Puglia: discover the most beautiful beaches

The beaches in Puglia are nothing short of spectacular, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty and rich history. From the stunning shores of Salento to the pristine coastal areas stretching along the Adriatic and Ionian seas, Puglia’s beaches are renowned for their crystal-clear waters, golden sands, and dramatic cliffs. The region’s diverse coasts not only provide idyllic spots for sunbathing and swimming but also hold significant archaeological treasures. Visitors can explore ancient ruins and historic sites, seamlessly blending a beach holiday with a journey through Puglia’s fascinating past.

Whether you are drawn to the serene beaches or the intriguing coastal archaeology, Puglia promises an unforgettable experience for every traveler.
Whether you want to unwind on the sandy shores or embark on a snorkeling adventure, explore the best selection of beaches in Puglia.

Torre Guaceto

A gem of Italy’s natural heritage, and particularly of the Puglia region, Torre Guaceto is a uniquely special park composed of both a marine reserve and a terrestrial reserve, managed by a single entity.
The Marine Protected Area, established in 1991, and the State Nature Reserve, created in 2000, form a protected system spanning approximately 3,300 hectares and covering an 8-kilometer stretch of coastline from the provincial capital, Brindisi, to the territory of the municipality of Carovigno. The park’s name reflects its ancient history and its longstanding importance for both animal and human communities.
The Reserve attracts many visitors interested in studying and observing the diverse fauna and flora. The variety of Mediterranean Maquis vegetation and numerous animal species provide ample opportunities for engaging in various nature-based activities.Visitors can enjoy birdwatching, snorkeling, sea watching, trekking, cycling, hiking, and walking throughout the reserve.
“Torre Guaceto” comes from the Arabic “Al Gawsit,” meaning “the place of fresh water,” a term chosen by an ancient Middle Eastern topographer to indicate the presence of life-giving water springs in the area.

Torre di Roca Vecchia

We are in Roca Vecchia, in the province of Lecce, a perfect blend of culture, crystal-clear sea, and a picturesque landscape surrounded by the scents of the omnipresent Mediterranean maquis and the greenery of unspoiled nature. Roca Vecchia is home to a significant archaeological area that has been studied by various scholars who discovered Messapian inscriptions inside a series of marine caves along the coast of this small center. Additionally, the remains of a castle dating back to the Late Middle Ages are noteworthy, along with a watchtower now reduced to ruins, testifying to a distant past.

The Tower of Roca Vecchia stands prominently on a small islet adjacent to the remains of fortifications and archaeological excavations: wide cliffs that plunge into the sea, with spots where one can easily descend and find an inviting rock to spread a towel and bask in the warm rays of the sun for a perfect tan.

The area around Torre di Roca Vecchia is one of the most frequented places in midsummer, attracting both families and young people looking for a spot to dive into the sea and experience the thrill of being plunged into the water in an instant. The sea is transparent and clean, with an unusual freshness due to the presence of various freshwater currents. The depth and beauty of these waters are ideal for snorkeling enthusiasts who want to explore the most interesting coves and caves.

Grotta della Poesia

The Grotta Poesia Grande is considered one of the most beautiful natural pools in the world and is therefore very popular with tourists in the summer. However, the history of this place goes far beyond the beauty and tranquility of its waters. It is a complex of three karstic cavities connected by tunnels and galleries that humans discovered in the late prehistoric period, accessible from the coast.

The tunnels lead to a large cavity which humans chose as a privileged place of worship. Inside, there is a freshwater spring (from the ancient Greek name “posìa,” meaning drink, which was later corrupted to “poesia,” giving rise to the current name). Over time, the sea invaded the caves, causing the collapse of their vaults.

Just a few dozen meters from the Poesia Grande, the Grotta Poesia Piccola opens up: one of the most important epigraphic monuments of the ancient Mediterranean, with over 600 square meters of carved surfaces. Here, you can find prehistoric figures, Messapian texts, and Latin texts, along with figurative themes typical of the cults of Minoan-Mycenaean civilizations. The inscriptions reveal the name of the deity (Tutor Andreius/Taotor Andirahas) and in some cases, even the rituals of the cult that took place in the cave sanctuary.

Cala Porto

Lama Monachile, also known as Cala Porto, is undoubtedly considered the most beautiful and enchanting beach in Polignano a Mare. It is impossible not to be captivated by such a spectacle! The scene resembles the finest paintings but is a reality: a high cliff studded with numerous small marine caves, and to add to the charm, human ingenuity has made it even more picturesque with houses perched on the edge of the sea. It is a sight that is difficult to describe but needs to be experienced!

Lama Monachile beach, also known as Cala Porto, is located right in the heart of Polignano a Mare. Once an ancient commercial port built by the Bourbons, its central location makes it impossible to miss and utterly enchanting.

The beach is made up of rounded pebbles smoothed by the sea, with a rocky and quickly deepening seabed. Given its central location, this small public beach gets particularly crowded in the peak summer months. It’s advisable to visit early in the morning to secure a spot, as the early hours offer a truly magical experience.
Access to the beach is via a staircase near the bridge (which will be discussed later) and another descent starting from Via Conversano, which is not recommended for disabled or elderly visitors.

While the beach itself lacks public facilities, there are many nearby establishments, structures, and beach clubs where you can find restrooms and shaded refreshment areas. Parking is available about 300 meters away, both free and paid, but be mindful of the high season when spaces are in high demand.

Tremiti Islands

Anyone who loves the sea must visit the Tremiti Islands at least once in their lifetime. Their remote location enhances their charm, as does the deep blue waters of the Adriatic that surround them. The islands’ beauty and unspoiled character, combined with the clarity of the water, have earned them the title of the “Pearl of the Adriatic.”
Located about 10 nautical miles from the Gargano coast, the Tremiti Islands stand out for their diverse and varied landscapes, a diversity that is also reflected in the underwater scenery. The transparency of the sea enhances and amplifies the variety of colors. Underwater, there are a mix of seabeds and walls waiting to be explored.

Since 1996, the Tremiti Islands have been part of the Gargano National Park, designated as a Marine Nature Reserve. This designation has helped preserve the coastal area and marine depths, making it a protected zone.

The sea around the islands is divided into three zones:

1. Pianosa Island, where swimming, navigation, and any form of fishing are prohibited.
2. The area between the Punta Provvidenza lighthouse and Punta Secca and Caprara, where underwater fishing and navigation are prohibited except by authorized personnel. Diving is allowed with permission from the authorities.
3. The remaining area of San Domino, Caprara, and all of San Nicola Island, where, in addition to diving, recreational fishing is permitted.
For the quality of their bathing waters, the Tremiti Islands have been awarded the prestigious Blue Flag several times by the Foundation for Environmental Education.

The archipelago comprises five islands:

1. San Domino, the largest, primarily dedicated to tourism. It boasts the only sandy beach in the archipelago (Cala delle Arene).
2. San Nicola, the administrative center and home to most of the population. It is the historical and artistic jewel of the archipelago.
3. Caprara or Capperaia, the second largest, completely uninhabited. It derives its name from the caper plants that abound.
4. Pianosa, about twenty kilometers from its “larger sisters,” presents itself as a rocky plateau amidst the waves of the sea, also completely uninhabited.
5. Cretaccio, instead of being the smallest island of the archipelago, can be considered its largest rock, a gigantic heap of clay nestled between San Domino and San Nicola. Notable, alongside Cretaccio, is the rock called la Vecchia.

All five islands share similar characteristics such as rocky coastlines or low population density (some islands are even uninhabited). Rich marine life populates these pristine waters, finding an ideal place to reproduce.

The Tremiti Islands are linked to the myth of Diomedes, who arrived here in exile from the Trojan War, after which the islands were renamed “Diomedee.”
Every year, thousands of Italian and foreign tourists visit the Tremiti Islands, drawn by the clear waters, the beauty of the landscape, and the enchantment they exude.

Torre dell’Orso

The coastline of Torre dell’Orso is renowned for its fine, silver-colored sand and offers both equipped areas and free beach sections. The beach facilities provide all necessary services, and the sea water is clear and crystalline. The Torre dell’Orso beach stretches for about 800 meters and is surrounded by beautiful dunes and a pine forest planted during the Fascist era.

The shoreline is bordered by a spectacular high, jagged white rock wall featuring natural caves and shelters. In the azure waters of the sea, there are two rock formations known as the Due Sorelle (Two Sisters).

According to an ancient legend, two sisters were bathing in these waters when they could not return to shore and tragically drowned. The gods, moved by their story, granted them eternity by transforming their bodies into these two large rock formations. This is why Torre dell’Orso beach is often referred to as the “Beach of the Two Sisters.”

Santa Cesarea Terme

Overlooking the Otranto Channel, Santa Cesarea Terme is an enchanting town in the Salento region, perched on a cliff above the sea. Nestled between the blue sea and lush greenery, the town center is characterized by Moorish palaces, elegant villas, and white houses. This gem of the Salento coast is renowned for being a famous thermal spa destination, attracting not only visitors in need of treatments and therapies but also those seeking relaxation.

The origins of Santa Cesarea Terme are steeped in various pagan and Christian stories and legends. One of the most famous tales involves Cretan ships that, having traveled to Sicily to avenge the deaths of King Minos and his son Daedalus, were shipwrecked on the Salento coast during a violent storm. Here, the sailors discovered the town of Cesarea, surrounded by lush vegetation, and decided to settle in these lands, founding the first colonies. Although the therapeutic properties of its waters were known as early as the 2nd century BC, concrete information about Santa Cesarea Terme dates back to the 19th century, when the construction of road connections ended the town’s isolation. Since then, the increasing interest in its sulfurous waters has established it as a significant thermal spa center.

Santa Cesarea Terme boasts thermal springs belonging to the salso-bromo-iodic-sulfurous group, which are highly effective from a therapeutic standpoint. The waters emerge at a temperature of 30°C and originate from four natural caves (Gattulla, Solfurea, Fetida, and Solfatara) located along the coast. Due to these springs and excellent services, Santa Cesarea Terme is a popular destination for those in need of preventive, curative, or rehabilitative treatments. Visitors can undergo inhalation therapy, mud therapy, physiotherapy, and massage therapy. The center also attracts those seeking a wellness-focused stay, offering programs with thermal and aesthetic treatments, massages, draining therapies, and relaxation treatments.