The combination of these elements, along with the functionality and quality of the services, has earned Grottammare the prestigious recognition from the F.E.E.E. (Foundation for Environmental Education in Europe) for the Blue Flag award, which the European Union grants each year to municipalities that have distinguished themselves for the excellent quality of their waters, the upkeep of their urban infrastructure, the optimal performance of their wastewater treatment systems, and the high quality of their tourist services.

This is a major accolade that has been joined over the years by other prestigious honors, such as the “3 Sails” award from the Touring Club’s Blue Guide and the inclusion of the old village, perched on the hillside, among “Italy’s Most Beautiful Villages.”

Grottammare stands out among the other towns along the Adriatic coast for its privileged location, nestled amid lush vegetation, sheltered to the west by gentle slopes and bordered to the east by the sea.

Thanks to its unique location, the area enjoys a mild climate year-round, allowing the numerous Phoenix canariensis palm trees—native to the Canary Islands—to thrive alongside orange trees, which enhance the landscape of Grottammare and are one of the area’s most distinctive features.

It is no coincidence that two orange trees feature prominently in the town’s coat of arms: they flank a circular, crenellated tower that represents the fortified city walls, typical of medieval towns, and recalls the old lighthouse at the city’s harbor.