On May 14, 2026, confirmation arrived in Rome: Modica has obtained the Blue Flag 2026. A recognition that rewards the quality of the sea, beach management, and seaside services of the Iblean coast. And this year, the province of Ragusa hit the jackpot: five awards out of five applications.
This year, the province of Ragusa submitted five applications and received five awards. The municipalities honored are Ragusa, Modica, Pozzallo, Scicli, and Ispica — the latter returning to the list after a year's absence. This is a significant achievement for a territory that has invested in the environmental quality of its coastlines.
Sicily as a whole has earned 16 Blue Flags in 2026, with two new entries compared to the previous year: Ispica and Lipari. The award ceremony was held in Rome in the presence of the Minister of Tourism, Gianmarco Mazzi, who highlighted the improvement in Southern Italy regarding the quality of tourist and environmental facilities.
The Blue Flag is an annual award given by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) to coastal towns that meet strict criteria in five main areas:
Bathing waters must be excellent based on an evaluation of the last 4 years, with regular sampling during the summer season.
Recycling, proper management of hazardous waste, wastewater treatment, and efficiency of the sewage system.
Beaches equipped with all services, lifeguards, removal of architectural barriers, and pedestrian areas.
Publication of data on bathing waters, environmental education, certification of tourist facilities, and updated signage.
The Blue Flag recognition applies to the coastline of the Municipality of Modica, which includes two main seaside areas, distinct in character and atmosphere.
The main beach of the municipality, about 20 minutes from the historic center. Fine sand, shallow waters particularly suitable for families with children, equipped beach clubs, and free beach areas. The promenade comes alive in summer with bars, seafood restaurants, and the typical evening life of Sicilian seaside towns.
A few kilometers to the west, Sampieri has a wilder character: natural dunes, flat limestone cliffs, and the silhouette of the abandoned Fornace Penna dominating the landscape. The waters are crystal clear and less crowded than Marina di Modica. It is also one of the most iconic filming locations for Inspector Montalbano.
Both Marina di Modica and Sampieri are easily reachable by car from Modica's historic center. There is no direct bus service year-round, but shuttle services from the municipality are activated in the summer.
From Modica center: about 20 minutes by car via SP55. Parking available near the promenade, with a fee in July and August.
From Modica center: about 25 minutes by car. It can also be reached from Scicli (10 minutes). Free parking within a short distance of the beach.
Yes. Modica has confirmed the Blue Flag 2026, awarded on May 14, 2026, in Rome. Along with Ragusa, Pozzallo, Scicli, and Ispica, it is one of the five municipalities in the province of Ragusa honored this year.
The recognition applies to the coastline of the Municipality of Modica, which includes Marina di Modica and Sampieri — the two main seaside areas of the territory.
On May 14, 2026, during the official ceremony held in Rome in the presence of the Minister of Tourism.
Marina di Modica is particularly suitable for families: fine sand, shallow waters, and equipped beach clubs with full services. Sampieri is more suited for those seeking a natural and less developed environment.
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