Where to go to the beach in Puglia?
Hello everyone! 🙂 Summer and Puglia are a perfect combination like cream and strawberries, fava beans and chicory, or focaccia and Peroni 😀 Let me introduce myself, I’m Elisabetta, your personal concierge at BeBari Apartments in Bari. In the previous article, we talked about the most beautiful beaches of Puglia, divided by province. Today I want to guide you to discover the most enchanting beaches of Puglia, offering ideal settings for photography enthusiasts. Here is a detailed overview of the most photographed beaches, each with its own history and particular charm. Famous and well-known beaches, perhaps ideal to visit at the beginning and end of the season to avoid the crowds, but definitely not to be missed at least once in a lifetime. Have you already dived into all of them?! 😀 Use BeBari Apartments as your base for exploring the best beaches of Puglia, and have fun!1. Torre dell’Orso and the Due Sorelle – Meledugno
This beautiful beach is located along the Adriatic coast and is distinguished by its fine white sand and clear, inviting waters. Why are they called the two sisters of Torre dell’Orso? These imposing rocks were named after the legend that tells of two sisters who, while swimming in the sea of Torre dell’Orso, were surprised by a sudden storm. Unable to return to shore due to strong currents and high waves, the two sisters held each other tightly and drowned together. The myth tells that their bodies were turned to stone by the sea deity as a symbol of their love and unbreakable union, giving rise to the two stacks. This story, enriched by the charm of the myth and the picturesque beauty of the two rocks, helps make the beach of Torre dell’Orso one of the most poetic and fascinating destinations on the Salento coast. The famous rock formations of the Due Sorelle add a touch of mystery and natural beauty, making Torre dell’Orso a perfect destination for families thanks also to the many available services. Near Torre dell’Orso to the north is the Grotta della Poesia and to the south the faraglioni of Sant’Andrea.
2. Baia dei Turchi – Otranto
The Baia dei Turchi in Otranto is a true jewel of the Apulian coast, located a short distance from the historic city of Otranto. This beach is nestled in an exceptionally beautiful natural setting, part of the Protected Marine Area of Otranto. Its evocative name comes from a significant historical episode: it is said that it was here that the Turks landed in 1480 during the siege of Otranto, one of the most dramatic events in local history. The Baia dei Turchi is characterized by a beach of fine, white sand, surrounded by a dense pine forest that offers a pleasant refuge from the summer heat and contributes to creating an almost enchanted atmosphere. The crystalline and turquoise waters of the sea invite swimming and snorkeling, offering underwater scenes rich in marine flora and fauna, which testify to the biodiversity of the Mediterranean. Access to the beach is controlled to preserve its environmental integrity, necessitating a short walk through the pine and Mediterranean scrub forest, which adds a sense of adventure to arriving at this stunning bay. This path makes the experience even more special, as it feels like discovering a secret and protected place.
3. Spiaggia di Torre Guaceto – near Brindisi
This place is part of the Torre Guaceto Nature Reserve, a protected area that includes a wetland of great ecological importance and a stretch of crystalline sea. The beach is renowned for its wide shoreline of golden sand, surrounded by dunes covered with Mediterranean scrub. The Spiaggia di Torre Guaceto is also known for the historic tower that stands guard over the coast. The Torre Guaceto, dating back to the 16th century, was part of a system of coastal towers built to warn the local population of pirate attacks. Today, the tower is a distinctive symbol of the reserve and adds to the historical charm of the place.
4. Spiaggia di Porto Selvaggio – Nardò
This beach is part of the Porto Selvaggio and Palude del Capitano Regional Natural Park, a vast protected area that includes pine forests, limestone cliffs, and a breathtaking stretch of coast. Characterized by a rocky bay rather than a sandy beach, Porto Selvaggio is renowned for its crystal-clear and cool waters, thanks to the freshwater springs that flow into the sea. The rocky seabed and clear waters make this place ideal for snorkeling and diving, offering the opportunity to explore a rich marine environment. Access to the beach of Porto Selvaggio is through a path immersed in dense Mediterranean vegetation, starting from the parking area and winding through the pine forest. This walk of about 15 minutes is a pleasant prelude to the beauty that awaits visitors, offering panoramic views of the bay and the opportunity to enjoy the tranquility of the park. In addition to its ecological value, Porto Selvaggio also has significant historical and archaeological importance. The area is dotted with remains dating back to the Stone Age, and the bay itself was an important site for the ancient civilizations that inhabited this part of Puglia.
5. Spiaggia di Punta Prosciutto – Porto Cesareo
This beach is renowned for its extensive stretches of fine, white sand and crystal-clear, shallow waters, making it ideal for families with children. The transparent sea and sandy bottom create a perfect environment for swimming and snorkeling, with the opportunity to observe the rich marine life inhabiting these waters. The name “Punta Prosciutto” may sound curious and likely derives from a translation error from the local dialect that originally might have indicated a type of vegetation or a specific geographical feature of the area. The beach is surrounded by lush vegetation that provides natural shade and spaces for relaxation.
6. Spiaggia di Porto Cesareo
The Spiaggia di Porto Cesareo is located in the picturesque namesake locality, in the heart of Salento. This beach is famous for its long stretches of golden, fine sand, bathed by crystal-clear and shallow waters, making it particularly suitable for families with children and those who want to enjoy the sea without risks.
7. Tremiti Islands
The Tremiti Islands are a small archipelago in the Adriatic Sea, part of the Italian region of Puglia. They are located about 22 kilometers off the coast of Gargano. The island is surrounded by numerous smaller and isolated coves, accessible on foot or by sea, which offer privacy and direct contact with pristine nature. Among these, Cala Matano and Cala Tramontana are particularly appreciated for their transparent waters and tranquil atmosphere. The archipelago mainly consists of five islands: San Domino, San Nicola, Capraia, Cretaccio, and Pianosa. Among these, San Domino is the largest and most developed, famous for its beautiful coves, crystal-clear waters, and lush vegetation of pine trees and Mediterranean scrub. San Domino is also the most touristic island, equipped with numerous accommodation facilities and services for visitors.
8. Spiaggia di Torre Lapillo – Porto Cesareo
The most distinctive feature of Torre Lapillo is its marine seabeds, ideal for snorkeling and diving, thanks to the rich underwater biodiversity that includes seagrass, colorful fish, and various species of mollusks. The clarity of the water allows for excellent visibility, making every aquatic experience memorable. A significant historical element of the beach is the Torre Lapillo, a coastal tower dating back to the 16th century, which was part of a defensive system against pirate attacks. The tower dominates the landscape, adding a touch of history and mystery to the natural environment.
9. Spiaggia di Porto Badisco – Otranto
This small bay is nestled between limestone rocks and offers an almost surreal landscape. The water here is crystal-clear and varies in shades of blue and green, making it an ideal place for swimming and snorkeling. The beach itself is a combination of fine sand and small pebbles, surrounded by lush nature that offers a pleasant contrast with the sea. In addition to the beauty of the beach, the surrounding area is rich in attractions, including ancient rock settlements and natural caves, which can be explored both by land and by sea. Legend has it that Porto Badisco was the first place where Aeneas, the Trojan hero, set foot in Italy, as narrated by Virgil in the Aeneid. This historical-mythological aspect adds further charm to the beach, attracting not only sea lovers but also those interested in history and mythology.
10. Spiaggia di Punta Suina – Gallipoli
Punta Suina is characterized by a thin strip of sand alternating with rocky stretches, surrounded by a dense pine forest that provides shade and relief on hot days. The beach opens onto a turquoise sea, with sandy seabeds that gently slope, ideal for relaxing and safe swims. A distinctive aspect of Punta Suina is its isolated location, which is reached by crossing a road immersed in nature. This contributes to creating an atmosphere of exclusivity and tranquility, away from the hustle and bustle of the more crowded areas of Gallipoli.
11. Torre San Giovanni – Ugento
This seaside resort is renowned for its long beaches of fine, golden sand that stretch for kilometers, lapped by a crystal-clear and shallow sea, ideal for families with children. The name Torre San Giovanni comes from the 16th-century coastal tower that dominates the landscape, one of many watchtowers built along the Salento coast to protect the territory from pirate attacks. Today, the tower is a distinctive symbol of the locality and a point of reference for visitors and residents.
12. Spiaggia di Sfinale e Cala Lunga- Peschici
Spiaggia di Sfinale is a charming corner of the coast characterized by a mix of sand and pebbles, surrounded by imposing limestone cliffs. This beach is famous not only for its natural beauty but also for the ancient Torre di Sfinale that stands on a rocky spur right above the sea. The tower, dating back to the 16th century, was part of a defensive system against pirate attacks and today adds a touch of visible history from the beach.The water here is clear and invites snorkeling, with seabeds that offer a rich and varied habitat, ideal for underwater exploration. Cala Lunga is one of the hidden gems of the Gargano. This small inlet is accessible through a path immersed in Mediterranean vegetation, which already anticipates the isolated beauty of the place. The cove is famous for its narrow and long beach, from which it takes its name, and for its transparent and calm waters, protected by high cliffs that surround it on three sides.
13. Lido Marini – Ugento
Lido Marini is a seaside resort in the municipality of Ugento, located on the Ionian coast of Salento, in Puglia. This destination is particularly famous for its long beach of fine white sand, which extends for about two kilometers between the localities of Torre Pali and Torre Mozza. The beach is well-equipped, with numerous beach resorts offering services such as umbrella and sunbed rentals, bars, restaurants, and children’s play areas. The wide promenade allows for pleasant evening walks and hosts various events during the summer, including markets and live shows. The natural environment around Lido Marini is particularly lush, with typical Mediterranean scrub vegetation extending to the sand dunes.
14. Vieste: Pizzomunno Beach and Vignanotica Beach
Famous for its monolith, Pizzomunno is wrapped in legends of love and sacrifice that tell of a tragic love story between a fisherman and a mermaid. While Vignanotica Beach is surrounded by high limestone cliffs and Mediterranean vegetation, this beach is popular for its dramatic scenery and clear waters.
15. Polignano a Mare: Cala Porto and Lama Monachile, Cala Paura, Cala Incina
I’ll elaborate a bit more on Polignano, as it’s close to Bari and I know it well 😀 Starting with Cala Porto. Famous for its azure waters and white tuff cliffs, it is one of the most emblematic places of Polignano a Mare, perfect for panoramic shots. While Lama Monachile is a now famous small cove nestled between high cliffs, offering a spectacular view of the open sea and the picturesque village of Polignano a Mare. Cala Paura, on the other hand, has a name that evokes mystery, perhaps deriving from the difficult sea conditions that fishermen could encounter. Today, it is loved for its clear waters and proximity to the town center. Cala Incina is small and hidden, this cove is a rare gem, with turquoise waters and an almost surreal tranquility.
16. Spiaggia di Pescoluse (The Maldives of Salento) – Between Santa Maria di Leuca and Gallipoli.
La Spiaggia di Pescoluse, also known as “The Maldives of Salento”. This name comes from the extraordinary resemblance of its landscape to the tropical Maldives, thanks to its very fine white sand and its crystal-clear and shallow waters. The beach stretches for kilometers, offering ample space to relax and enjoy the sun. The sea here is a brilliant blue and invites long swims and water activities such as snorkeling, thanks to the clarity of its waters which allows observation of the rich marine life on the seabed.
17. Torre Pozzelle, Ostuni
Torre Pozzelle is one of the most picturesque beaches near Ostuni, characterized by a wild and enchanting natural landscape. The name of the beach comes from the presence of an ancient watchtower, which centuries ago was used to spot the arrival of pirates and invaders from the sea. Today, the ruins of the tower lend a historical and mysterious touch to the place. The beach is made up of a series of rocky coves interspersed with small sandy stretches, making it ideal for those looking for a more intimate and secluded atmosphere, away from the more crowded and touristy beaches. The crystal-clear waters of Torre Pozzelle are a true paradise for snorkeling enthusiasts, offering the opportunity to explore a rich marine seabed. The surrounding area is a triumph of Mediterranean nature, with scrub and bushes extending almost to the sea, creating a perfect environment for relaxing walks or for those seeking a quiet corner to read a book or simply enjoy the view. The beach is easily accessible and has a small parking area, making it an excellent choice for a day trip for those staying in Puglia.
18. Cala dell’Acquaviva – Marina di Marittima
The name “Acquaviva” comes from the presence of a freshwater spring that flows directly into the sea, a rather rare and fascinating feature that helps keep the waters of the cove incredibly fresh and clean. The beach is small and mainly rocky, with some pebbly areas where it is possible to lie in the sun. Access to Cala dell’Acquaviva is rather hidden, which helps preserve a tranquil and almost exclusive atmosphere. A path descends to the cove through the Mediterranean scrub, offering splendid views of the sea and rocky coast. The waters of Cala dell’Acquaviva are ideal for snorkeling, thanks to the excellent visibility and the variety of marine life that can be observed in the rocky seabeds. It is not uncommon to see schools of small fish, octopuses, and other marine creatures that find refuge among the rocks.
19. Baia delle Zagare and Baia di Mattinatella – Mattinata
La Baia delle Zagare, located near the town of Mattinata on the Gargano coast in Puglia, is one of the most spectacular and photographed beaches in Italy. This enchanting bay is famous for its imposing sea stacks that emerge from the crystalline sea, creating a breathtaking panorama. The beach is characterized by white pebbles and transparent waters of intense blue. La Baia delle Zagare is mainly accessible via a private elevator belonging to a local hotel or by boat, which gives it an exclusive and tranquil atmosphere. There are access restrictions to preserve the pristine nature of the area, so it is advisable to inquire in advance about permits and access methods. The Baia di Mattinatella, also known as Fontana delle Rose, is made up of fine sand and white gravel, surrounded by high limestone cliffs that create a striking contrast with the deep blue of the Adriatic Sea. One of the most appreciated aspects of the Baia di Mattinatella is its tranquility, due in part to its limited accessibility. The bay is reachable through a steep road or by sea, which helps keep tourist flow low and preserves the peaceful atmosphere of the place.
20. Spiaggia di Calenella – Vico del Gargano
Calenella extends along a wide and open bay, with a beach of fine golden sand, surrounded by lush Mediterranean vegetation. The sea here is generally calm and the waters are clear, ideal for swimming and snorkeling. The beach is well equipped with beach resorts that offer all the necessary services, such as umbrellas, sunbeds, and refreshment points.
Isn’t it time to treat yourself to a swim at one of Puglia’s beaches?! 😀
Every beach in Puglia has something unique to offer, whether it’s an experience of tranquility immersed in nature, or a lively social encounter. The twenty-four beaches listed are just a taste of the many coastal wonders of Puglia, inviting every visitor to explore and discover more of this enchanting Italian region.Where to sleep in Bari before visiting Puglia
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