Blumen Bad Beach

We spent 10 days at this property, but the welcome needs work. It took quite a while to get the keys, and nobody explained the apartment to us. Breakfast was poor, with something missing every day. We also ate at their beach club, where the prices felt too high for the area.

Don't plan to sit down for dinner before 8:30 PM, since the restaurant only opens then after serving the beach. While you wait, you can sit on the benches by the sea with a glass of wine. The rules are a little strict, though I assume there's a reason. Dinner itself was wonderful, with the waves in the background and fresh, high-quality seafood. The menu is a bit above average in price, but the location and food justify it. Try the catch of the day, a selection of fresh fish caught directly from the local sea. The linguine with Mazara red shrimp and black truffle was delicious, and the staff and chef were kind and attentive. Highly recommended.

The lady who runs this well-kept restaurant is friendly and helpful, and the wine list is good and thoughtfully chosen, mostly the splendid Ferraris, including His Majesty Giulio. There’s a nice range of seafood, caviar and oysters included, in a setting where Metaponto Lido doesn't offer much else. Ask the price of the catch of the day first, since it can be a gamble. I found the Gran Ciporro for €80/kg!!, definitely too much when the market sells for €15/kg. The €4 cover charge per person, children included, also seems excessive.

Three Spritzes and a Prosecco cost €28. The service and staff were terrible and rude, there were zero anti-Covid measures, and they gave us no commercial documentation when we paid. Strongly advise against it.