Liguria in north-west Italy, otherwise known as the 'Italian Riviera', has the most Blue Flag beaches of any region in Italy for the sixth year in a row. The crescent shaped region between the French Riviera and Tuscany is dotted with stunning sandy beaches with 23 being awarded the prestigious Blue Flag designation, three more than last year.*

Blue Flag status is granted to beaches with high standards of water quality, safety and environmental education. New beach entries for Liguria for 2015 are Taggia, located on Liguria's very western edge near the French border; Borghetto Santo Spirito, located to the west of Genoa and Santa Margherita Ligure, a beach on the shores of one of Liguria's most striking and colourful towns. 

Holding this position for six years highlights Liguria's incredible beach offering. The position is particularly impressive considering that the region has a relatively small length of coastline (just 200 miles) compared to other regions of Italy. Blue Flag beaches range from Finale Ligure in the west, which is Liguria's longest beach, to Lerici Beach in east Liguria, with its stunning scenery and crystal clear waters.

For further details on Blue Flag beaches visit: www.blueflag.org

*The full list of Liguria's Blue Flag beaches is in the editors notes 

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Genova - Lavagna, Moneglia, Santa Margherita Ligure - Scogliera Pagana - Punta Pedale- Zona Milite Ignoto, Chiavari - Zona Gli Scogli

Imperia - Bordighera, San Lorenzo al Mare - U Nostromu/Prima Punta - Baia delle Vele, Santo Stefano al Mare - Baia Azzurra, Taggia

La Spezia - Framura - Fornaci,, Lerici - Baia Blu - Fiascherino - Lido - San Terenzo/Colombo - Venere Azzurra, Ameglia - Fiumaretta

Savona - Albisola Superiore, Borghetto Santo Spirito, Albissola Marina, Celle Ligure - Levante - Ponente, Spotorno - Spiaggia di Spotorno (Zona Moli Sirio e Sant'Antonio), Varazze - Arrestra - Ponente Teiro - Piani D'Invrea, Finale Ligure - Baia dei Saraceni Malpasso - Final marina - Finalpia - Porto - Varigotti, Noli - Lido, Savona - Fornaci, Loano - Litorale Sud, Pietra Ligure - Ponente, Bergeggi 

For press enquiries on Liguria contact Jules Ugo or Amelia Astley Birtwistle at Lotus UK on jules/amelia@lotus-uk.co.uk or call 0207 953 7470.

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