The Best Beaches in Puglia: from Gargano to Salento

Among italian regions Puglia is one of those the world envies us  most  for both its landscapes and its beaches. In fact, our region boasts a fabulous climate, ideal for spending a relaxing summer holiday in its beautiful beaches.

This strip of land is larger than you imagine and has the longest stretch of coast than any other Italian region (islands excluded). Its coasts are washed by both the Ionian Sea and the Adriatic Sea and this gives it a variety of beaches to explore.

Here is our top ten of the best beaches to visit in Puglia.

Puglia Beaches: From Gargano to Salento

When we talk about Gargano, or the area of northern Puglia around the province of Foggia, we cannot help but think of its seaside towns, starting with the Tremiti Islands.

Tremiti Islands

Only two of the three Tremiti Islands are inhabited, but it is possible to reach them all by boat from the mainland in Termoli or from other smaller towns in the Gargano area. San Domino and San Nicola are the largest islands, and therefore offer more in terms of accommodation facilities. In these islands it is possible to snorkel and enjoy beautiful dives. The beaches and bays are sandy, wild and wonderful.

Baia delle Zagare

Baia delle Zagare is in the sub-region of Gargano, between Vieste and Mattinata and takes its name from a local flower. The soft white beach is 1 km long and is surrounded by the Gargano National Park. There are two distinct white rock formations near the shore and that’s one of the most recognizable places in the region.

We continue our journey going south, always facing the Adriatic coast, to discover other beaches rich with history.

Torre Guaceto

Torre Guaceto is both a protected marine area and a nature reserve. This stretch of coast is just a few kilometres away from Brindisi, and in its vast beach you can find your own piece of paradise. Real coral reefs and sea grass offer the ideal backdrops for snorkelling. Close to the beach is the eponymous tower dating back to the 16th century and there’s also a visitor center with a museum dedicated to the tower.

Torre Dell’Orso

This thin stretch of 1.5 km of pristine sand is located within the area of the town of Melendugno. The most famous feature of this beach are the “two sisters“: two twin rocks that rise from the sea, side by side and are positioned a few meters from the beach. Torre dell’Orso beach is also surrounded by rocky cliffs full of caves and a lush pine forest.

Baia dei Turchi

This beach is located in Otranto and it’s so called because in this bay the Turkish soldiers landed during the battle of Otranto in the fifteenth century. Today, it’s a peaceful refuge of white sand and turquoise water in a sheltered bay, reachable by foot through a pine forest.

Porto Badisco

Also in the town of Otranto we find Porto Badisco. According to the myth, this is a magical beach. It is said that Aeneas, son of the goddess Venus, landed here, as the ancient roman poet Virgil tells us. This pebble beach offers beautiful views and shady corners perfect for a delicious picnic based on typical Apulian products.

Let’s move now on the Ionian coast to admire its equally wonderful beaches.

Beach of San Pietro in Bevagna

This pristine beach is located near the town of Maruggio and is usually deserted. Here you can enjoy in tranquility and in solitude the blue sea and white sand dunes. If instead you prefer a little ‘movida during your holidays, there are beaches nearby equipped with every means of comfort, where you can enjoy the tranquility of a comfortable sunbed.

Dunes beach of Campomarino

For total relaxation, choose the beach of sand dunes of Campomarino. There are certainly no beach bars or umbrellas in sight, but lush shrubs of fragrant juniper, lavender and thyme. If you are looking for peace to get in touch with nature and enjoy the crystal clear water, this is the right place.

Baia di Torre Lapillo

For total relaxa, choose the beach of sand dunes of Campomarino. True, there are no beach bars or umbrellas in sight, but lush shrubs of fragrant juniper, lavender and thyme. If you are looking for peace to connect with nature and enjoy the crystal clear water, this is the right place.

And finally, our trips to discover the most beautiful beaches to visit in Puglia ends in the place where the two seas meet: Leuca.

Pescoluse

Called this way because of the small sandbanks that resemble a collection of islands at sunset, this beach is affectionately known as the Italian answer to the Maldives. The sparkling Ionian waters of Pescoluse and the silky white sands are the dream of a beach lover. The shallow waters make this beach ideal for a family beach holidays, or for those who prefer to avoid water challenges.

There are many wonderful beaches in Puglia to discover (why not?) by cycling. We at  the Puglia Cycle Tours know this very well and that’s why in our tours we include the most beautiful and unique places and beaches in our region. Choose the tour that best suits your needs or contact us for tailor-made solutions!