Apulia (Puglia) is the sun-drenched heel of Italy's boot, stretching along the Adriatic and Ionian coasts with over 800 km of coastline, centuries-old whitewashed towns, and a food culture that rivals anywhere in the country. Home to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites — the iconic trulli of Alberobello and the enigmatic Castel del Monte — Apulia blends Norman castles, Baroque Lecce stonework, and ancient masserie (fortified farmhouses) into an unforgettable landscape.
Top beaches
A ranked editor’s shortlist of the coastline worth planning a day around in Apulia.
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- iconic clifftop gorge, buzzing in summer, serene at dawn
- sunbeds
- umbrellas
- beach bar
- cliff diving area
Cala Porto (Lama Monachile), Polignano a Mare
Editor’s tip. Arrive before 9 am in summer to secure free pebble space; the beach fills rapidly by 10:30 am
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- lively family-oriented bay with iconic sea stack backdrop and beach-club culture
- sunbeds
- umbrellas
- water sports
- beach bars
- restaurants
- showers
Torre dell'Orso
Editor’s tip. The free public beach near the old tower fills more slowly than the central lidi; arrive before 10 am in August for space
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- wild, romantic, pine-shaded cove free from any beach-club development
- pine forest shade
- crystal water
- wild beach area
- snorkelling
Baia dei Turchi
Editor’s tip. Arrive before 8:30 am in July and August; the car park on SP358 fills by 9 am and latecomers park on the roadside
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- tropical-feeling Ionian idyll, remote and open with warm shallow water
- white sand
- shallow Ionian water
- snorkelling
- kite-surfing area nearby
- beach bars
Punta Prosciutto
Editor’s tip. Visit in June or early September for the same sand and water quality as August with far fewer visitors
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- tropical-looking Ionian escape, lively and social in peak summer
- white sand beach
- crystal shallow water
- lifeguards in season
- beach bars
- restaurants
Spiaggia di Pescoluse (Maldives of Salento)
Editor’s tip. June and early September are ideal: same sand and colour, far fewer visitors, and parking is easy
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- secluded limestone cove with clear turquoise water away from the main Gargano beach crowds
- limpid turquoise water
- pebble and sand mix
- beach club
- boat hire
- snorkelling
Pugnochiuso Beach, Gargano
Editor’s tip. Take the seasonal boat from Vieste rather than driving the narrow cliff road if possible — the sea approach is spectacular
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- dramatic isolated geological spectacle with an adventurous cliff-path approach
- dramatic limestone arches
- turquoise water
- beach club
- accessible only by boat or steep path
Spiaggia di Baia delle Zagare, Gargano
Editor’s tip. Taking a boat from Mattinata allows visitors to see the arches from the sea — far more impressive than the clifftop view
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- wild, quiet, pine-scented nature reserve for serious swimmers and free-divers
- pine forest nature reserve
- rocky coves
- snorkelling
- no sunbeds
- wild swimming
Porto Selvaggio
Editor’s tip. Bring water shoes; entry points are rocky and there is no sandy beach section anywhere in the cove
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- sporty Adriatic beach with lagoon nature reserve and a lively beach-club scene
- lagoon swimming
- pine forest
- windsurfing
- kitesurfing
- beach clubs
- showers
Alimini Lakes & Beach
Editor’s tip. Wind sport conditions are best from early afternoon when the northeast breeze builds; morning is calmer for swimming
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- quiet local-favourite family beach with warm shallow Ionian water and no tourist hustle
- wide flat sandy beach
- shallow Ionian water ideal for families
- beach bars
- sunbeds
Spiaggia di San Pietro in Bevagna
Editor’s tip. The beach is best accessed by car from Manduria; allow 15 minutes and note that road signage in the area can be sparse
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- remote Adriatic island sanctuary with crystal-clear marine reserve water and no cars
- transparent water
- small sandy beach
- snorkelling
- boat access only in summer
Isole Tremiti — Cala delle Arene, San Domino
Editor’s tip. Book the hydrofoil from Vieste well in advance for July and August — crossings fill quickly in peak season
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- tranquil nature-first Adriatic reserve with wild dunes and pristine motor-boat-free water
- marine reserve
- wild dunes
- birdwatching area
- guided snorkelling tours
- no motorboats
Torre Guaceto Beach
Editor’s tip. Guided snorkelling tours of the marine reserve are bookable at the reserve visitor centre; advance booking is recommended in August
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- urban beach with castle backdrop, lively local atmosphere, and excellent seafood nearby
- town beach below the castle
- sunbeds
- beach clubs
- central location
- restaurants nearby
Spiaggia di Monopoli
Editor’s tip. The train from Bari is the most convenient option and avoids parking entirely; the beach is a 5-minute walk from Monopoli station
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- dramatic sea stacks and crystal water, adventurous and highly photogenic
- iconic sea stacks
- crystal-clear swimming
- snorkelling
- rocky beach
- cliff jumps
Faraglioni di Sant'Andrea
Editor’s tip. Arrive before 9 am in July–August to secure a preferred flat rock platform before the crowds arrive
Things to do at the beach
Beyond swimming and sunbathing — the activities that make a coastal day in Apulia memorable.
What to bring
A short packing list for a comfortable beach day — adjust for season and the specific spot.
- Sun protectionHigh-SPF sunscreen, hat, polarised sunglasses, light long-sleeve cover-up.
- HydrationReusable bottle, salty snacks for longer days, electrolyte sachets if it’s hot.
- FootwearWater shoes for pebble or rocky entry, flip-flops for sand, dry pair for the trip home.
- Swim & coverQuick-dry towel or sand-resistant mat, change of swimwear, light cover-up for restaurants.
- Cash & valuablesSmall notes for beach clubs and rentals; waterproof pouch for phone, keys, cards.
- ExtrasReef-safe sunscreen near protected coastline, a book, a small first-aid kit for jellyfish or scrapes.
Beach safety
Hard-earned guidance — read this before you swim, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the coast.
Critical
Swim where lifeguards are posted and follow flag warnings — green is safe, yellow is caution, red means no swimming. Rip currents are the leading beach hazard worldwide.
Caution
Watch for tide changes and marine life — jellyfish blooms, sea urchins on rocky entries, occasional shark or stingray advisories. Don’t swim alone, especially at dawn or dusk.
Tip
Reapply sunscreen every 90 minutes and after every swim. Take shade between 11 am and 3 pm — the sun is harsher than people expect, even when the air is cool.
Practical
Keep valuables out of sight or back at the accommodation. Beach theft is a small-but-real risk at busy beaches; never leave bags unattended while you’re in the water.
Common questions
Quick answers to the questions we get asked most about Apulia’s coast.
Is Cala Porto safe for children?
The water is calm and clear but deepens quickly from the pebble shoreline, making it less suitable for very young or non-swimming children. Older children comfortable in deeper water enjoy it greatly. Seasonal lifeguards are present in July and August.
From the Cala Porto (Lama Monachile), Polignano a Mare editorial.
Can visitors watch cliff diving from the beach?
Yes — during the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series in September, spectators watch from the beach below or from the bridge and clifftop railings above. The event is free to observe from most public vantage points.
From the Cala Porto (Lama Monachile), Polignano a Mare editorial.
Is Torre dell'Orso suitable for families with young children?
Yes, it is one of the most family-friendly beaches in Salento. The sand slopes very gently, the water stays shallow for some distance, and the bay is sheltered from strong surf. Lifeguards are present in July and August.
From the Torre dell'Orso editorial.
Are the Le Due Sorelle sea stacks accessible to visitors?
The stacks are natural rock formations rising from the water and cannot be climbed. They can be viewed closely by swimming or paddling out from the beach; kayaks available for hire reach them easily.
From the Torre dell'Orso editorial.
Is Baia dei Turchi a fee-charging beach?
Entry to the beach is free; the protected zone has no gate fee. The car park on the SP358 road may charge a nominal seasonal fee (typically 3–5 euros). No sunbed or umbrella concessions operate on the beach.
From the Baia dei Turchi editorial.
Is there public transport to Baia dei Turchi?
There is no scheduled public bus service to the bay. The beach is reached by car (parking on SP358) or by bicycle from Otranto. Walking from Otranto town centre takes approximately 1.5–2 hours along the coastal road.
From the Baia dei Turchi editorial.
Is Punta Prosciutto suitable for young children?
Yes, the very shallow and calm Ionian water and gently shelving fine sand make this an excellent choice for families with toddlers and young children. The flat sea remains shallow for a considerable distance from the shore.
From the Punta Prosciutto editorial.
Is public transport available to Punta Prosciutto?
There is no scheduled public bus service to the beach. A car is the only practical means of access. The parking area near the beach charges approximately 5 euros per day in July and August.
From the Punta Prosciutto editorial.