With 16 locations awarded the Blue Flag, Sardinia ranks seventh in Italy. First is Liguria with 32 locations. The Blue Flag is an international recognition of the Foundation for Environmental Education for beaches and tourist locations that meet environmental, educational and sustainable management quality criteria.

Here is the list for Sardinia: Mari Pintau and Poetto in Quartu Sant'Elena ; Maladroxia and Coa Cuaddus in Sant'Antioco ; Torregrande in Oristano ; Porto Ferro, Porto Palmas and Rotonda di Platamona in Sassari ; Marina Beach, Marina di Sorso (fourth and fifth comb), Marina di Sorso (seventh comb) in Sorso ; Sacred Heart / Ampurias, Madonnina / Stella Maris, Ex American Palace in Castelsardo ; Li Junchi, Li Mindi-Lu Stangioni, Mimose Bay-Pirottu Li Frati, Lu Poltu Biancu in Badesi ; Rena Majore and Lu Chiscinagghju in Aglientu ; Rena Ponente (Loc. Capo Testa), Rena Bianca, Zia Culumba (Loc. Capo Testa, Rena di Levante), La Taltana Santa Reparata, Conca Verde, La Marmorata in Santa Teresa Gallura ; Lower Trinity, Carlotto/Eagle's Nest, Island of Caprera (Cala Garibaldi/Two Seas/Wreck), Lo Strangolato, Monte d'a Rena, Porto Lungo, Spalmatore, Tegge in La Maddalena ; Palau Vecchio, Isolotto; La Cinta in San Teodoro ; Budoni Bay; Cea Lido, Orrì Lido (first and second beach), Muxì (The Golfetto), Orrì Foxilloni Ponente (known as “La Capannina”), Porto Frailis, San Gemiliano in Tortolì ; Bucca and Strumpu/Tower of Barì/Sa Marina in Bari Sardo .

Fee Italia, the Foundation for Environmental Education, which awards the prizes, recalls that «the 32 criteria of the Program are periodically updated in order to push local administrations to commit to resolve, and improve over time, the problems related to the management of the territory in order to carefully safeguard the environment». Among the indicators considered are: the existence and the degree of functionality of purification plants; the percentage of sewer connections; waste management; accessibility; safety of bathers; care of street furniture and beaches; sustainable mobility; environmental education; enhancement of natural areas; initiatives promoted by Administrations for better livability in the summer period.