Teulada is the island's new pearl.
Sardinia confirms itself as one of the most prestigious and sustainable destinations in the Mediterranean. In the 2026 edition of the international award by FEE (Foundation for Environmental Education), the island strengthens its national standing with 17 awarded locations, thanks to a new entry that reflects continued quality gains.
The 2026 new entry: Teulada
This year's headline for Sardinian shores is Teulada. The south-western town earned the blue flag not only for the iconic beauty of its waters, but for meeting strict criteria on wastewater, accessibility and waste management. Teulada now sits among the elite municipalities that balance tourism and environmental stewardship.
The roll call: Sardinia's 17 locations
The award spans the whole coastline, from Gallura to Sulcis, through Oristano and Ogliastra. Here are the locations that can display the Blue Flag in 2026:
Gallura and north-east
- La Maddalena (with its multi-award-winning archipelago beaches)
- Palau
- Santa Teresa Gallura
- Aglientu
- Trinità d'Agultu e Vignola
- Budoni
Sassari area and north-west
- Castelsardo
- Sorso
- Sassari (Platamona area)
- Badesi
Ogliastra and Nuoro area
- Tortolì
- Bari Sardo
Oristano area
- Oristano (Torre Grande)
South Sardinia
- Teulada (New for 2026)
- Quartu Sant'Elena
- Sant'Antioco
- Calasetta
Why Sardinia leads on sustainability
A Blue Flag is not won on crystal-clear water alone. Sardinia's 17 locations had to meet 33 rigorous international criteria. Among the island's strengths:
- Water quality: Rated "excellent" across the last four consecutive years of sampling.
- Land management: Strong commitment to separate waste collection and more pedestrian and cycle-friendly areas.
- Sustainability action plan: Sardinia has responded to FEE's 2025–2027 macro-goals, focusing on marine biodiversity and climate action.
- Services and safety: More lifeguard capacity and full beach accessibility for people with disabilities.
With this result, Sardinia sits at the top of quality tourism, giving visitors the assurance of beaches managed to the highest global environmental standards.