Costa Azzurra
Friuli – Venezia Giulia, Italy — Excellent water quality
Located 1.53 km from Grado, Costa Azzurra holds a Blue Flag award, meaning it meets strict standards for water quality, environmental management, and safety. The beach is open seasonally, so check local conditions before visiting. April through June offer the best weather for a trip.…
Quick Overview
Plan Your Visit to Costa Azzurra
The key facts before you go
About the Beach
What is Costa Azzurra?
Located 1.53 km from Grado, Costa Azzurra holds a Blue Flag award, meaning it meets strict standards for water quality, environmental management, and safety. The beach is open seasonally, so check local conditions before visiting. April through June offer the best weather for a trip. Families and environmentally minded travelers appreciate the beach's commitment to these standards.
It sits alongside certified beaches along Friuli – Venezia Giulia, part of a broader network of certified beaches throughout Italy certified annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education.
Sunrise, Sunset & Beach Direction
Costa Azzurra faces S toward Adriatic Sea. The best light for photography and swimming is typically in April, May, June. The beach's orientation determines when it catches direct sun — plan your visit around this to make the most of your time there.
Planning
When to Go — Month by Month
| Month | Air Temp | Water Temp | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 5°C | 2°C | Low |
| Feb | 7°C | 4°C | Low |
| Mar | 9°C | 6°C | Low |
| Apr | 13°C | 10°C | Med |
| May | 17°C | 14°C | Med |
| Jun | 23°C | 20°C | Med |
| Jul | 25°C | 22°C | High |
| Aug | 25°C | 22°C | High |
| Sep | 20°C | 17°C | Med |
| Oct | 16°C | 13°C | Low |
| Nov | 11°C | 8°C | Low |
| Dec | 7°C | 4°C | Low |
The best time to visit Costa Azzurra is April, May, June. Air temperatures peak around 24.8°C in summer. Peak water temperature reaches 21.8°C in July.
How crowded does Costa Azzurra get?Like most Blue Flag beaches in Italy, Costa Azzurra sees its highest visitor numbers in July and August. The beach maintains a pleasant atmosphere even in peak season.
Is Costa Azzurra open year-round?The beach itself is accessible year-round, though staffed facilities including lifeguards typically operate only during the official season (typically July–September). The Blue Flag is displayed during the certification period only.
The Water
Swimming and Beach Life at Costa Azzurra
Is Costa Azzurra safe to swim?Costa Azzurra is Blue Flag certified, which requires meeting strict bathing water standards set by the EU Bathing Water Directive. Water quality is rated <span class="inline-stat">Excellent</span>. The beach does not have lifeguards stationed on the beach — swim with appropriate caution.
What is the water temperature at Costa Azzurra?Peak water temperature at Costa Azzurra reaches around <span class="inline-stat">21.8°C</span> in July, making it comfortable for swimming during the summer months. In winter (January), air temperatures average 4.5°C.
What is the beach like at Costa Azzurra?Costa Azzurra on the Friuli – Venezia Giulia coast of Italy. It meets all Blue Flag criteria for environmental management, water quality, safety, and facilities.
Does Costa Azzurra have good facilities?As a Blue Flag certified beach, Costa Azzurra meets the Foundation for Environmental Education's standards for facilities and services. Toilet facilities are on site. Parking is available nearby.
Costa Azzurra sits on the Adriatic Sea — explore all Blue Flag beaches on the Adriatic.
Planning a trip to Italy? Blue Flag Beaches Italy 2026 — our editorial guide to certified beaches across the country.
Transport
Getting to Costa Azzurra
How do I get to Costa Azzurra by car?Costa Azzurra is approximately 1.53 km from Grado / Grau. Follow local road signs to the beach. Check Google Maps or a local map for the most current directions.
What is the nearest airport to Costa Azzurra?The nearest airport is Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE), approximately 82.2 km away.
Can I get to Costa Azzurra by public transport?Public transport options vary by season. Check local transport authority websites for current bus and train schedules connecting to Grado / Grau.
Practical Details
Practical Information
| At the Beach | |
| Entry | Free — no charge to access the beach |
|---|---|
| Lifeguards | ✗ |
| Disabled Access | Contact local authority for details |
| Showers | ✗ |
| Toilets | ✓ Available during season |
| Beach Type | Coastal beach |
| Visiting Information | |
| GPS Coordinates | 45.6798°N, 13.3783°E |
| Water Quality | Excellent (EU Bathing Water Directive) |
| Blue Flag Operator | Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) — Italy |
Frequently Asked Questions
Costa Azzurra FAQ
Is Costa Azzurra suitable for children?
Costa Azzurra is a Blue Flag certified beach in Friuli – Venezia Giulia, Italy. The EU Excellent water quality rating means the water is safe and clean for all swimmers, including children. Blue Flag certification itself requires meeting strict environmental and safety standards that benefit all beach users.
Is Costa Azzurra free to access?
Yes, access to Costa Azzurra is free — there are no entry fees or charges to use the beach. Parking is available nearby; check local signs for any parking charges. Facilities including toilets are typically available during the official season at no charge. The beach is managed by local authorities under the Blue Flag programme.
When is the best time to visit Costa Azzurra?
The best time to visit Costa Azzurra is April, May, June. Water temperature peaks at around 21.8°C in July, which is ideal for swimming. Air temperatures reach 24.8°C in summer. If you prefer quieter conditions, visiting in June or September gives you warm weather with fewer crowds than the July–August peak. The Blue Flag is displayed during the certified season, confirming the beach meets all water quality and safety standards.
What is the water quality at Costa Azzurra?
Costa Azzurra is Blue Flag certified, which requires meeting strict annual water quality standards set by the EU Bathing Water Directive. Water quality is currently rated Excellent. Blue Flag certification is awarded by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) and requires independent water quality monitoring throughout the season. The results are publicly available from the European Environment Agency.
How do I get to Costa Azzurra?
Costa Azzurra is located in Friuli – Venezia Giulia, Italy. It is approximately 1.53 km from Grado / Grau. The nearest airport is Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE), 82.2 km away. Parking is available at or near the beach. Check local transport authority websites for current public transport schedules. A car is the most flexible option for reaching the beach, particularly outside peak season.
Explore More
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Everything you need to know about what makes a beach qualify for Blue Flag status — from water quality to environmental education.
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