Italian Port Days 2026: Port Authorities unveil programme for National

Italian Port Days 2026: Port Authorities unveil programme for National Sea Day

The 2026 edition of Italian Port Days, coordinated by Italy's Port System Authorities (AdSP), has officially started. The nationwide programme will engage citizens, schools, businesses and local communities through the spring session up to European Maritime Day and will resume in autumn. The initiative aims to strengthen the link between ports and cities and to highlight ports' role as cultural and social hubs in addition to logistical centres.

The 2026 theme, "Italy, Gateway to the Mediterranean: Dialogues between Harbours and Cities", emphasizes integration between port infrastructure and local communities, focusing on sustainability, innovation and employment.

• Activities for schools and young people;
• Meetings with businesses, operators and stakeholders;
• Guided tours and special port openings;
• Cultural, educational and sporting events;
• Discussions on sustainability, energy transition and innovation.

Notable events include the De Portibus festival in Ravenna (21–23 May), designed to bring the public closer to port life through interactive and inclusive formats. The AdSP stress that ports are "open places, connected to their communities and central to ongoing transformations," and they highlight the importance of a coordinated communications effort to showcase the ports' economic and social contributions to the country.

How to take part: each Port Authority will publish the full programme. Schools, associations and citizens are encouraged to check local listings to register for visits, talks and outreach activities.