Puglia really has everything. Amazing food, stunning olive fields, inspiring cities and one of our favourite things: a dreamy coast. Both the west and east coasts of Puglia have beautiful beaches. If you like fine sandy beaches with nice beach clubs you are going to enjoy the west coast the most. For adventurous beaches with unusual rocks and caves, you should be on the east coast. We will show you where to find all these beautiful beaches, both sandy and rocky spots. You can start looking forward to laying your towel on the white sand or placing your feet on the edge of the rocks for a refreshing dive. The coast of Puglia is ready to be admired.
Tricase Porto
Tricase Porto is located in the south of Puglia at the Adriatic Sea. This is really a place where the locals like to come and therefore also a place where you will not encounter many tourists. A real insider tip: when you walk to the end of the beach, you will see a small passage in the rocks to the left. Behind this lies a “secret” rocky beach with a kiosk that serves the tastiest frise.
Photo’s Sliceoflucas
Porto Miggiano beach
On the coast of Santa Cesarea Terme lies a very popular, almost magical bay. The Porto Miggiano beach is located on a very particular u-shaped rock overlooking the sea and surrounded by incredible white cliffs. As with most special beaches in Salento, getting there is not very easy and requires a bit of climbing, but the beautiful clear water, white sand and the magical view are totally worth it. This place is really a must-visit.
Photo’s Andrea Di Taranto
Baia del Mulino D’Acqua
Another hidden spot that’s made public: Baia del Mulino D’Acqua. This is a special place with several caves that you can swim to from the beach. The caves are formed like a private pool with a small peek into the blue sky. Opinions on safety are divided, but the beach is still frequently visited by locals, so with a little caution, you can definitely enjoy the beauty of this beach.
Photo’s Francescogiannotta and Martinakta
Bagno Marino Archi
Bagno Marino Archi is a characteristic spot in Santa Cesarea Terme. At this beach club between the rocks, you can rent a bed and an umbrella to spend your day by the clear blue water. It’s a beautiful, but small place, so expect crowds in August.
Photo filippoversienti
Marina di Marittima
Acquaviva di Marittima is an adventurous beach with a little more comfort. You can easily get there because of the constructed stairs, there is plenty of parking, a small bar and a shower. The bay with crystal blue water is good to visit even during high season if you go early in the morning. But our favourite part is the small white boathouses. Picture yourself leaning against the boat house after an amazing dive in the cold water.
Photo’s anaishnn
Castro Marina beach
The coastline of Castro Marina beach has a beautiful rocky coastline, but for the not-so-adventurous rock jumpers, fortunately there is also a stretch of rock-free beach where you can walk into the water. Besides swimming in the crystal-clear water, you can also go supping and kayaking here. Castro Marina is a cheerful coastal town where you will be surrounded by locals. Want to discover more beaches in one day? Castro Marina lies between two beautiful beaches. Slightly to the north you will find Santa Cesarea Terme and the stunning beach Marina di Marittima is a five minute drive south.
Photo’s Andrea Di Taranto
Ponte Ciolo
For the last beach, we drive all the way to the southernmost tip of Salento. The drive to this beach is already a special experience in itself, due to the high rocks on one side and the blue water on the other. Follow the long steps down and you will enter the bay with the most beautiful shimmering water you have ever seen. Surround yourself with locals jumping off the rocks and snorkelers swimming between the rocks through the open water. This place is magical.
Mora Mora beach
Mora Mora Beach is a strip of private beach overlooking the Adriatic sea. With the clear water and white sandy beaches it almost feels like you’re on a tropical island. This is a perfect place for a relaxed day on a sunbed with a cocktail in your hand. After a long day in the sun, you can get around the table for dinner with the sea view at the Mora Mora beach club.
Marina di Pescoluse
When all you need is a relaxed day on a sunbed with a beautiful blue sea, Marina di Pescoluse is the place to be. This beautiful beach with a light blue sea is also called the Maldives of Puglia. I think that says it all. When you want to have a small something to eat I would recommend Lidò Bambu for lunch and cocktails. The food and the drinks are perfect and affordable there and the people are really nice.
