The region of Puglia located in the southeast of Italy is full of small wonders from the traditional village, incredible geological formations and above all sublime beaches with crystal clear water.
During your visit to Puglia you can’t miss these beaches. The east coast (Adriatic Sea) is an alternation of coves, rocky formations and large sandy beaches. The west coast (Ionian Sea) offers more large beaches and the south of the region (Salento) beaches with crystal clear water.
To help you make your choice, we have listed on a map the most beautiful beaches in Puglia. Some beaches are even compared to the beaches of the Maldives, so there is a strong competition in the region.
We advise you if possible to avoid the period from 01 to 15 August, according to the locals the area is very busy during this period.
In Italian, beach is called Spiaggia or Lido. We wish you an excellent reading and a good swim!
Sommaire
- Where to swim in Puglia ?
- The best months for swimming
- Does Puglia have sandy beaches?
- Our 15 must-see beaches [map 2023]
- 1. Lama Monachile in Polignano a mare, the best beach in Puglia
- 2. Grotta of poetry
- 3. Spiaggia di Pescoluse
- 4. Spiaggia Alimini
- 5. Spiaggia la Scaletta
- 6. Rocky formations of Torre Sant’Andrea
- 7. Spiaggia libera
- 8. Spiaggia di porto marzano
- 9. Spiaggia and Natural Pool of Marina Serra
- 10. Spiaggia Padula Bianca
- 11. Spiaggia di Portulignu
- 12. Beach of Purity
- 13. Baia dei Turchi
- 14. Spiaggia cale Paradiso
- 15. Spiaggia delle Isole Asce
- Where to sleep in Puglia?
- Ideas of activities in Puglia for your vacations :
Sommaire
- Where to swim in Puglia ?
- The best months for swimming
- Does Puglia have sandy beaches?
- Our 15 must-see beaches [map 2023]
- 1. Lama Monachile in Polignano a mare, the best beach in Puglia
- 2. Grotta of poetry
- 3. Spiaggia di Pescoluse
- 4. Spiaggia Alimini
- 5. Spiaggia la Scaletta
- 6. Rocky formations of Torre Sant’Andrea
- 7. Spiaggia libera
- 8. Spiaggia di porto marzano
- 9. Spiaggia and Natural Pool of Marina Serra
- 10. Spiaggia Padula Bianca
- 11. Spiaggia di Portulignu
- 12. Beach of Purity
- 13. Baia dei Turchi
- 14. Spiaggia cale Paradiso
- 15. Spiaggia delle Isole Asce
- Where to sleep in Puglia?
- Ideas of activities in Puglia for your vacations :
Where to swim in Puglia ?
The region of Puglia is bordered by an immense and beautiful coastline, alternating white sandy beaches and rocky formations, natural arch. Most of the beaches offer sunbeds and umbrellas for rent.
Other more isolated and picturesque beaches are less frequented, even during the tourist season. You are bound to find something you like. even in the middle of the tourist season
The best months for swimming
Obviously in July and August the water temperature is ideal because it is between 25 and 28 degrees. You will be able to get into it as if you were in the bath! The back season also offers pleasant temperatures with in June 24 degrees and in October 23 degrees on average.
Does Puglia have sandy beaches?
Our 15 must-see beaches [map 2023]
1. Lama Monachile in Polignano a mare, the best beach in Puglia
You can set up your towel on one of the most beautiful beaches in Puglia, located in the charming village of Polignano a Mare, 45 minutes south of Bari.
You can climb the rocks to jump into the water or go swimming to explore the caves around, snorkeling…
It is a pebble beach. Remember to bring beach shoes. The water is so clear. We strongly advise you to avoid it in the middle of August!
Free ten minute parking from 30/09 to 30/05, in high season it’s 1,5€ per hour, outside the city, bar and restaurant on site
2. Grotta of poetry
Our second favorite, located 30 minutes south of Lecce, the “Baroque Florence“of Puglia.
The site is absolutely beautifulit is a natural pool which communicates with the sea.
Most visitors go swimming, even if it is forbidden, it seems to be tolerated. It is a stop to foresee, to observe this small natural wonder.
Parking 3€ per day at a hundred meters, entrance to the site 3€, good plan Why not us, the site is free after 19h and in winter.
3. Spiaggia di Pescoluse
This beach is nicknamed “the maldive of Salento“, that already says a lot about what awaits you.
Located in the south of Apulia, 35 minutes from Gallipoli, andffectively, this beach is incredible the water is transparent and the sand is very fine and white. Like on the pictures we could see from the beaches in Maldives. It is an ideal beach for families because the slope in the water is gentle.
On the other hand, it is a very popular place, so be prepared to share this little corner of paradise with many other bathers in the summer season.
Parking 4€ per day, deckchair and parasol rental about 15€ per day.
4. Spiaggia Alimini
It is a very beautiful large beach, in the middle of the pineslocated 35 minutes south of Lecce. The sand is fine the turquoise sea is low on several metersa perfect place for a lazy afternoon with the family.
Parking 3,50€ per day, sunshade and deckchair 20€ per day
5. Spiaggia la Scaletta
It is a beach located a few minutes from Monopoli, with white sand and clear water, several small coves follow one another.
This beach can be reached after a 5 minute walk, it has remained wild because there is no bar or restaurant. Ideal if you are looking for a little privacy.
Free parking at 5 minutes walking distance
6. Rocky formations of Torre Sant’Andrea
Set of rock formations located a few kilometers from Lecce. It is a photogenic place, with natural arch, you will be able to take beautiful pictures. The water is, as often in Puglia, completely transparent.
There is no beach, you can put your towel on the rocks and jump into the crystal clear water. Coves to explore with shoes.
Small parking lot prefer a visit early in the morning or late afternoon you can enjoy a beautiful sunset.
7. Spiaggia libera
A beautiful beach located south of Taranto, white sand and transparent sea, shallow.
deckchair and parasol, free parking with very little space
8. Spiaggia di porto marzano
A few kilometers from Monopoli and 20 minutes from Alberobello, beautiful cove, with sand and water always translucent. Perfect for a relaxing afternoon.
Deckchair and parasol, bar/restaurant, parking 3€.
9. Spiaggia and Natural Pool of Marina Serra
Located in the south of Puglia, another jewel of the region, it is a natural pool dug by the sea. Very easy to access with children because the water is shallow.
Once again in high season you will not be alone. You will settle directly on the rocks. Don’t forget your shoes to get into the water.
Parking 0,80 cents / hour
10. Spiaggia Padula Bianca
North of Gallipoli, it is a beach of fine white sand, bordered by vegetation, accessible after crossing the pine forest. You will enjoy the clear water. It is an ideal beach with children because the first 20 meters are not very deep, very popular for families.
Parking 3€ per day
11. Spiaggia di Portulignu
South of Lecce, it is a beautiful natural pool dug in the rock by the sea. It is a good alternative to the “grotta de la Poesia” located next door. You can explore the caves in the vicinity.
Parking 3€ per day at a hundred meters
12. Beach of Purity
Located in the center of Gallipoli, a beautiful beach outside the walls of the medieval city, white sand with clear water. The sunset is incredible!
13. Baia dei Turchi
To the north of Otranto, this beach of fine sand is large and wild . You will reach it after crossing the pine forest. You will have foot the first 50 meters.
Parking 5€ per day then shuttle bus that takes you to the beach or you can park along the road, after crossing the pine forest you will reach the beach (10 minutes walk).
14. Spiaggia cale Paradiso
It is one of the closest beaches to Monopoli and therefore very popular in high season. Small sandy beach with some rocks, clean, and translucent water. If there is no room on the sand you can also put your towel on the rocks.
Louonge chair and parasol, bar/restaurant, parking 5€.
15. Spiaggia delle Isole Asce
It is one of the closest beaches to Lecce. It is certainly less incredible than those mentioned above, so there are fewer people in the middle of the season. It has all the characteristics of an Apulian beach, the sea is clear, warm and the sand is fine.
Some free places along the road
Where to sleep in Puglia?
1. B&B e Case Vacanza Carpe Diem, in Monopoli, with a wonderful sea view
2. Il belvedere Matera, in Matera, to sleep in a traditional house
3. Masseria San Francesco, in Alberobello, for a night in the middle of nature with swimming pool
Ideas of activities in Puglia for your vacations :
To visit the various points of interest in Puglia, you can book your activity in advance via internet. We advise you to have a look at the website getyourguide which proposes various activities at attractive prices, that will give you ideas of activities to do on the spot!
We wish you a great trip! Do not hesitate to share your most beautiful beaches, or to ask any questions you may have, we will answer you with great pleasure. It is always a real pleasure to read you!
