Get Sea & Sun at the Best Beaches Puglia Has to Offer

Are you ready to travel more in 2023? If you want to live the dolce vita, then head to the beach! Based on the average Italian’s summer tan, you can be sure they’re spending a fair amount of time there. Rightly so, because Italy has many of the most spectacular beaches in the world. It has been said that when Italians go on a beach vacation they go to Puglia, Italy’s southernmost region. Their secret is out though, and Puglia’s beaches now attract visitors from all over the world, thanks to their abundance and beauty. If you're craving some vitamin sea, consider heading here with HomeExchange and visit the best beaches Puglia has to offer.

Lama Monachile: The Most Photographed of Puglia Beaches

You’ll find this beach in the coastal town of Polignano a Mare on the Adriatic coast. It’s sometimes also called Cala Porto. It’s the town’s main beach and is nestled between two cliffs, making it a dramatic and picturesque one that captures the lens of many photographers and travel influencers.

If you’re feeling daring, you can dive off the cliffs into the water, but just be sure to check the depth before. It’s accessible via a steep staircase, which can be a bit challenging, but the effort is well worth it once you reach the beach below.

The beach is located just a short walk from the town center, and it is surrounded by historic buildings and charming streets. The locals of Lama Monachile love it too, so expect to see them down for a dip as well.

Spiaggia di Punta Prosciutto: One of the Best Beaches in Puglia for Families

This is another one of the best beaches in Puglia along the region’s Ionian coast in the town of Torre Lapillo. It’s known for its long stretch of soft white sand and crystal clear waters.

For several reasons this is one of the best beaches in Puglia for families. For one, its geography makes it more easily accessible than hiking down rocky coast. The water is calm and shallow, so ideal for children to swim, and with long stretches of soft white sand with plenty of space to play. Children also love running around on the sand dunes that back the beach.

When you get hungry and thirsty after swimming, you’ll be happy to find several beachside restaurants and bars for a delicious Italian meal or apéritivo.

Spiaggia di Porto Selvaggio: An Ideal Snorkeling Spot on a Nature Reserve

Porto Selvaggio is an enchanting nature reserve situated along the Ionian coast of Puglia. Just a short distance from the town of Nardò, the reserve covers an area of over 400 hectares and boasts a mix of rugged coastline, dense pine forests, and Mediterranean maquis.

The reserve is renowned for its numerous stunning coves and beaches, including the lovely Spiaggia di Porto Selvaggio which is considered to be among the best Puglia beaches. It’s incredibly quaint and situated in a rocky cove.

To reach the beach, visitors must follow a picturesque hiking trail that winds its way through the nature reserve. The water's clarity makes it ideal for swimming and snorkeling, while several rocky outcrops provide an excellent vantage point to bask in the sun and take in the magnificent views.

Spiaggia della Purità: Best for a Beach Day Combined with Site-Seeing

This is a lovely beach situated on the east side of the historical town of Gallipoli. Its proximity to the town allows visitors to combine a day at the beach with sightseeing and exploration, while its convenient location make it a favorite stop for families, couples, and solo travelers.

Spiaggia della Purità is one of the most popular beaches in the Salento region and among the best beaches in Puglia. The main part of the beach has soft white sand with shallow water great for kids, but you’ll also find the typical picturesque rocky outcrops to sunbathe on that Puglia is known for.

The presence of several fishing boats moored along the coast is another highlight here, adding character to the area and offering a glimpse into the town's fishing heritage.

Torre Guaceto: Among the Best Beaches in Puglia to Enjoy Nature

Torre Guaceto beach is located within the nature reserve of the same name. It's surrounding protected area is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including several rare and endangered species.

Visitors can explore the reserve on foot or by bike, following several well-marked trails that wind their way through the forests and along the coastline.

Another highlight of Torre Guaceto beach is the presence of several ancient watchtowers, known as torri, that dot the coastline. These towers were built during the 16th century to defend against pirate attacks, and certainly add history and charm to this beach just begging to be explored.

Spiaggia delle Maldive: Soft White Sand Reminiscent of the Maldives

Santa Maria di Leuca is a charming seaside town located at the southernmost tip of Puglia, where the Adriatic and Ionian Seas meet. Just a few kilometers north you’ll find one of Puglia’s best beaches, Spiaggia delle Maldive.

The beach is known for its stunning colors and soft white sand, which are reminiscent of the beaches in the Maldives, hence its name. This beach is also located on a nature reserve known as the Regional Natural Park of Litorale di Ugento covering over 1,000 hectares. It's well-equipped with facilities, including showers, restrooms, and a beachside restaurant. There are also several umbrellas and loungers available for rent.

On your way to and from the beach, it’s worth it to stop in the town of Santa Maria di Leuca to see the Basilica of Santa Maria de Finibus Terrae and the lighthouse.

Baia dei Turchi: Once a Battlefield, Now a Peaceful Beach

One of the unique features of Baia dei Turchi is its history. The name "Baia dei Turchi" translates to "Bay of the Turks," and is believed to be the site of a battle between the Ottoman Turks and the local people in the 15th century.

Today, Baia dei Turchi is pristine and peaceful. It’s a picturesque destination that is popular with visitors looking to escape the crowds to sun, swim, and snorkel. The local facilities are an added comfort, including showers, restrooms, and a beachside restaurant.

You’ll find this stunning cove surrounded by rugged cliffs on the Adriatic coast just a short distance from the town of Otranto.

Grotta della Poesia: A Mythical Natural Swimming Pool

Also close to Otranto you’ll find another one of the best beaches in Puglia. The Grotta della Poesia, also known as the Cave of Poetry, is actually more of a natural swimming pool than a typical beach.

The water in the pool is incredibly clear, and visitors can see straight to the bottom, enticing them to jump in as soon as they arrive. The pool is also known for its excellent cliff diving opportunities, with several platforms and ledges providing an exciting challenge for experienced divers.

According to legend, the pool was created by a beautiful nymph named Leucasia, who was said to have lived in the area. The nymph would sing and recite poetry to her lover, inspiring him to create the stunning natural pool, which is how it got its name.

Spiaggia Mora Mora: Luxury Beach Beds Perfect for Loungers

If you’re a fan of the comfort and luxury of beach clubs, then Mora Mora beach is a beach in Puglia for you. This spacious stretch of sand located in San Foca is home to the luxury beach club by the same name, where you can enjoy one of Puglia’s best beaches while being served up local Italian seafood and cocktails.

No need to haul everything you need to the beach with you. Here, your luxury beach bed can even be complete with a canopy. When you get up to stretch your legs, take a swim in the crystal clear waters or take a romantic nice stroll along the 400 meters of pristine white sand.

Discover Beaches in Puglia, Italy with HomeExchange

Ready to plan your dream summer vacation to the best beaches in Puglia, Italy? Find a place to live your dolce vita with HomeExchange, the largest home exchange network in the world. Sign up and start browsing today to find the perfect place to come home to after a beautiful day at the beach. Your hosts will surely have local beach recommendations of their own for you as well, as Puglia has over 800 kilometers of coastline to discover. Life's a beach in Puglia, and the HomeExchange community hopes to welcome you there soon!