Month: May 2025

Puglia once again confirms its position as one of the leading regions of Italian coastal tourism, bringing home an impressive 27 Blue Flags in 2025, marking a further leap forward compared to the previous year, when 24 locations were recognized.

This prestigious result, awarded by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), certifies the environmental and tourism quality of Puglia’s coastlines, recognizing the efforts of local municipalities in safeguarding water quality, promoting recycling, and ensuring effective wastewater treatment.

Among the newly awarded locations are Castrignano del Capo in Lecce, Margherita di Savoia in the Barletta-Andria-Trani province, and Pulsano in the Taranto province. These three gems join already established names in Puglia’s beach tourism, such as Vieste, Polignano a Mare, Gallipoli, Ostuni, and the Tremiti Islands, all of which have been confirmed this year for their scenic beauty and excellent hospitality.

Ostuni: A Perfect Blend of Sea and History

Ostuni, the “White City,” is one of the ideal destinations for those who wish to combine the charm of the sea with the wonders of the inland. Staying at La Sommità Relais, a boutique hotel located in the heart of the historic center, offers a unique opportunity to experience authentic elegance, history, and relaxation. From the tranquility of this refined relais, nestled between the white rooftops of Ostuni and overlooking the olive groves and the sea, guests can easily reach the Blue Flag beaches of 2025, immersing themselves in the crystal-clear waters of Puglia’s sea.

Puglia’s Ports Shine Bright: Blue Flags for Sustainability

Puglia excels not only for its beaches but also for its sustainable ports. Seven marinas in the region have earned the Blue Flag for their ports, including the Marina di Leuca, Marina del Gargano in Manfredonia, and Marina di Brindisi, symbols of a growing, attractive, and increasingly sustainable nautical network.

The Blue Flag is awarded only to those who meet 32 rigorous criteria, including efficient wastewater treatment, accessibility, beach safety, biodiversity protection, availability of ecological services, and environmental education campaigns.

Puglia continues to be a model of sustainable tourism, where natural beauty, high-quality services, and a commitment to the environment come together in perfect harmony.

For those seeking the perfect sea, the only direction is South: destination Puglia!

In May, Puglia bursts into its most authentic beauty: perfect weather, sea-scented breezes, and nature in full bloom create an ideal atmosphere for exploration and relaxation. La Sommità Relais & Châteaux is the perfect starting point for a stay that blends understated luxury, comfort, and a genuine connection with the land.

Our historic residence offers exceptional hospitality, refined spaces, total privacy, and sincere attention to the well-being of our guests. Whether it’s strolling through the alleys of Ostuni, dining under citrus trees at our Garden Bistrot, or unwinding in our cozy Oasis of Relaxation, May is the perfect month to experience Puglia with style and slowness.

5 Exclusive Experiences

5 Exclusive Experiences

🌳 E-Bike Tour along the Via del Procaccia
Discover the countryside around Ostuni with an exclusive e-bike tour along the Via del Procaccia, an ancient rural road surrounded by centuries-old olive trees, dry stone walls, and Mediterranean scents. With the assistance of an expert guide, you’ll enjoy an active yet relaxing experience, immersed in nature, history, and breathtaking views that stretch to the sea. The experience is customizable and includes stops for tastings or photos at the most scenic spots.

🍝 Puglian Orecchiette Cooking Class
Under the guidance of a local cook, you’ll learn the art of making traditional Puglian orecchiette. From the dough to the signature “dragging” technique, every movement tells a story. The class concludes with a convivial tasting of the dishes you’ve prepared.

🍹 “Cielo che Spritz!” Sunset Aperitif on the Belvedere Terrace
Each evening at sunset, the La Sommità Relais’s panoramic terrace becomes the perfect place to enjoy our signature cocktail, “Cielo che Spritz!”, a tribute to our gourmet Cielo Restaurant and to the infinite sky that embraces Ostuni. A fresh sip, accompanied by small bites, as the golden light sets the city’s rooftops aglow.

🍷 Al-Fresco Lunch at the Garden Bistrot of La Sommità Relais: Among Citrus, Flowers, and History
At the heart of our residence lies an inner courtyard — a secret garden where stone meets greenery, seasonal flowers, and the scent of citrus. Here, we invite you to enjoy an al-fresco lunch designed to highlight seasonal flavors in an intimate and secluded setting. The menu evolves with nature and tells the story of Puglia through authenticity and simplicity.

Chef’s specialties include:

Raw from the sea, squid, basil mayonnaise and pollen, purple shrimp oil and black pepper, tarbouriech oyster, reduced vinegar and lime zest, red tuna tartare and green sauce 
The tubetties with scampi sauce, rocket and candied lemon
The orecchietta, Senatore Cappelli orecchiette with Lucanian lamb ragù, lemon and laurel
Fava bean cream and its sides: mixed greens, olives, ‘friggitelli’ peppers and sweet-and-sour onions
Grilled sea bass with peas, potatoes, ‘Verdeca’ sauce and pepper 

🌸 Wellness at La Sommità Relais
Unwind in our small oasis of tranquility, where you can choose from personalized massages, aromatic rituals, and relaxing treatments. An authentic wellness experience in an intimate, rejuvenating environment.

Chef’s specialties include:

• Raw from the sea, squid, basil mayonnaise and pollen, purple shrimp oil and black pepper, tarbouriech oyster, reduced vinegar and lime zest, red tuna tartare and green sauce 

• The tubetties with scampi sauce, rocket and candied lemon

• The orecchietta, Senatore Cappelli orecchiette with Lucanian lamb ragù, lemon and laurel

• Fava bean cream and its sides: mixed greens, olives, ‘friggitelli’ peppers and sweet-and-sour onions

•Grilled sea bass with peas, potatoes, ‘Verdeca’ sauce and pepper 

🌸 Wellness at La Sommità Relais
Unwind in our small oasis of tranquility, where you can choose from personalized massages, aromatic rituals, and relaxing treatments. An authentic wellness experience in an intimate, rejuvenating environment.

May is the perfect time to experience the most authentic Puglia, with exclusive experiences, refined hospitality, and enchanting landscapes. We look forward to welcoming you at La Sommità Relais to make every day special.