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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 stress-free on the seaside with evenings wandering charming coastal cities and eating in picturesque piazzas.
Italy has a particular seaside tradition so on this put up, I share my suggestions for taking advantage of 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
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 lined 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 should embrace the crowds.
There are a lot of seaside events at the moment of yr (particularly close to Gallipoli), however you too can 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 at the moment 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 lease 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 top of summer time and aren’t a fan of packed seashores, you may nonetheless have an pleasing journey by heading to the seaside early.
We often arrived on the seashores earlier than 8am and needed to go away at 10am when the crowds turned too intense. Around sundown can also be nice (though not empty).
In the center of the day, you may relaxation or discover Puglia’s inland cities, which are sometimes actually quiet. Renting a villa with a pool can also be a good suggestion (test Vrbo for vacation leases).
A Guide to Italian Lidos (Beach Clubs)
Your first time on the Italian coast in summer time might come as a shock as you discover infinite rows of seaside chairs and umbrellas overlaying up the sand (or generally perched on rocks).
These belong to the privately run lidos or seaside golf equipment (additionally known as bagni or stabilimenti balneari in Italian) which can be an enormous a part of the Italian seaside scene.
As properly as umbrella and deckchair or solar lounger leases, they often 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 under) and it was value it for a snug, stress-free day on the seaside on the busiest time of yr.
An umbrella and two loungers in a Puglia lido often price €20-30 for a day (you may’t lease for shorter intervals). Luxury lidos can price €200 or extra for 2 folks 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 guide lidos in Puglia?
In August, sure, you’ll often have to guide prematurely to get a spot at a lido. In July, you could be fortunate if you happen to arrive early.
It actually relies on 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 accessible in Puglia, try Spiaggie.it, which additionally means that you can guide 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 will need to 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 simple sufficient to seek out the free sections as they’ll be the components with out similar umbrellas (every lido has a unique color scheme). Free seashores do get very busy in summer time, although.
Occasionally, you’ll discover impartial distributors renting chairs and umbrellas on the free sections (we discovered this at Pescoluse Beach).
We favored this because it was cheaper than the lidos and it was simpler to get a front-row spot by arriving early (the lidos might guide up). The draw back isn’t any services.
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 individual automotive.
We use Rental Cars to seek out the perfect offers. If you might be flying into Puglia, you may gather a automotive at Bari or Brindisi airports.
You should pay for parking on the seaside from June to September, and it often prices €5-10 a day.
Some seaside cities have metered road parking, however many parking heaps are privately run by the lidos. You can park at a lido even if you happen to don’t need to lease an umbrella from them.
Carry money (ideally cash for machines) as a lot of the automotive parks don’t take playing cards.
Arrive Early
Italians take seaside going critically 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 spot within the free sections. That means earlier than 9am, however ideally earlier than 8am.
If you don’t need an early begin, guide loungers at a lido prematurely.
Parking might be onerous to seek out after 10am in excessive season, although.
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 also recognize seaside chairs and water footwear.
Beach cities in Puglia often 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 utilize the lido eating places even if you happen to aren’t renting a mattress (waits could be lengthy so attempt to go early).
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
Best Beaches in Puglia: Near Bari and Ostuni
The Valle d’Itria is the central a part of Puglia that’s common 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 put up on the finest locations to go to in Puglia for extra concepts on exploring the area.
1) Pane e Pomodoro Beach, Bari
If you might be beginning your journey in Bari and need to bounce within the Adriatic as quickly as attainable, head to Pane e Pomodoro (Bread and Tomato) Beach.
This small metropolis seaside is just not probably the most lovely within the area, and it’s subsequent to a highway, however it’s conveniently situated only a 30-minute stroll (alongside the beautiful lungomare/promenade) or a fast drive from Bari’s fantastic previous city.
There’s no lido right here so it’s solely free (deliver your individual umbrella) and you’ll 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 tips about 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 cherished our keep at B&B Murex on the well-known pasta road.
2) Lama Monachile, Polignano a Mare
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 previous 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 of see the white pebbles with all of the folks.
There’s no lido right here, and I believe it’s finest for a fast dip whereas visiting this pretty city, slightly than spending a complete day right here.
Where to Stay: Friendly Malu B&B has the proper location simply exterior the previous city with unimaginable sea views from the breakfast terrace and a few rooms (our sea view suite was well worth the improve).
3) Cala Porta Vecchia, Monopoli
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 facet and rocks on the opposite. It’s free with no lidos.
Again, I wouldn’t spend all day right here, however the turquoise water is inviting for a dip and Monopoli is properly value a go to.
Where to Stay: We visited on our approach to Polignano, however subsequent time I need to keep within the trendy 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 may stroll out of your terrace into the ocean.
4) Lido Morelli, Ostuni
A 15-minute drive from the attractive hill city of Ostuni is a protracted stretch of white sand seashores which can be 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 if you go to. In May, we didn’t should pay for parking, there have been just a few beds for lease, however largely it was a protracted stretch of empty sand.
In July, we paid €7 to park at Lido Morelli however determined in opposition to 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.
We arrange our towel within the in depth free part to the proper 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 automotive park and take a trolley bus to the seaside (a 4-minute journey however queues may 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 delightful grounds are good for stress-free and the 8-course dinners are unimaginable.
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 placing surroundings with sea cliffs, rocky seashores, and a deeper blue-green sea.
See our Salento Puglia journey information for heaps extra tips about the world together with untouristy cities to go to to flee the summer time seaside crowds.
5) Torre Lapillo, Porto Cesareo
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 lovely 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 often 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 should 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 can 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 posh 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 payment as credit score in the 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 may indulge with breakfast, drinks, lunch, and even a bottle of champagne.
The price ticket signifies that Bahia del Sol attracts extra {couples} than households and we solely noticed one youngster.
There are a wide range of packages relying on the place you sit and what’s included. You can guide on-line on the Bahia Porto Cesareo web site. They launch bookings every week or two prematurely and do promote out.
Although we may barely see the sand on our go to, I believe within the low season Torre Lapillo can be one of the lovely seashores in Puglia.
6) Porto Selvaggio, Nardò
Unlike a lot 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 may nonetheless count on crowds in summer time, Porto Selvaggio is value visiting if you’re on the lookout for a extra pure setting.
See our information to Porto Selvaggio Beach for particulars on the way to get there and what to anticipate.
7) Spiaggia della Purità, Gallipoli
Spiaggia della Purità (Purity Beach) is a metropolis seaside in Gallipoli’s previous city. I wouldn’t exit of your approach to spend the day there, however if you’re staying in Gallipoli, you may’t beat the comfort.
The crescent of golden sand has a picturesque setting beneath the previous city’s partitions and the shallow sea is calm and clear.
The complete seaside is free, however you may often lease umbrellas and chairs.
This is a fantastic spot to see the sundown, though we most popular to take action with a drink at one of many bars on town partitions overlooking the seaside.
Where to Stay: We often go to on day journeys, however there are some pretty inns and B&Bs close by similar to Pascaraymondo Suite Palace, the place you may keep in a Sixteenth-century palace solely 40 metres from the seaside.
8) Punta Pizzo, Gallipoli
Just south of Gallipoli is a string of common seashores. Baia Verde is probably the most well-known, particularly with younger folks, and is usually in comparison with Ibiza for its summer time seaside events and nightclubs.
If, like us, you’re on the lookout for 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 common right here as a result of it was totally booked for all of August, regardless of a lot of the chairs being empty.
We parked on the Lido Pizzo automotive 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 automotive 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.
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 truly glad we hadn’t managed to guide 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 popular Torre Lapillo and the seashores additional south, however maybe we have been unfortunate with the seaweed.
Another possibility on the different finish of Punta Pizzo is Punta della Suina, a mixture of small sandy and rocky coves that’s alleged 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 engaging seaside city, however lodging is inexpensive, particularly in low season, and it’s base for the Salento. Search for vacation leases in Mancaversa right here.
9) Torre San Giovanni, Ugento
Torre San Giovanni is one other of Salento’s slightly nondescript seaside cities. It’s not an disagreeable place, however it lacks a historic centre and the attraction 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 tremendous white sand is a wonderful possibility for a seaside day.
Numerous seaside golf equipment dominate the seaside with free sections in-between.
We often 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 world 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 nice place for a night stroll.
We loved aperitivo at Vespera Bar proper on the water with good sundown views. Across the highway, A Puccia Salentina has inexpensive and attractive pizza and puccia (sandwiches).
10) Pescoluse Beach
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 fantastic clear aquamarine sea, however actually, no extra so than lots of the seashores on the Ionian Coast.
It’s nonetheless a fantastic seaside with mushy golden sand and dunes that make it really feel farther from the city than it’s.
Arriving early, parking was simple on the road (€4 all day from the machine) exterior Martinucci Pescoluse (which disappointingly didn’t open till 4pm), however it was full once we left at 11am.
It’s a brief stroll onto the seaside from the highway.
Pescoluse Beach may be very common, and even at 8.30am in August, there have been loads of folks round. By 10am it was method too busy for us.
One of some great benefits of Pescoluse is that a lot of the seaside is free with only some 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 capable of get a front-row spot by strolling additional down.
There can also be a spot to lease pedalos, and cellular distributors promote inflatables and seaside put on.
If you’d choose a lido, we handed a lot simply exterior city (between Torre Pali and Pescoluse) similar 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
Moving on to the Adriatic Coast previous Puglia’s southernmost tip, the lengthy sandy seashores are gone for now, however the shoreline remains to be lovely.
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 best way 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 mountain 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
Castro Marina doesn’t have an actual seaside, however the rocks of this beautiful bay are a well-liked spot for sunbathing and swimming, and lidos handle to squeeze deck chairs onto the rocky platforms.
We cherished swimming within the crystalline water with the view of Castro’s fortress above. There’s first rate snorkelling, too.
Castro is certainly one of my favorite coastal cities in Puglia however is usually 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 key advantage of a assured umbrella/deck chair spot, in addition to sea views from all rooms. It actually made our keep in Castro fantastic.
13) Otranto Beach
From Otranto north, the seashores change into sandy once more.
Like Gallipoli’s seaside, the free seaside within the centre of Otranto has the advantage of comfort as you may mix a dip within the turquoise sea with wandering the attractive previous 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 superb 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
20 minutes north of Otranto is Torre dell’Orso, a 1km crescent of powdery white sand with attractive turquoise sea.
It’s in a contemporary seaside city with scenic cliffs and rock formations on the southern finish together with the enduring 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 just some beds for lease. In summer time at this common seaside, the umbrellas dominate.
15) Grotta della Poesia (Cave of Poetry)
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 fantastic princess used to wash within the waters and poets got here from all around the land to put in writing 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 could possibly bounce in. Sea footwear can 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 consists of the archaeological website throughout the highway. Parking is €1.80 an hour.
Best Puglia Beaches in Gargano
The Gargano Peninsula within the north of Puglia is usually 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 beneath dramatic cliffs additional south.
Our information to Gargano Italy has extra suggestions.
16) Spiaggia del Castello, Vieste
Spiaggia del Castello (Castle Beach) is south of Vieste and inside strolling distance of the centre of city.
Vieste makes base for exploring the Gargano peninsula so it’s handy to have seaside so shut.
Castle Beach is often known as Scialara Beach or Pizzomunno Beach after the towering white rock on the finish. There’s a beautiful view of the white cliffs that Vieste is constructed upon and the partitions of the previous city.
The golden sandy seaside is 3km lengthy and the sand is pretty agency, so it’s good for strolling or operating.
There are many lidos with solar loungers to lease or both finish of the seaside has giant free sections. The sea is calm and it’s common with households.
See our Vieste Italy journey information for extra particulars on this space.
Where to Stay: We stayed simply exterior Vieste in an house on the fantastic Residence Maresol. It’s up a steep hill above Castello seaside in a tranquil location amongst pine timber with sea views.
17) Baia delle Zagare, Mattinata
Baia delle Zagare is taken into account one of the lovely seashores in Puglia with its dramatic white cliffs and sea stacks.
It’s not the simplest seaside to succeed in, although. We noticed it on a ship journey from Vieste, however the tour didn’t embrace a cease on the seaside.
To spend time on the seaside, the simplest entry is to remain at one of many inns which have elevators right down to the pebbly cove.
There is a free part of the seaside, however the entrance is difficult to seek out and can contain a hike.
On our boat journey, I assumed the earlier seaside, Baia di Vignanotica, seemed much more interesting. It’s additionally situated beneath white cliffs and can contain a stroll down.
Best Beaches in Puglia Map
Final Thoughts on Puglia Beaches
As you may see there are lots of lovely seashores in Puglia whether or not you might be on the lookout for a lazy day on a protracted 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 approach to keep away from it until you arrive at dawn.
It’s finest to embrace it and attempt to benefit from the full of life seaside ambiance.
If crowded seashores are positively 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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