Bisceglie, 20 July 2026 – An evening marked by strong public participation, emotion and collective pride celebrated the awarding of the 2026 Blue Flag to the city of Bisceglie and the Marina Resort “Bisceglie Approdi” on Monday, 20 July, at the Teatro Mediterraneo. This is the sixth consecutive year that the marina has received one of the most prestigious international awards granted by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE).
The Blue Flag Celebration was not only a moment of festivity, but also an opportunity to share with the community the results of a journey built over the years through investment, expertise and constant attention to environmental sustainability, safety and service quality.
“The Blue Flag is a symbol and an emblem, but above all it certifies that our marina meets the strictest international standards in terms of environmental sustainability, environmental management, safety and water quality,” said Nico Ventura, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Bisceglie Approdi. “From services for boat owners to environmental communication and educational activities aimed at both adults and children, every decision has been made with the awareness that the sea is one of our most precious resources.”
The award reflects the growth of Bisceglie’s marina and its increasing appeal within the national and international boating sector. Today, the Marina Resort offers 450 permanent berths, all fully occupied, and welcomes vessels from all over the world, including New Zealand, Australia and the United States. This confirms a reputation built over time on the quality of its hospitality and services.
“This is the result of extraordinary and consistent teamwork,” Ventura added. “I would like to thank Engineer Rutigliano for the work carried out over the past few years, the members of the Board of Directors that I have the honour of chairing, my trusted right-hand man Gigi Di Tullio, the mooring staff and everyone who, often away from the spotlight, contributes every day to achieving these important milestones.”
Among the outstanding vessels hosted by the marina are Nyo, the trimaran owned by Divella and recent winner of the Brindisi–Vlorë regatta, a 106-foot Ferretti maxi yacht, and many other prestigious boats. These figures and high-profile arrivals confirm the strategic role of Bisceglie’s marina as a key destination in the Mediterranean.
The ceremony was also attended by Flavia Anania, Prefect of the Province of Barletta-Andria-Trani, who emphasised that the Blue Flag is a significant achievement not only for Bisceglie, but for the entire province. The FEE certification assesses a wide range of criteria, including water quality, waste management, safety and the efficiency of marina and beach services.
The evening was made truly memorable by the performance of “Queen in Symphony”, presented by the Orchestra della Magna Grecia under the direction of Maestro Roberto Molinelli. The captivating symphonic and choral tribute combined the timeless energy of rock with the evocative power of the orchestra, accompanied by Magnus Backlund on vocals, offering the large audience an artistic experience of great emotional impact.
For Bisceglie Approdi, the sixth consecutive Blue Flag is not a final destination, but further encouragement to pursue ever-higher standards.
“Only seven marinas in Apulia can claim this award, and we are proud to be among them,” Ventura concluded. “We celebrate this important achievement with the awareness that the Blue Flag places an even greater responsibility upon us: to continue investing in the future of our sea, our city and the generations to come.”
