Which beaches are best suited to families with children? Italian paediatricians help answer this question every year by awarding the Green Flag to seaside destinations considered particularly suitable for young beachgoers and their families.
The Green Flag initiative was launched in 2008 by Professor Italo Farnetani. Over the years, the research has involved a total of 3,238 paediatricians from Italy and abroad, helping identify seaside destinations with child-friendly natural features and services for little holidaymakers and their parents. In 2026, 164 beaches received the recognition worldwide: 153 in Italy, five elsewhere in Europe and six in Africa.
What Makes a Beach Suitable for Children?
What should a beach offer to be considered family-friendly and receive the coveted Green Flag?
Let’s start with its natural features. The water should be clear, with shallow areas near the shore and a seabed that slopes gently, without sudden drops. Sandy beaches are also preferred, as they give children plenty of room to play, build sandcastles and enjoy themselves with a bucket and spade.
Beach facilities and services are another important part of the experience when choosing a family holiday destination. Lifeguards and appropriate rescue equipment are essential, while playgrounds and dedicated play areas give children even more ways to have fun.
Facilities where parents can breastfeed or change a baby’s nappy are also particularly useful. And what about cafés, ice-cream parlours, bars and restaurants nearby? They make it easier to meet children’s needs throughout the day while giving parents the chance to enjoy a relaxing break, too.
The Green Flag selection favours well-equipped beaches, where lifeguards can provide assistance in an emergency and beach facilities help support a comfortable family day out. Cafés and beach bars can also be handy when it’s time for a morning snack or afternoon treat, and may be able to help parents warm milk or baby food.
Which Beaches in Veneto Are Suitable for Children?
For 2026, the Green Flag list includes 164 child-friendly beach destinations worldwide. The selection is based on the recommendations of paediatricians, with the aim of helping families find seaside resorts that meet children’s needs.
The initiative has developed over the years, considering different types of destinations. In its early editions, the research focused on lively seaside resorts with tourist facilities for both parents and children. Later, it also explored quieter, more natural beaches where the surrounding landscape played a greater role.
In Veneto, six seaside destinations have been awarded the Green Flag:
- Caorle
- Jesolo
- Cavallino-Treporti
- Lido di Venezia
- Chioggia-Sottomarina
- Bibione
We’re especially proud to see Caorle and Jesolo included among the destinations recognised for their family-friendly beaches. These much-loved Adriatic resorts offer a combination of sandy shores, gently sloping seabeds and services designed to make beach days more enjoyable for families.
Every family has different needs, but choosing a destination with child-friendly features can make planning a beach holiday that little bit easier.
We’d like to thank all the families who continue to choose Caorle and Jesolo for their summer holidays and for those precious moments spent together!
Planning a summer getaway by the sea, perhaps in Caorle or Jesolo? Take a look at our ideas for fun beach games to play with friends and make the most of your time on the beach!
