17 Best Beaches in Puglia (+ Map and Travel Tips)

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17 Best Beaches in Puglia (+ Map and Travel Tips)


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Puglia’s seashores are a few of the finest in Italy from the dramatic rocky shoreline of the Adriatic Sea to the white sand and turquoise waters of the Ionian Coast.

You can mix days enjoyable on the seaside with evenings wandering charming coastal cities and eating in picturesque piazzas.

Italy has a particular seaside tradition so on this submit, I share my suggestions for benefiting from a seaside vacation, in addition to our picks for the perfect seashores in Puglia after spending months within the area.

You’ll discover a map close to the tip with all these Puglia seashores from Gargano within the north to Salento within the south.

Contents

Best Time for a Puglia Beach Holiday

Quiet Lama Monachile beach in May surrounded by buildings perched on craggy cliffs and backed by a tall viaduct, Puglia
Quiet Lama Monachile Beach at Polignano a Mare in May

Which month you go to this southern Italian area will make an enormous distinction to your expertise of the seashores in Puglia.

In May, you’ll discover lengthy stretches of empty sand, whereas in August, the identical stretch might be unrecognisable coated in solar loungers and umbrellas.

If you need empty seashores and heat climate, go to in May, early June, late September, and October. Beach golf equipment and even eating places within the seaside cities could also be closed, although.

If you need a vibrant ambiance, umbrella and solar lounger leases, and the most well liked climate (30ºC+), go to in July and August. Do not count on to see a lot sand and you actually simply must embrace the crowds.

There are numerous seaside events right now of yr (particularly close to Gallipoli), however you can too keep away from them. Most seashores are family-friendly.

By far the busiest time of yr is mid-August, the week earlier than and after the 15 August, which is the Ferragosto vacation in Italy. Most of the nation heads to the seaside right now of yr.

We observed an enormous distinction on the Salento seashores from early to mid-August—from very crowded to absolute insanity. It’s additionally onerous to get into eating places and hire solar beds with out reservations in mid-August.

The candy spot is early or late in the summertime. Early June and mid-September are the perfect occasions to go to Puglia seashores for heat climate, some ambiance (seaside cities are ghost cities within the low season), however not too many individuals. Chair and umbrella leases are cheaper then, too.

If you do go to within the peak of summer time and aren’t a fan of packed seashores, you’ll be able to nonetheless have an satisfying journey by heading to the seaside early.

We normally arrived on the seashores earlier than 8am and needed to go away at 10am when the crowds turned too intense. Around sundown can be nice (though not empty).

In the center of the day, you’ll be able to relaxation or discover Puglia’s inland cities, which are sometimes actually quiet. Renting a villa with a pool can be a good suggestion (verify Vrbo for vacation leases).

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A Guide to Italian Lidos (Beach Clubs)

Quiet morning on a Torre San Giovanni beach lido filled with empty sun loungers
Sunloungers and parasols at Torre San Giovanni seaside

Your first time on the Italian coast in summer time could come as a shock as you discover infinite rows of seaside chairs and umbrellas protecting up the sand (or typically perched on rocks).

These belong to the privately run lidos or seaside golf equipment (additionally known as bagni or stabilimenti balneari in Italian) which are a large a part of the Italian seaside scene.

As effectively as umbrella and deckchair or solar lounger leases, they normally have bogs, showers, and a bar/cafe.

Most of them are pretty easy with chairs crammed collectively to take advantage of the house. There are some luxurious lidos, although, with extra comfy loungers, house out of your neighbours, and meals and drinks delivered to your chair.

Despite resisting lidos for many of our Puglia seaside journeys, we did splurge on a flowery one in Torre Lapillo (see beneath) and it was value it for a cushty, enjoyable day on the seaside on the busiest time of yr.

An umbrella and two loungers in a Puglia lido normally price €20-30 for a day (you’ll be able to’t hire for shorter intervals). Luxury lidos can price €200 or extra for 2 individuals in peak season!

It prices extra the nearer your chair is to the ocean (some lidos have 10+ rows!).

Do it’s a must to e book lidos in Puglia?

In August, sure, you’ll normally have to e book prematurely to get a spot at a lido. In July, you could be fortunate if you happen to arrive early.

It actually is determined by the seaside membership, although, as some appear to cater extra to informal guests, whereas others are booked up by Italians for the week, month, and even season.

To get an thought of the seaside golf equipment obtainable in Puglia, try Spiaggie.it, which additionally means that you can e book on-line (we haven’t used it ourselves).

Do it’s a must to use a lido on Puglia seashores?

No, Italian seashores are public they usually should have free sections (spiaggia libera). One finish of the seaside could also be free otherwise you may discover free sections between the seaside golf equipment.

It’s straightforward sufficient to search out the free sections as they’ll be the components with out similar umbrellas (every lido has a distinct color scheme). Free seashores do get very busy in summer time, although.

Occasionally, you’ll discover unbiased distributors renting chairs and umbrellas on the free sections (we discovered this at Pescoluse Beach).

We preferred this because it was cheaper than the lidos and it was simpler to get a front-row spot by arriving early (the lidos could e book up). The draw back is not any services.

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Tips for Visiting Puglia Beaches

Rent a Car

Public transport isn’t nice in Puglia and it’s a lot simpler to succeed in the seashores with your personal automobile.

We use Rental Cars to search out the perfect offers. If you might be flying into Puglia, you’ll be able to acquire a automobile at Bari or Brindisi airports.

You must pay for parking on the seaside from June to September, and it normally prices €5-10 a day.

Some seaside cities have metered road parking, however many parking tons are privately run by the lidos. You can park at a lido even if you happen to don’t need to hire an umbrella from them.

Carry money (ideally cash for machines) as many of the automobile parks don’t take playing cards.

Arrive Early

Italians take seaside going significantly in summer time! If they’re visiting the free seashores, they’ll arrive early, come well-equipped, and keep all day.

In July and August, you’ll additionally have to arrive early to get a great place within the free sections. That means earlier than 9am, however ideally earlier than 8am.

If you don’t need an early begin, e book loungers at a lido prematurely.

Parking might be onerous to search out after 10am in excessive season, although.

Busy free section of Torre Lapillo Beach in mid August, Puglia
The free part of Torre Lapillo in mid-August at 10am.

Come Prepared

If you aren’t utilizing lidos, it’s finest to purchase an umbrella as there’s no shade on the seashores.

If you might be visiting the rocky seashores on the Adriatic, you may additionally respect seaside chairs and water sneakers.

Beach cities in Puglia normally have outlets promoting seaside gear or strive the bigger supermarkets. I purchased a snorkel set for €16 from the Conrad grocery store.

Some seashores have roaming distributors promoting seaside garments and inflatables.

Bringing loads of water and a picnic lunch is a good suggestion, though some seashores are near services in cities. Or you should use the lido eating places even if you happen to aren’t renting a mattress (waits could be lengthy so attempt to go early).

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Our Top Picks

  • For Beach Days: Torre San Giovanni, Pescoluse, Torre Lapillo
  • For a Swim with a View: Lama Monachile, Castro Marina, Il Ciolo
  • For a Hike and Snorkel: Porto Selvaggio
  • Prettiest Seaside Towns with Sandy Beaches: Monopoli, Otranto, Gallipoli, Vieste

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Best Beaches in Puglia: Near Bari and Ostuni

The Valle d’Itria is the central a part of Puglia that’s standard for its whitewashed hill cities, olive groves, and iconic trulli homes.

There are additionally loads of seashores alongside the Adriatic Coast right here.

See our submit on the finest locations to go to in Puglia for extra concepts on exploring the area.

1) Pane e Pomodoro Beach, Bari

People relaxing on the white sandy Pane e Pomodoro beach in Bari with a clear blue sky above
The quirkily named Bread and Tomato Beach in Bari

If you might be beginning your journey in Bari and need to bounce within the Adriatic as quickly as doable, head to Pane e Pomodoro (Bread and Tomato) Beach.

This small metropolis seaside just isn’t probably the most stunning within the area, and it’s subsequent to a highway, however it’s conveniently positioned only a 30-minute stroll (alongside the stunning lungomare/promenade) or a fast drive from Bari’s great outdated city.

There’s no lido right here so it’s solely free (convey your personal umbrella) and you may see the powdery white sand. The shallow clear water is ideal for a dip.

Expect it to get very busy on summer time weekends.

See our information to the finest issues to do in Bari for extra recommendations on town (together with our favorite pizza in Puglia).

Where to Stay: Bari Vecchia is probably the most charming a part of town with its maze of lanes. We beloved our keep at B&B Murex on the well-known pasta road.

2) Lama Monachile, Polignano a Mare

Spectacular Polignano a Mare perched on a craggy clif overlooking the sea, Puglia
Impressive view of Polignano a Mare overlooking the ocean

Polignano a Mare is without doubt one of the most spectacular coastal cities in Puglia perched on a craggy rock overlooking the ocean.

Lama Monachile (often known as Cala Porto) is a tiny, pebbly cove beneath a bridge within the outdated city. It’s very picturesque surrounded by rugged cliffs with clear emerald water.

On our cloudy go to in May, Polignano’s seaside wasn’t very busy, however in summer time, you’ll barely be capable to see the white pebbles with all of the individuals.

Crowded Polignano a Mare Beach in summertime, overlooked by buildings perched on a craggy cliff
Lama Monachile is gorgeous however will get tremendous crowded in the summertime

There’s no lido right here, and I believe it’s finest for a fast dip whereas visiting this pretty city, relatively than spending an entire day right here.

Where to Stay: Friendly Malu B&B has the right location simply exterior the outdated city with unimaginable sea views from the breakfast terrace and a few rooms (our sea view suite was definitely worth the improve).

3) Cala Porta Vecchia, Monopoli

People relaxing on the small Cala Porta Vecchia Beach in Monopoli, Puglia
The sandy finish of Cala Porta Vecchia

Just down the coast from Polignano is Monopoli, one other charming seaside city.

Cala Porta Vecchia is its small seaside beneath Sixteenth-century partitions, with golden sand on one aspect and rocks on the opposite. It’s free with no lidos.

Rocky end of Monopoli Beach with turqoise clear waters, Puglia
The tempting waters on the rocky finish of the seaside

Again, I wouldn’t spend all day right here, however the turquoise water is inviting for a dip and Monopoli is effectively value a go to.

Where to Stay: We visited on our technique to Polignano, however subsequent time I need to keep within the fashionable Hotel Don Ferrante, which overlooks the ocean simply minutes from the seaside.

Further south on the coast between Monopoli and Ostuni, I’m tempted by Canne Bianche Lifestyle Hotel, which is the closest Puglia will get to a real seaside resort.

Luxurious Hotel La Peschiera additionally seems to be unimaginable—you’ll be able to stroll out of your terrace into the ocean.

4) Lido Morelli, Ostuni

The quiet empty beach at Lido Morelli in May, Puglia
Visit Lido Morelli in May to take pleasure in this stunning seaside free of individuals

A 15-minute drive from the beautiful hill city of Ostuni is an extended stretch of white sand seashores which are a part of the Parco Naturale Regionale Dune Costiere (Coastal Dunes Regional Natural Park).

There’s a mixture of lidos and free seaside. We’ve been to the free part subsequent to Lido Morelli just a few occasions.

With golden sand, clear shallow water, and sandy dunes, this is without doubt one of the finest seashores close to Ostuni.

Your expertise will depend upon while you go to. In May, we didn’t must pay for parking, there have been just a few beds for hire, however largely it was an extended stretch of empty sand.

In July, we paid €7 to park at Lido Morelli however determined towards paying €30 for an umbrella and two solar loungers, as they have been too shut collectively and we didn’t need to keep all day.

People sunbathing and children playing on the busy Lido Morelli Beach in summertime, Puglia
The free part will get very busy in the summertime

We arrange our towel within the in depth free part to the correct of it, however it was extraordinarily busy and we couldn’t keep lengthy with none shade. We nonetheless loved floating within the heat sea.

Another seaside close to Ostuni we wished to go to is Torre Guaceto. This is meant to be extra unspoilt, however in July and August, it’s a must to park within the northern automobile park and take a trolley bus to the seaside (a 4-minute journey however queues will be lengthy).

Where to Stay: Masseria il Frantoio, a 15-minute drive from the seaside, is our favorite place to remain in Puglia. It’s on an olive farm with 300-year-old stables lovingly restored to comfy visitor rooms. The pool and exquisite grounds are excellent for enjoyable and the 8-course dinners are unimaginable.

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Best Beaches in Salento Puglia

The Salento Peninsula within the far south is the last word Puglia seaside vacation vacation spot.

You are by no means too removed from one of many coasts. The Ionian Coast is flatter with shallow turquoise sea and the perfect sandy seashores in Puglia.

The Adriatic Coast has extra putting surroundings with sea cliffs, rocky seashores, and a deeper blue-green sea.

See our Salento Puglia journey information for tons extra recommendations on the realm together with untouristy cities to go to to flee the summer time seaside crowds.

5) Torre Lapillo, Porto Cesareo

Soft white sand of Torre Lapillo Beach filled with white sun loungers, Puglia
Soft white sand at Torre Lapillo Beach

Porto Cesareo on the Ionian Coast is a well-liked vacation spot with Italians for a Puglia seaside vacation. The city itself doesn’t have a lot of a seaside, however simply north you’ll discover stunning Torre Lapillo and Punta Prosciutto.

We spent the day at Torre Lapillo, a 4km stretch of sentimental white sand between the towers of Torre Chianca and Torre Lapillo.

The aquamarine water is normally calm, however we visited on a windy, wavy day. The sea was nonetheless wonderful for swimming, shallow sufficient to hang around in, however you don’t must go too far out to swim.

The northern finish of Torre Lapillo is backed by the city and a few vacation leases and has a big stretch of free seaside.

The southern half is backed by dunes and that is the place you’ll discover the numerous seaside golf equipment with free sections in between.

We visited in peak season—mid-August. We knew the free part could be busy (and it was packed even at 9am), and we couldn’t get a spot at one of many cheaper lidos, so we splurged on the luxurious seaside membership, Bahia del Sol Porto Cesareo.

The price ticket was excessive (€220 for our Bahia Luxury package deal within the third row), however it was value it for a soothing day on the busiest time of yr.

We had rather more house than on the different lidos or free seaside, and we have been very comfy with our padded solar loungers, umbrella, desk and chairs, and trunk to retailer our gear.

On our package deal, we have been in a position to make use of our charge as credit score in direction of parking (€10), showers (€1 – yep, it’s a must to pay additional!), towel rental (€12), and food and drinks delivered to our seats.

This is what made the expertise worthwhile as we might indulge with breakfast, drinks, lunch, and even a bottle of champagne.

Simon with champagne dining on the beach at Bahia del Sol Porto Cesareo beach club in Torre Lapillo, Puglia.
Indulging in champagne on the seaside at Bahia del Sol Porto Cesareo

The price ticket implies that Bahia del Sol attracts extra {couples} than households and we solely noticed one baby.

There are quite a lot of packages relying on the place you sit and what’s included. You can e book on-line on the Bahia Porto Cesareo web site. They launch bookings every week or two prematurely and do promote out.

Although we might barely see the sand on our go to, I believe within the low season Torre Lapillo could be probably the most stunning seashores in Puglia.

6) Porto Selvaggio, Nardò

Beach at Porto Selvaggio surrounded by rocky shores and lush green woodland, Salento
Porto Selvaggio backed by woodland

Unlike many of the seashores on the Ionian Coast, Porto Selvaggio is a small pebbly cove in a nature reserve.

There are not any seaside golf equipment and minimal services, however that’s a part of the attraction, as is the stroll by way of the pine forest to get there.

Although you’ll be able to nonetheless count on crowds in summer time, Porto Selvaggio is value visiting in case you are in search of a extra pure setting.

See our information to Porto Selvaggio Beach for particulars on learn how to get there and what to anticipate.

7) Spiaggia della Purità, Gallipoli

People relaxing on the beach in Gallipoli overlooked by the city walls and white buildings
City seaside at Gallipoli

Spiaggia della Purità (Purity Beach) is a metropolis seaside in Gallipoli’s outdated city. I wouldn’t exit of your technique to spend the day there, however in case you are staying in Gallipoli, you’ll be able to’t beat the comfort.

The crescent of golden sand has a picturesque setting beneath the outdated city’s partitions and the shallow sea is calm and clear.

The entire seaside is free, however you’ll be able to normally hire umbrellas and chairs.

Sunset glow at the city beach in Gallipoli, Puglia
The beautiful gentle at sundown

This is a lovely spot to see the sundown, though we most well-liked to take action with a drink at one of many bars on town partitions overlooking the seaside.

Spritzers with a variety of nibbles on a table overlooking Gallipoli beach, Salento
Toast the sundown with a beautiful view of town partitions and seaside beneath

Where to Stay: We normally go to on day journeys, however there are some pretty lodges and B&Bs close by akin to Pascaraymondo Suite Palace, the place you’ll be able to keep in a Sixteenth-century palace solely 40 metres from the seaside.

8) Punta Pizzo, Gallipoli

Quiet morning at a lido on Punta Pizzo Beach filled with blue and white sun loungers and parasols, Puglia
Sun loungers at Lido Pizzo

Just south of Gallipoli is a string of standard seashores. Baia Verde is probably the most well-known, particularly with younger individuals, and is commonly in comparison with Ibiza for its summer time seaside events and nightclubs.

If, like us, you’re in search of a quieter expertise, hold going south to Punta Pizzo, which has a extra peaceable setting in a nature reserve of dunes and pine forest.

Of course, that is Italy, and simply because it’s a protected space, doesn’t imply you might be freed from seaside golf equipment.

Lido Pizzo takes up about half of the seaside, however don’t count on to get a solar lounger. Season passes appear standard right here as a result of it was totally booked for all of August, regardless of many of the chairs being empty.

We parked on the Lido Pizzo automobile park (€6 money), however sadly, it doesn’t open till 9am so we couldn’t get an early begin. We additionally needed to queue in a line of vehicles for 10 minutes to get in.

From the automobile park, it’s a 10-minute stroll previous the rows of solar beds to the free seaside. Compared to different seashores we visited within the space, the free part stayed quieter for longer.

People enjoying the sun on the free beach at Punta Pizzo, Puglia
The quieter free seaside at Punta Pizzo

Unfortunately, we discovered Punta Pizzo a bit disappointing due to the large quantities of seaweed that washed up on shore and turned the ocean an unappealing brown.

We have been really glad we hadn’t managed to e book a solar lounger, as we have been in a position to decide on a spot that was clearest and loved swimming within the pretty blue sea.

Overall, we most well-liked Torre Lapillo and the seashores additional south, however maybe we have been unfortunate with the seaweed.

Another choice on the different finish of Punta Pizzo is Punta della Suina, a mixture of small sandy and rocky coves that’s imagined to be very fairly.

Where to Stay: Punta Pizzo is 20 minutes from Gallipoli or simply 5 minutes from Marina di Mancaversa, the place we stayed on our first Puglia journey. It’s not a really enticing seaside city, however lodging is inexpensive, particularly in low season, and it’s a great base for the Salento. Search for vacation leases in Mancaversa right here.

9) Torre San Giovanni, Ugento

Sunset at Torre San Giovanni beach filled with empty sun loungers and beach toys, Puglia
The beautiful sundown on Torre San Giovanni seaside

Torre San Giovanni is one other of Salento’s relatively nondescript seaside cities. It’s not an disagreeable place, however it lacks a historic centre and the appeal of cities like Gallipoli and Castro.

In the centre of city the seaside is rocky, however simply south is without doubt one of the finest seashores in Salento. This lengthy stretch of wonderful white sand is a wonderful choice for a seaside day.

Lovely white sand beach with crystal clear waters at Torre San Giovanni, Salento, Italy

Numerous seaside golf equipment dominate the seaside with free sections in-between.

We normally park on the first one, Lido Oasis Degli Angeli (they charged us €4 for 2 hours), and stroll right down to discover a quieter free spot. We like the realm backed by dunes simply earlier than Lido Isola Beach.

We discovered Torre San Giovanni quieter than extra well-known seashores like Torre Lapillo and Spiaggia di Pescoluse, however it has that very same crystal clear turquoise sea.

It’s even shallower right here, which is nice for youths, though it’s a must to stroll fairly far out to swim.

After your seaside day, the promenade within the centre of city is a pleasing place for a night stroll.

We loved aperitivo at Vespera Bar proper on the water with excellent sundown views. Across the highway, A Puccia Salentina has inexpensive and engaging pizza and puccia (sandwiches).

10) Pescoluse Beach

People enjoying the blue sky morning at Marina di Pescoluse beach in Puglia, Italy.
People already having fun with Pescoluse Beach at 8.30am in August

The seaside in Marina di Pescoluse is without doubt one of the most well-known seashores in Salento, fairly presumably due to its nickname, the Maldives of Salento.

And sure, it does have that great clear aquamarine sea, however truthfully, no extra so than lots of the seashores on the Ionian Coast.

It’s nonetheless a lovely seaside with tender golden sand and dunes that make it really feel farther from the city than it’s.

Arriving early, parking was straightforward on the road (€4 all day from the machine) exterior Martinucci Pescoluse (which disappointingly didn’t open till 4pm), however it was full after we left at 11am.

It’s a brief stroll onto the seaside from the highway.

Pescoluse Beach could be very standard, and even at 8.30am in August, there have been loads of individuals round. By 10am it was means too busy for us.

Busy beach at Marina di Pescoluse with people in the shallow clear water and vendors along the sand
Crowded Pescoluse Beach at 10am. That water although!

One of some great benefits of Pescoluse is that many of the seaside is free with just a few lidos on the far finish (together with fancy Le Cinque Vere).

There have been casual distributors renting solar beds and umbrellas (€18), although, and we have been in a position to get a front-row spot by strolling additional down.

There can be a spot to hire pedalos, and cellular distributors promote inflatables and seaside put on.

If you’d desire a lido, we handed loads simply exterior city (between Torre Pali and Pescoluse) akin to Seychelles del Salento. They all appeared to cost €20 for 2 solar loungers, an umbrella, and parking, which is as low cost because it will get.

11) Il Ciolo, Gagliano del Capo

View from above of the busy scenic cove of Il Ciolo with stone steps leading down to the cliffs, Salento
It will get busy however the scenic Il Ciolo cove is value a cease

Moving on to the Adriatic Coast previous Puglia’s southernmost tip, the lengthy sandy seashores are gone for now, however the shoreline continues to be stunning.

One of Puglia’s most gorgeous drives is the coastal route from Santa Maria di Leuca as much as Otranto.

There are some pretty stops on the way in which and the most effective for a swim is Il Ciolo.

This tiny rocky cove has a spectacular location in a ravine beneath a bridge and limestone cliffs with crystal-clear inexperienced water.

Some native children climb up the rocks to make scarily excessive jumps into the water.

A number of cafes serve meals and drinks close by, and there are climbing trails alongside the coast. Parking is free on the highway, however it fills up.

Il Ciolo is finest loved early or in low season. In August, it was packed.

Where to Stay: We visited from Castro however Leuca is simply 10 minutes away and has loads of lodging.

12) Castro Marina

Turqoise parasols by the sea at Lido La Sorgente, overlooked by Castro old town on the hillside, Puglia
The standard bay at Castro Marina

Castro Marina doesn’t have an actual seaside, however the rocks of this gorgeous bay are a well-liked spot for sunbathing and swimming, and lidos handle to squeeze deck chairs onto the rocky platforms.

We beloved swimming within the crystalline water with the view of Castro’s fortress above. There’s first rate snorkelling, too.

Castro is one in all my favorite coastal cities in Puglia however is commonly ignored. See my Castro Italy journey information for extra particulars.

Where to Stay: We stayed at Hotel La Roccia proper on the water, which has the main good thing about a assured umbrella/deck chair spot, in addition to sea views from all rooms. It actually made our keep in Castro great.

13) Otranto Beach

Cliffside view of aquamarine waters and beaches in Otranto
The gorgeous clear turqoise water at Otranto

From Otranto north, the seashores turn out to be sandy once more.

Like Gallipoli’s seaside, the free seaside within the centre of Otranto has the advantage of comfort as you’ll be able to mix a dip within the turquoise sea with wandering the attractive outdated city.

Out of season, the seaside is quiet, however it fills up with umbrellas in summer time.

For a few of the finest seashores in Puglia, you might be higher off driving north to Alimini Beach, Baia dei Turchi and Torre dell’Orso.

Where to Stay: Otranto is a good base for Puglia with loads of lodging together with Hotel Palazzo Papaleo, which is a couple of minutes stroll from the ocean.

14) Torre dell’Orso

White cliffs, soft sandy beach and clear blue waters at Torre dell’Orso, Salento
Visit Torre dell’Orso in May to take pleasure in it in peace.

20 minutes north of Otranto is Torre dell’Orso, a 1km crescent of powdery white sand with beautiful turquoise sea.

It’s in a contemporary seaside city with scenic cliffs and rock formations on the southern finish together with the long-lasting sea stacks, Le Due Sorelle (The Two Sisters).

There’s a mixture of public seaside and lidos, and like all Salento seashores has a really completely different really feel within the quieter months.

When we visited in early May, the sand was largely empty with only a few beds for hire. In summer time at this standard seaside, the umbrellas dominate.

15) Grotta della Poesia (Cave of Poetry)

Scenic aquamarine waters at Grotta della Poesia, Salento
Watch your step heading into the pure pool!

Just north of Torre dell’Orso is a well-liked swimming spot, the Grotta della Poesia or Cave of Poetry.

Legend has it that a lovely princess used to wash within the waters and poets got here from everywhere in the land to jot down about her, therefore its identify. 

This pure swimming pool is in a gap within the limestone rock with inviting clear water and caves to swim by way of.

There are slippery steps carved into the rock to succeed in the water, or after all, you can bounce in. Sea sneakers could be helpful.

In summer time, many individuals sunbathe on the rocks surrounding the pool. There’s no shade.

Entrance to Grotta della Poesia prices €3 and contains the archaeological website throughout the highway. Parking is €1.80 an hour.

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Best Puglia Beaches in Gargano

The Gargano Peninsula within the north of Puglia is commonly ignored by worldwide guests, though it’s a well-liked summer time vacation spot for Italians.

It has a few of the finest seashores in Puglia from lengthy sandy stretches like these between Vieste and Peschici to pebble seashores underneath dramatic cliffs additional south.

Our information to Gargano Italy has extra suggestions.

16) Spiaggia del Castello, Vieste

White cliffs overlooking Castle Beach with its shallow waters in Vieste, Puglia
The putting white cliffs in Vieste overlook an ideal household seaside with calm shallow waters

Spiaggia del Castello (Castle Beach) is south of Vieste and inside strolling distance of the centre of city.

Vieste makes a great base for exploring the Gargano peninsula so it’s handy to have a great seaside so shut.

Castle Beach is often known as Scialara Beach or Pizzomunno Beach after the towering white rock on the finish. There’s an exquisite view of the white cliffs that Vieste is constructed upon and the partitions of the outdated city.

View from above of the towering white pillar of rock at Castle Beach, Vieste
The spectacular white pillar of rock on Castle Beach

The golden sandy seaside is 3km lengthy and the sand is pretty agency, so it’s good for strolling or working.

There are many lidos with solar loungers to hire or both finish of the seaside has massive free sections. The sea is calm and it’s standard with households.

See our Vieste Italy journey information for extra particulars on this space.

Where to Stay: We stayed simply exterior Vieste in an condo on the great Residence Maresol. It’s up a steep hill above Castello seaside in a tranquil location amongst pine bushes with sea views.

17) Baia delle Zagare, Mattinata

Dramatic white sea stacks and arch at Baia delle Zagare, Puglia
Sea stacks and arch at Baia delle Zagare, Puglia

Baia delle Zagare is taken into account probably the most stunning seashores in Puglia with its dramatic white cliffs and sea stacks.

It’s not the best seaside to succeed in, although. We noticed it on a ship journey from Vieste, however the tour didn’t embody a cease on the seaside.

To spend time on the seaside, the best entry is to remain at one of many lodges which have elevators right down to the pebbly cove.

There is a free part of the seaside, however the entrance is tough to search out and can contain a hike.

On our boat journey, I assumed the earlier seaside, Baia di Vignanotica, regarded much more interesting. It’s additionally positioned underneath white cliffs and can contain a stroll down.

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Best Beaches in Puglia Map

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Final Thoughts on Puglia Beaches

As you’ll be able to see there are lots of stunning seashores in Puglia whether or not you might be in search of a lazy day on an extended stretch of sand or a fast dip in a scenic coastal city.

My greatest recommendation is to handle your expectations. If you go to in July and August, Italy’s seashores might be extraordinarily crowded and there’s no technique to keep away from it except you arrive at dawn.

It’s finest to embrace it and attempt to benefit from the energetic seaside ambiance.

If crowded seashores are undoubtedly not for you, go to within the shoulder months of May and October when the lidos pack up and also you’ll discover empty stretches of sand once more.

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