This year the Fee (Environmental education foundation) has awarded 96 Blue Flags to as many Italian bathing resorts, 6 more than last year. Even the number of harbours deserving merit has risen from 52 to 54. Thanks to these achievements, Italy is in the top ten in the Mediterranean basin. Tuscany has been awarded the biggest number of flags with 15 villages. It is followed by Liguria (13), Marche and Abruzzo (12), recommended for their high quality sea, clean beaches, tourist facilities and services provided. The increase in the number of blue flags has shown an encouraging rising care with environmental matters and sustainable tourism, basic requirements to turn Italy into a competitive tourist destination.

The traditional summer event organised by the Wine Tourist Movement takes place every year during the night of San Lorenzo in the Italian squares. Tourists can taste high-quality wine below a “rain of stars”. Info: www.movimentoturismovino.it/calici_stelle.html

Until 16th September it will be possible to visit at “Palazzo Reale” in Milan a selection of more than 150 works of art made in the last ten years by the master Fernando Botero from Colombia. From the works, not yet spread, dedicated to circus art to a collection of his latest works and the most exciting and raw section dedicated to works telling and denouncing acts of violence in the Iraqi prison of Abu Ghraib. Six monumental sculptures, which will be placed in various parts of the town, complete the exhibition. This great event, which is part of ''La bella Estate dell'Arte 2007'' (various summer leisure activities organised by the government of Milan) will offer visitors “An intense and many-sided path in the art of a great master, a moving and amusing exhibition that makes you think.” For information: www.mostrabotero.it

Everything is almost ready for the Paestum Festival tenth edition. Thirteen events on the bill: opera, dance, music and theatre. Among the announced artists Paolo Rossi, Aldo Giovanni and Giacomo, Massimo Ranieri, Gigi Finizio, Paola Quattrini, Flavio Bucci. And then a national preview tango night with the Oscar-winning dancer Bacalov. For information: Paestum Festival (+39)0812295545

In a few days, the final stage of the Tall Ships Races' 2007 Mediterranea, the regatta of sailing ships with high masts, will be held in Genoa, after Alicante, Barcelona and Toulon. Four days of celebrations, entertainment, music, discovery; a great kermesse on the sea to celebrate the arrival of some of the most beautiful ships in the world (among which the Amerigo Vespucci one) and over 3000 young people coming from all over the world. Parades, visits to sailing ships, exhibitions, theatre and sports performances and other fringe activities will brighten up Genoa’s Ancient Port area, literally transformed thanks to the exclusive presence of sailing ships, which will take it back to the age of the Maritime Republics, creating a unique and exciting atmosphere. During the event, the first Genoa’s “White Night” will take place, with music, theatre, food, fashion, games, concerts and shows in the most beautiful squares in the historic centre until the crack of dawn. This summer event is not to be missed. For further information: www.tallships2007mediterranea.org