The sea of Romagna: water, flags and rules
Everything you need to know before swimming on the Riviera, from Comacchio to Pesaro: what the water is like and who checks it, what to do after a storm, the flags, the beach rules and where to take your dog.
Is the water clean?
Emilia-Romagna has 98 bathing waters. Based on the analyses of the years 2022-2025, 82 are of excellent quality, 15 good and 1 sufficient. They are checked by Arpae, the regional environment agency.
After a heavy storm: the temporary ban
In heavy rain the treatment plants may release excess water into the sea: then the town forbids swimming for a while on that stretch of coast. The ban is written on signs on the beach, also in English, French and German. If you see one, stay out of the water.
Who checks and how
Arpae takes samples on every stretch of coast and looks for two bacteria, Escherichia coli and Enterococci. If even one goes over the limit, swimming is banned on that stretch until a new sample is within the limits.
The season of the checks
In 2026 the bathing season, the period of the checks, runs from 16 May to 27 September 2026. Outside the season the water is not analysed.
Rivers and lakes
In Emilia-Romagna no river and no lake is designated for bathing: there the water is not checked for swimmers.
Arpae's map with the samples The Ministry of Health water portal Sea and weather for the next days
The Blue Flags
The Blue Flag is the FEE award for places with clean water and good services. In 2026 it went to 14 towns on our coast.
| Town | Beaches awarded | |
|---|---|---|
| Comacchio (FE) | Lido degli Estensi, Lido di Volano, Lido delle Nazioni, Lido di Pomposa, Lido degli Scacchi, Porto Garibaldi, Lido di Spina | Beach clubs |
| Ravenna (RA) | Casalborsetti, Porto Corsini, Marina di Ravenna, Lido Adriano, Lido di Dante, Lido di Classe, Lido di Savio | Beach clubs |
| Cervia (RA) | Milano Marittima, Pinarella | Beach clubs |
| Cesenatico (FC) | Levante (Valverde, Villamarina), Zadina Ponente | Beach clubs |
| Gatteo (FC) | Gatteo a Mare | Beach clubs |
| San Mauro Pascoli (FC) | San Mauro Mare | Beach clubs |
| Bellaria-Igea Marina (RN) | Igea Marina | Beach clubs |
| Rimini (RN) New | Marina Centro, litorale sud | Beach clubs |
| Riccione (RN) | Fogliano Marina, Colonia Burgo | Beach clubs |
| Misano Adriatico (RN) | Misano Centro, Porto Verde | Beach clubs |
| Cattolica (RN) | Viale Fiume | Beach clubs |
| Gabicce Mare (PU) | Lido | Beach clubs |
| Pesaro (PU) | Ponente, Sottomonte | Beach clubs |
| Fano (PU) | Nord, Sassonia, Torrette, Lido | Beach clubs |
The beach names are those of the official list. Full list 2026
Flags and beach rules
They apply on the whole coast of Emilia-Romagna (the Region's beach ordinance); each town may add more, posted at the entrance of the beach. In season lifeguards are on duty at least from 9.30 to 18.30.
- Red flag
Swimming is not safe: there is no lifeguard service, for example out of season or out of hours, or the sea is dangerous. Stay out of the water.
- Yellow flag
In Romagna it means gusts of wind: the umbrellas must be closed.
- Sign "swimming not safe"
On free beaches without a lifeguard the town puts it up to warn that nobody watches the sea.
Where swimming is forbidden
Harbours and piers
Inside harbours and within 150 metres of the piers at the harbour mouth.
River mouths and outlets
Within 50 metres of river and canal mouths and of the pipes marked by signs.
Boat corridors
Inside the marked corridors used by boats, pedalos and windsurf boards to leave and land.
Breakwaters
Walking or staying on the breakwaters is forbidden, except those specially fitted for it. Near those being built swimming is forbidden within 100 metres.
On the beach
The shoreline is for everyone
The first 5 metres from the sea are only for walking: no umbrellas, deckchairs or towels there.
Free beach
On free beaches umbrellas, chairs and towels must be taken away at sunset. Camping on the beach is not allowed.
Ball games
Football, beach tennis and volleyball only where they do not disturb, usually in the equipped areas of the beach clubs.
No cars or motorbikes
On the sand you go only on foot or by bike: cars and motorbikes are not allowed.
At the sea with your dog
In season animals are not allowed on the beach, except guide dogs and rescue dogs. They may enter only beach clubs with a reserved, equipped area and the stretches of free beach chosen by the town, with their hours. Below, town by town, how many beach clubs say they take dogs.
- Lidi di Comacchio 4
- Casalborsetti 5
- Marina Romea 6
- Porto Corsini 1
- Marina di Ravenna 2
- Punta Marina 3
- Lido Adriano 2
- Lido di Dante 2
- Lido di Classe 5
- Lido di Savio 12
- Milano Marittima 6
- Cervia 5
- Cesenatico 36
- San Mauro Pascoli 8
- Bellaria-Igea Marina 2
- Rimini 12
- Misano Adriatico 24
- Cattolica 7
- Gabicce Mare 2
The number comes from our beach club page: always call the beach club before going, rules and places change every summer.
Data checked on 17 October 2026 on the Arpae website, the Emilia-Romagna beach ordinance and the Blue Flag list 2026. In the Marche (Gabicce, Pesaro, Fano) the rules of the Marche Region apply.
From the airport straight to the sea
Romagna Transfer takes you and your luggage to your hotel, all along the Riviera.