Inclusion, sustainability, attention to families and alternative mobility: these are some of the criteria by which Puglia chose to enhance the most virtuous coastal realities, 31 beaches among seaside resorts, equipped lidos, and free beaches, which won the first edition of the “Granello d’Oro,” the new quality recognition promoted by the Regione Puglia that takes into account interventions already realized and verifiable services along the coast.
“The initiative arises from the intent to steer beach services toward a model capable of combining quality, accessibility, and protection of the territory,” explained the regional councilor for Landscape and Coast, Marina Leuzzi.
The categories are six: ranging from accessibility to environmental sustainability, passing through the needs of families, sport, the relationship with nature, sustainable mobility, and the possibility of enjoying the beach without smoking.
The 31 beaches awarded in Puglia
The most represented category is Accessible, with 13 recognitions:
- Dinamiko Beach in Nardò;
- Maruggio Inclusive Free Beach;
- Lido Matinelle in Trani;
- Lido Torre Egnazia in Monopoli;
- Io Posso, the beach dedicated to people with disabilities in Melendugno;
- Free Beach of the Cagnolo in Bisceglie;
- Lido Torre Guaceto;
- Camerini Beach in Carovigno;
- Le Cinque Vele in Salve;
- Cala San Giovanni in Polignano a Mare;
- AbilBeach in Trepuzzi;
- Lido Blu Marine in Rodi Garganico;
- Lido Vela Velo Beach in Vieste.
Three realities were recognized for their Eco-sustainable commitment: La Conchiglia in Bisceglie, Lido Torre Egnazia in Monopoli and Lido FataMorgana in Pulsano.
Particular attention was also devoted to travelers with children who seek family-friendly services. The category Family Friendly indeed includes ten realities:
- Il Santos in Fasano;
- Lido Rosa in Lesina;
- Lido Torre Egnazia in Monopoli;
- Lido Torre Guaceto in Carovigno;
- Cala San Giovanni in Polignano a Mare;
- Lido Cala d’Oro in Bari;
- Lido Colonna in Trani;
- Lido FataMorgana in Pulsano;
- Lido Blu Marine in Rodi Garganico;
- Lido Vela Velo Beach in Vieste.
From the sea to sport, through sustainable mobility
The Puglia of the “Granello d’Oro” also looks at a more active way of experiencing the coastline. In the Sport and Nature category, the following were awarded:
- Lido Matinelle (Trani);
- Lido Torre Egnazia (Monopoli);
- Cala San Giovanni (Polignano a Mare);
- GIL Beach – Lido La Testa of Bisceglie;
- Lido FataMorgana (Pulsano);
- La Baia del Pescatore of Trani;
- Lido Blu Marine (Rodi Garganico);
- Lido Vela Velo Beach (Vieste);
- Lido Colonna (Trani);
- Pane e Pomodoro Beach in Bari.
Even more numerous are the recognitions Green Move, as many as 14, dedicated to sustainable mobility:
- Lido Matinelle (Trani);
- Lido Torre Egnazia (Monopoli);
- Io Posso (Melendugno);
- Lido Moretti in Bari;
- Lido Torre Guaceto (Carovigno);
- Lido La Rotonda in Bari;
- Lido Il Titolo in Bari;
- Cala San Giovanni (Polignano a Mare);
- GIL Beach – Lido La Testa (Bisceglie);
- Lido Cala d’Oro (Bari);
- Lido Colonna (Trani);
- Lido FataMorgana (Pulsano);
- Lido Blu Marine (Rodi Garganico);
- Lido Vela Velo Beach (Vieste).
Finally, 14 beaches earned the Smoke Free recognition:
- La Conchiglia (Bisceglie);
- Lido Matinelle (Trani);
- Lido Torre Egnazia (Monopoli);
- Lido Moretti (Bari);
- Lido Torre Guaceto (Carovigno);
- Lido La Rotonda (Bari);
- Lido Il Titolo (Bari);
- Cala San Giovanni (Polignano a Mare);
- Spiaggia per tutti (Castellaneta);
- GIL Beach – Lido La Testa (Bisceglie);
- Lido FataMorgana (Pulsano);
- Lido Cala d’Oro (Bari);
- La Baia del Pescatore (Trani);
- Lido Blu Marine (Rodi Garganico).
The first “Granello d’Oro” will be officially awarded Sunday 20 September 2026 at 12:20, within the framework of the day “Mare Democratico” and the ceremony will take place at pavilion 152 of the Fiera del Levante di Bari, where the realities that have chosen to invest in a more inclusive, sustainable, and people-oriented enjoyment of the sea will be celebrated.
