Agropoli and Bari bid for Italian Capital of the Sea 2027

The Italian cities of Agropoli and Bari have officially submitted their candidacies to become the ‘Capitale Italiana del Mare 2027’ (Italian Capital of the Sea 2027).

Agropoli’s proposal, titled “Agropoli mare 2027 – Cinque rotte, un solo programma,” focuses on a permanent strategy integrating environmental protection, culture, sports, and the blue economy. The project aims to utilize the Spazio Mare at the Palazzo Civico delle Arti as an operational hub and seeks to leverage synergies with the America’s Cup regattas in nearby Naples.

Bari’s candidacy, themed ‘Mare, capitale di Bari - Vivere la costa, connettere le rotte, custodire il futuro,’ emphasizes the relationship between the city and its 42 kilometers of coastline. The city views the sea as a strategic resource, noting that Bari’s maritime economy generated approximately 930 million euros in value and supported around 18,000 jobs in 2024. The project focuses on coastal regeneration, maritime culture, and sustainable port development.