks to the steady winds that blow along the northern coast.
Scialara beach
La Scialara beach It is one of the symbolic images of the Gargano. Located at the foot of the historic center of Vieste, it is dominated by the famous Pizzomunno, the large white monolith linked to the legend of Cristalda and Pizzomunno. The beach is about 3 kilometers long, with golden sand and clear sea. The Mattei promenade runs along the entire bay, offering spectacular views, especially at sunset.
The other Blue Flag beaches of Gargano
Gusmay Bay – Peschici
Monaccora Bay is one of Peschici's most famous beaches. Surrounded by Mediterranean scrub, it offers clear waters and a seabed perfect for snorkeling and relaxation. The bay still retains the authentic charm of the Gargano coast.
Procinisco – Peschici
Procinisco Beach is a small bay located not far from the center of Peschici. Sheltered from the wind and characterized by pale sand and clear water, it is popular with those seeking tranquility and calm waters. The surrounding Mediterranean vegetation contributes to a relaxing and peaceful atmosphere.
Sfinale Bay – Peschici
Sfinale Bay is one of the most picturesque bays in the Gargano, located between Vieste and Peschici. The beach, surrounded by pine trees and Mediterranean vegetation, features golden sand and a crystal-clear sea with vibrant colors. The natural landscape and tranquil atmosphere make it a popular destination for those seeking a still unspoiled coastline.
Calalunga Bay, Manaccora Bay, Peschici Bay, San Nicola/Zaiana Bay
Peschici has confirmed its position as one of Italy's most awarded Blue Flag municipalities, boasting the award-winning beaches of Calalunga, Baia di Manaccora, Baia di Peschici, Baia San Nicola/Zaiana, as well as Sfinale, Procinisco, and Gusmay.
Eastern Riviera – Rodi Garganico
The Riviera di Levante in Rodi Garganico is a long stretch of sandy beach overlooking a clear, shallow sea. It is one of the most popular seaside areas on the northern coast of Gargano, ideal for families and relaxing holidays. The presence of beach clubs, services, and large spaces contribute to the overall quality of the coastline.
Western Riviera – Rodi Garganico
The other part of the Rodi Garganico coast has also been awarded the Blue Flag, a beach characterized by fine sand, lapped by a sea that changes from azure to blue.
Cala delle Arene – Tremiti Islands
Cala delle Arene is the symbolic beach of the Tremiti Islands and is one of the few sandy beaches in the archipelago. The turquoise waters and transparent seabed make this place one of the most beautiful natural paradises in the Adriatic. The Tremiti Islands are a popular destination for diving, snorkeling, and boat trips.
Zapponeta Beach
Zapponeta Beach extends along the Gulf of Manfredonia, boasting a wide sandy shoreline and shallow waters. It's a popular destination for families thanks to its tranquil coastline and wide open spaces. The Blue Flag certification confirms the quality of the water and the services available in the area.
The Gargano between clean sea and nature
The 2026 Blue Flag confirms Gargano as one of Puglia's most beautiful seaside destinations. From Vieste to the Tremiti Islands, passing through Peschici, the Gargano promontory offers some of the Adriatic's most spectacular beaches, with white cliffs, secluded coves, and long sandy shores.
In addition to the sea, the area offers many experiences to live: the historic center of Vieste, the Umbra Forest, excursions to the sea caves and bays of the south coast such as Campi Bay e Vignanotica.
27 municipalities with Blue Flags in Puglia
The other provinces of Puglia also confirm a strong presence among the locations awarded the Blue Flag 2026. In the BAT province, Margherita di Savoia and Bisceglie appear, while in the metropolitan area of Bari, the most notable ones are Polignano a Mare and Monopoli, among the most popular destinations on the Apulian Adriatic coast. In the province of Brindisi, Fasano received the recognition. Ostuni and Carovigno, territories that combine sea, nature, and historic villages.
The province of Lecce confirms itself as one of the most represented with numerous awarded locations in Salento: Melendugno, Castro, Tricase, Morciano di Leuca, Salve, Ugento, Gallipoli and Nardò, among cliffs, Caribbean-like beaches, and historic towns overlooking the sea. The province of Taranto also received several awards, with towns like Manduria, Maruggio, Leporano, Pulsano, Castellaneta, and Ginosa, confirming the growing appreciation of Puglia's Ionian coast.
