The Italian sea is getting blue - that is to say, the waters are getting cleaner and cleaner, while the number of beaches where bathing is prohibited has decreased dramatically.
There were five new additions to the "blue book" this year, having won the title of Most Beautiful for 2002. No fewer than 74 bathing facilities (over only 67 last year), 66 beaches communities and 8 beaches are now flying the blue flag. The banner signifies approval by the Fondazione per l'educazione ambientale in Europa, an environmental watchdog agency that evaluates more than the quality of the water. Inspectors carefully consider each locale in terms of planting and lawns in public areas, and the range of tourist services offered.
This prestigious recognition crowns a number of the country's finest beaches and dock facilities, those that have paid greatest attention to environmental concerns while providing an elevated level of tourist programs and services.

...and the winners are:

LIGURIA (13):
Bordighera, Taggia, Noli, Spotorno, Albisola Scrivia, Celle Ligure, Sestri Levante, Varazze, Portofino, Chiavari, Lavagna, Moneglia, Lerici (Venere Azzurra).
MARCHE (The Marches) (10):
Gabicce M., Fano, Senigallia, Ancona-Portonovo, Sirolo, Numana (Spiagella), Porto S. Giorgio, Cupra M., Grottammare (zona nord e sud), S. Benedetto del Tronto.
PUGLIA (7):
Rodi G., Vieste, Monopoli, Ostuni, Castro, Castellaneta, Ginosa.
EMILIA ROMAGNA (6):
Marina di Ravenna, Cervia, Cesenatico, Rimini, Misano, Cattolica.
TOSCANA (Tuscany) (6):
Versilia (Forte dei Marmi, Viareggio, Pietrasanta, Camaiore), Castagneto C., Rosignano M.-Castiglioncello-Vada, Grosseto (Marina e Principina), Follonica, Castiglione della Pescaia.
CAMPANIA (5):
Positano, Castellabbate (Punta Licosa,Lago), Pollica, Camerota, Sapri.
ABRUZZO (5):
Tortoreto, S.Salvo,Roseto (Lungomare centrale), Martinsicuro, Alba A.
SICILIA (Sicily) (4): Menfi, Marsala, S. Vito lo capo, Ustica.
SARDEGNA (Sardinia) (3):
S.Teresa di Gallura (Rena Bianca), Maddalena (Nido d'Aquila-Punta cannone), Quartu S.Elena (Poetto).
BASILICATA (3): Scanzano J., Policoro, Nuova Siri.
FRIULI VENEZIA GIULIA (2): Grado, Lignano Sabbiadoro.
CALABRIA (2): Roseto Capo Spulico, Crucoli.
LAZIO (1): Sperlonga.
MOLISE (1): Termoli.
VENETO (1): Bibione.
PIEMONTE (Piedmont) (1): Verbania.
LOMBARDIA (Lombardy) (1): Sirmione.

beaches 2002: second part