13 Best Beaches in Salento Puglia, Italy

Travelling to the Puglia this summer and looking for the best beaches in Salento? You can find all of this and more in this travel guide.

Before embarking on my travels to Puglia in September 2022, I found it difficult to find information on the best beaches in Salento, Puglia.

I had troubles finding out information on free vs paid lidos, parking, and facilities at beaches. Many other articles on the best beaches of Salento purely list the beaches, and do not share how to visit them.

I made it my aim to visit as many of these beaches as possible and ultimately write this article to fill in the gap of lacking advice on the best beaches in Puglia Italy.

I have been to every location included in my 13 best Salento beaches, so I can give you my first-hand experience. Additionally, I have spent hours gathering information from friends who recently travelled to Puglia to compare our experiences.

In my opinion the best beach in Salento is either Pescoluse Beach or Il Ciolo. Read on to find out why.

For information on the towns around Puglia, read my 4 day itinerary for Puglia and my longer 10 day version.

13 Best Salento Beaches

Nestled in the southern region of Puglia, Salento offers a wealth of breathtaking beaches, each with a unique allure. From secluded coves with clear turquoise waters to expansive stretches of pristine sand, you will find a beach to match your preferences.

This section on the beaches of Puglia, in particular the southern region called Salento, looks at all my favourite beaches I visited during my travels.

You will find information on parking, facilities, type of beach (sand or rock), plus the walking distance from the car park.

It is worth bringing coins (EUR) and a card to make payments for parking at the beaches so you are prepared for all scenarios.

You need to rent a car to explore Puglia and the beaches. There are some trains around Puglia, but not all beach towns have train stations.

If you want to see more of the region north of Bari, you may wish to visit two other well-rated beaches; Vignanotica Beach (Spiaggia di Vignanotica) and Baia delle Zagare.

However, here are some recommendations for beaches south of Bari in the region known as Salento.

1. Il Ciolo

Il Ciolo, located near the southernmost point of Salento, Puglia, is a remarkable beach known for its impressive bridge overlooking a stunning stone beach.

It has crystal-clear waters and scenic surroundings and therefore needs to be on your Puglia itinerary.

There are several free parking spots near the bridge. Cars typically come and go all day because most people will stay there for around an hour before moving on; unless they decide to do the hike that starts from Il Ciolo.

Il Ciolo also has a kiosk next door that sells drinks and snacks, meaning you can grab a snack after your swim.

Additionally, there is a portaloo, so if you need to use their bathroom facilities, you can purchase a drink (or similar).

Wear waterproof sandals when visiting Il Ciolo because of the rocky beach. You must clamber over a slippery, rocky surface to enter the water. Leave your shoes at the water edge (like most people do), or you can wear your water shoes in the water (Tevas or other strap-on sandals would work well). 

Only bring essential items to the beach since you cannot monitor your bags while in the water. For example, pack a bag with a towel, sun cream, hat, car keys and a water bottle – you will be thirsty when you get out of the water due to treading water. 

I love Chilly’s insulated water bottles because your water will stay cold all day.

Cliff jumping is possible from a rock under the Il Ciolo Bridge if you climb up a rock face from the water. As a result, you should bring your shoes into the water for this because the rock is sharp when climbing. You can either jump into the water wearing your shoes or throw them ahead of you (check that they float).

It is a great spot to bring your GoPro, so ensure you have packed it.

You can start your day at Il Ciolo, given that it is one of the southernmost points of Puglia – aside from Santa Maria di Leuca, and then work your way up to other beaches. 

2. Spiaggia di Pescoluse (Maldive del Salento)

Spiaggia di Pescoluse, known as the “Maldives of Salento,” is one of the most beautiful beaches in Puglia. It has silky sand on the beach and crystal clear waters – it is easy to see where it gets its name from. 

The water is calm and shallow, which makes it perfect for a relaxing dip. Spiaggia di Pescoluse certainly feels like one of the best beaches in Salento. 

There are many well-equipped beach clubs whereby you can rent an umbrella and sunbeds.

We chose Papeete Salento Beach Club as it had good reviews online. When booking a beach set-up online, you can reserve the exact umbrella you will use for your stay, meaning you can choose one closest to the water or near the pathway (according to your preference).

The cost of the umbrella varies depending on the time of year and which row you are in, ranging between €15 and €35 (plus service fee) for one or two beds under an umbrella. For example, August is more expensive than July because it is peak summer, and the front row costs more than the second row.

Check the Instagram page for Papeete Salento Beach Club to see what live music and other events will be on during your visit. 

Papeete Salento Beach Club offers private parking and it is included in the cost of your booking. Bring beach towels with you because these are typically not provided at Puglia beach clubs. Plus, any other beach essentials, such as a water bottle and sunscreen. 

The sunbeds were comfortable and had a face shade. In addition, there are bathroom facilities to use throughout the day. 

There is a small kitchen that serves meals and snacks, as well as an array of drinks. I ordered Orecchiette alle cime di rapa and it felt like it had been microwaved, so I would avoid ordering pasta there. However, the sandwiches were tasty. 

Overall, I recommend Papeete Salento Beach Club and would return on my next visit to Puglia. 

If you would like to visit the beach without booking a lido, you could park at the communal car park (paid) and walk onto the beach to find a spot without umbrellas. You can see on Google Satellite View the areas without paid umbrellas.

3. Rocky Dune Park (Parco delle Dune Rocciose)

Our Airbnb host left us with a list of the best beaches in Puglia, and we were slowly making our way through the list during our travels.

We visited Rocky Dune Park (Parco delle Dune Rocciose) on our last day in Italy and we were blown away by its beauty. 

We should have had a better inclination into what to expect at Rocky Dune Park given the name, but the dunes were unexpectantly stunning. 

The beach had some large rocks and soft sand. The waves at Spiaggia della Torretta were huge, so many surfers were going out to make the most of it. 

Spiaggia della Torretta is an enjoyable beach to walk along and take photographs of the dunes and surf. There are plenty of interesting beaches in and around Marina di Lizzano, so you are bound to find many of the best beaches in Taranto.

There is parking along the road near Spiaggia della Torretta, but check the signs for parking restrictions.

When we visited in late September, none of the bars or restaurants were open. There are limited grocery stores in the area, so come prepared. We had to drive a fair distance to find an open café with a bathroom. 

4. Spiaggia di Tricase Porto

Porto Tricase Beach is a charming port town with rocky surroundings. The town has a swimming area in the centre where you can put your towel down on the pier and jump into the water. The refreshing waters are perfect for swimming.

Porto Tricase is an excellent option for people who prefer lidos to sandy beaches. Additionally, it is more pleasant to swim here when it is windy and wavy because the area is protected. 

There is a small section of sand where kids like to play near a pink castle-like building that provides a picturesque backdrop.

You will find a decent number of spaces in the free car park on the north side of the swimming area. From the car park, you can walk along a rocky path, although you ought to avoid wearing flip-flops to get the best grip.

Several nearby restaurants offer stunning coastline views, including Menamè Tricase Porto and Taverna del Porto. As a customer, you can use the bathrooms at these establishments. Deep-fried seafood is a commonly served dish in this area – not ideal for gluten-free travellers. 

5. Cala dell’Acquaviva

Cala dell’Acquaviva is a relatively small rocky area with lovely water for swimming in. There are spots to sit on the rocks surrounding the water’s edge. You will need some extra cushioning to sit on because the rocks are hard and bumpy, so bring enough towels for everyone to sit on.

There is a bar that sells snacks and drinks, such as beers, mojitos, and pop, which draws in a trendy crowd. Although, I could not find a bathroom at this beach.

There are paid parking bays at the top of the steps that lead down to the beach. You will need coins to pay, and you need to input your license plate.

The steps to get down to the cove are rocky and a little steep, so this beach is not recommended for those with accessibility requirements.

6. Spiaggia di Porto Selvaggio

This natural swimming area north of Gallipoli is an essential addition to this list of best Puglia beaches.

Porto Selvaggio is rocky beach surrounded by a pine forest and can be a bit of a far walk, so make sure you wear close-toed shoes to walk in. There are some chemical toilets to use nearby.

It can be busy at Spiaggia di Porto Selvaggio in the peak summer period, so you can also try a similar area further along the coast away from the crowds.

We initially tried to visit Litos Porto Selvaggio Beach Club near Porto Selvaggio Beach, but when we arrived, we realised it had closed for winter the day before (mid-September).

However, we decided to stay in the area and swim near to Litos with some other locals and it was beautiful and refreshing.

You can park on the side of the road for free. Nonetheless, there are no bathroom facilities at this section.

If you want to book the Litos Beach Club, check if they are open by looking at their Instagram account. The page is in Italian, so be sure to translate it. We missed the information that they were closing in mid-September in their social media posts. 

7. Porto Miggiano Beach (Spiaggia di Porto Miggiano)

This rocky lido on the Adriatic Coast is worth visiting while searching for the best Salento Italy beaches.

Initially, we struggled to find Baia di Porto Miggiano and the beach. We arrived at a paid parking lot and a rocky swimming area, but it did not look like the right place.

Therefore, we turned the car around and found another free car park near Augustus Resort. To get to the beach, you need to walk towards the far end of the car park and down some steps.

At the bottom of the steps, there is a flat stone area where you can put your towel down. If you continue along some large rocks, you will see a small sandy area with a cove you can swim in.

When our friends visited Porto Miggiano in July, they said the water was beautiful and clear. When we visited in September, the water was a spectacular colour and refreshing; however, there were some small items of floating garbage.

There is no bathroom at this lido, so try to organise your day with a stop for bathroom facilities before or after.

8. Spiaggia di Torre Colimena

If you are looking for a free sandy beach with an interesting attraction nearby, you should visit Dune di Torre Colimena – an area famous for its bird watching.

You may be able to spot Flamingos at Salina dei Monaci, the salt pans in the middle of the dunes – as we soon found out.

Although, avoid going in the middle of the day in summer because the walk to get to the Flamingos is unbearable in the midday heat.

Spiaggia di Torre Colimena, a soft sandy beach, will provide you with a comfortable spot to set your towel down. Plus, you can usually find a quiet spot, especially if you walk further down the path away from the car park.

There is free street parking as you approach the bird-watching and beach area – just outside the campervan site. However, there are no bathrooms.

9. Spiaggia di Punta Prosciutto, Porto Cesareo Beach

We passed Punta Prosciutto beach on our way to find an open restaurant for lunch and it was incredible.

Punta Prosciutto is a resort full of dunes and fine white sand beaches with some vegetation. The bright turquoise waters are a sight to behold.

A small portion of Punta Prosciutto is used by paid lido services, whereas the rest is open to the public for free. You can find free parking and paid parking near Spiaggia le Dune di Punta Prosciutto.

The paid lido services will have bathroom facilities.

A fun fact, the name Punta Prosciutto means Ham Point in English.

We ate lunch at L’Ancora on the western side of Punta Proscuitto, which was a fine meal but nothing exemplary. While the restaurant does have a sea view, cars are parked in front of the restaurant, so it blocks most of the view. 

We walked along the beach closest to the restaurant, but it felt more derelict in this area. Additionally, there was a large rocky edge that was difficult to walk on, so we could not get to the main Punta Prosciutto Beach. However, the water was crystal-clear and refreshing. 

10. Spiaggia della Purità

The Beach of Purity is unique because it is a small sandy beach in the historic centre of Gallipoli. The beach is picturesque and has beautiful golden sand.

There are plenty of cafes and restaurants in the area for a refreshment or bathroom break.

Spiaggia della Purità is a 5 to 10-minute walk from the Gallipoli Port car park. Parking is free until 3:00 PM and then it is chargeable, so make sure you have coins to pay for this.

In my opinion, it is best to arrive at Gallipoli in the morning and walk around the old town. You could also get lunch. Then, you can enjoy the beach for a few hours before moving on to another town or beach when the paid parking comes into effect.

11. Spiaggia di Torre Guaceto

If you have checked out of your accommodation in Puglia and are looking for a way to pass the time near Brindisi airport, Torre Guaceto is an interesting place to visit. Furthermore, if you are looking for one of the best beaches near Ostuni, Torre Guaceto is worth considering.

There are two options for visiting Torre Guaceto Beach.

You can park at the end of the road called Riserva Naturale Torre Guaceto, near Spiaggia delle Conchiglie, to reach a small, natural cove. It is free to park here, but there are not many spots on the side of the road available.

The other option is to park at Punta Penna Grossa Beach. To find this part of the beach, you should follow signs to Punta Penna Grossa – Torre Guaceto. 

The beach is approximately a 20-minute walk from the car park, but the €8 parking ticket includes a shuttle bus/train to take you to a beautiful part of Spiaggia di Torre Guaceto with fine, white sand.

The shuttle services operate during the summer period, which means typically starting in late June. The shuttle runs between 8:00 AM and 7:20 PM. 

There may be a line to take the shuttle at peak times. You should expect to wait at least 10 minutes for the shuttle. 

You can also rent bikes from the Torre Guaceto visitor centre.

Find out more information about parking, the shuttle, bike tours and bike rentals here. You will find more detail on the Italian language website – therefore, I suggest you visit the Italian version and translate it. 

If you decide to visit the former option closer to Spiaggia delle Conchiglie, you can also walk to see the tower of Torre Guaceto, which used to be a harbour for the Romans. It is an intriguing area to walk around. However, there are no restrooms or establishments in this area.

If you are looking for food before or after your beach visit at Torre Guaceto, you can head to Ostuni and check out its excellent restaurants.

This paid car park provides a convenient location to access Ostuni. I am unsure why it says the car park is temporarily closed, I used it in September 2022 and it said the same thing.

12. Bagno Archi Marino, Santa Cesarea Terme

Bagno Archi Marino is a stunning rocky, paid lido that is an excellent place to enjoy a rejuvenating swim in the Adriatic Sea.

Bagno Archi Marino is a short drive from Porto Miggiano, meaning you can visit both on the same day. There are plenty of paid parking bays nearby to allow for convenient parking.

The cost is EUR 29 – 34 (depending on the season) for day use of an umbrella and two sunbeds for two people at Bango Archi Marino. The low season is June and September, and the high season is July and August.

If you plan to visit in early June or mid to late September, check the social media channels or reach out by WhatsApp to guarantee it is open. You can also make reservations for umbrellas through WhatsApp. It is recommended to make a reservation during peak summer.

The beach club was closed on 9 September when we attempted to visit. However, our friends visited Bagno Archi Marino in late June and it was open.

Our friends said that it was a great lido and the food served at the restaurant was good. What’s more, gluten-free pizza is served at Bagno Archi Marino.

If you want to check out this swimming spot but do not need any amenities, such as a bathroom or lunch, then you can try out the free, public lido just a stone’s throw away. It is called Riparo Gli Archi and it is accessed by the same paid parking lot.

It is best to avoid Riparo Gli Archi when there are strong winds and waves because it can be difficult to get in and out of the water.

13. Lama Monachile, Polignano a Mare

Lama Monachile Beach in Polignano a Mare is a unique and captivating destination in Puglia, making it one of the most photographed spots in the region.

What sets this beach apart is the remarkable cliffs that frame either side of the pebble beach, creating a stunning natural backdrop.

Perched atop these cliffs are charming buildings that add to the beauty, providing an enchanting view for beachgoers and onlookers.

Situated in the heart of the town, Lama Monachile, also known as Cala Porto, is a small beach that offers the perfect opportunity to cool off in the refreshing sea on a warm summer’s day.

To reach Lama Monachile Beach, park your car outside the city and take a leisurely 10-minute stroll into town. If not, be warned that there are fees for entering the city by vehicle.

One of the advantages of the beach’s central location is the abundance of bars and restaurants in the vicinity. If you need a drink, snack, or a bathroom break, you will find plenty of options in the vicinity.

Check the calendar before your visit to Polignano a Mare because it may coincide with the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series taking place there annually. This thrilling event showcases professional divers as they leap from a platform in front of Lama Monachile Beach. 

We visited Polignano a Mare during the competition and it was too busy to enjoy the city and too busy to watch the event.

Lama Monachile is the only beach featured in my 4-day Puglia itinerary.

Which Beaches to Avoid in Puglia Italy?

Some beaches did not make it to my Best Beaches Salento list, mostly because I decided I would not return, no swimming was allowed, or they did not reach the mark. However, they are still interesting locations to learn about and you may decide to visit nonetheless.

Therefore, I have listed a few other beaches in Salento and you can make the decision whether to avoid them or not.

Grotta della Poesia (Cave of Poetry)

The organisation of Grotta della Poesia no longer wants the public to see the Cave of Poetry as a place for swimming. Instead, it is being restored as an archaeological site.

Therefore, even though there are reports of people swimming at Grotta della Poesia, swimming is no longer allowed, and these websites and reviews are outdated.

When we visited in September 2022, the rules were clear and no none was swimming there. However, before this, people were ignoring the rules and causing breakages to the rock formation, which is why they are now reinforcing the rules more strongly. The steps to the pool are gated off to prevent people from entering the water. 

Also note that there is no shade at Grotta della Poesia, and you cannot bring in beach umbrellas or chairs. Therefore, wear plenty of sun cream and a hat when visiting this archaeological park. 

These days you must pay an entrance fee of €3 per person to look at the natural pool and explore the area. There are some excavations taking place due to archaeological research. 

If you are interested in learning about the history and excavations taking place at Grotta della Poesia, make sure you take part in the guided tour included in your entrance fee. 

If you are walking around the park without a guide, it is difficult to decipher much because there are not many signs. Therefore, I am sure you will learn much more by taking an expertly guided tour. But be sure to check the operating hours for the guided tour as it appears they are only offered in the late afternoon. 

There is a large car park a short walk from the Cave of Poetry, but you must pay €1.80 per hour, which is quite steep, in my opinion. As a result, unless you are eager to take photographs of the Grotto or learn about its history, I would avoid visiting the Grotta della Poesia. 

I would avoid Grotta della Poesia (Cave of Poetry) in the future as it is not a beach (no swimming allowed) and is more of a historical site.

Marina Serra

Marina Serra, located in Puglia, offers a unique natural “swimming pool” that is fascinating to observe due to the captivating rock formations surrounding it.

While it did not make it onto my list of best beaches in the Salento, Marina Serra could still be worth a visit for its picturesque scenery and photo opportunities, especially since it is conveniently located near Porto Tricase.

Although it can get busy during the peak summer months with locals and their families, you can still wander around and take in the rugged beauty of the surroundings.

It is worth noting that my experience at Marina Serra, as well as that of my friends who visited in different months, did not impress us due to the stagnant appearance of the water. However, numerous online reviews describe the water as beautiful and clear. 

The shallow pool at Marina Serra is suitable for wading or children to play in, offering a family-friendly atmosphere. Additionally, there is a nice-looking restaurant available nearby for those seeking a sit-down lunch, as well as a convenient kiosk offering ice cream and refreshing drinks.

There is a free parking lot a short walk away from the pool. While there are also paid parking options along the nearby streets, you should try finding a spot in the free parking area first. 

Although Marina Serra may not have met my expectations regarding the water quality, it is an intriguing location with its unique rock formations. Whether you decide to venture for a quick photo stop or explore the area further, it may be worth adding Marina Serra to your Salento itinerary.

I would avoid Marina Serra if you are looking for somewhere to swim. The water did not seem very enticing because it was shallow, and it was busy with not much space to spread out.

Cala Verde

Upon finishing a delicious lunch in Monopoli, we set off in search of a beach to cool ourselves off.

Our first stop was at Cala Verde, which had good reviews online and looked impressive in photos.

However, as we got closer to the beach, there were signs explaining that no swimming was allowed at Cala Verde, which was exactly what we had come for. Plus, the waves were seemingly large so it looked too dangerous to swim in anyway.

You may have better luck at this beach on a calm day, so you could still check it out if you are in the area. There is a small sandy beach area, or you can put your towel down on the rocks.

Ensure you have some sandals you can wear on the rocks and to the water to protect your feet from the jagged rocks.

There are some spaces for cars on the side of the road on the approach to Cala Verde.

No swimming is allowed at Cala Verde, so it is inconvenient if you are visiting Puglia on a warm day and are looking for a place to cool off.

East Coast Salento Beaches

Before visiting Puglia, I read about several coastal areas in east Salento that were worth visiting. These included Torre Sant’Andrea, Torre dell’Orso, and Baia dei Turchi.

However, I had difficulties finding information about public beaches, parking, and access points. As a result, I have done more research and found the access points and parking spots that you can use.

Torre Sant’Andrea

While visiting Torre Sant’Andrea we attempted to find a beach that we could take a dip in to cool off.

We looked at swimming at Faraglioni di Sant’Andrea, but there were strong waves and it appeared that you had to cliff jump to get in the water.

Therefore, we ended up searching for a beach where you could walk into the water. However, we found a grotty beach called La Punta (Via Lungomare Matteotti, 10, 73026 Sant’Andrea) that was unclean on the sand and a lot of debris in the sea.

I would not recommend this spot and suggest looking further afield.

It is possible to see a well-rated beach close by called Spiaggia della Punticeddha that could make a good swimming spot.

On Google Maps you can see there is a hiking trail that follows the coast in this direction called Grotta de’ lu Mbruficu. So, you could also follow the trail and look out for spots for swimming there.

Torre dell’Orso

Torre dell’Orso is a forest-fringed beach on the east-coast of Salento. This beach gets extremely busy in peak times because it is well-loved for being a stunning sandy beach with clear blue water.

There are free public beach sections and paid lidos where you rent a chair and umbrella. However, it did not make it to one of my best beaches in Puglia because the public areas can get so busy that it becomes cramped on the beach.

Nonetheless, it is a good area to start for those looking for the best beaches near Lecce given that it is approximately a 30-minute drive from the city centre.

You should also look out for Le Due Sorelle (the two sisters), which are two large rocks on the coastline. There is a free section of the beach (you can see it on Google Satelite View) on the far side of the beach with a spectacular view of Le Due Sorelle.

There are several paid parking facilities nearby, many offering a daily flat rate of between €3 and €4. However, depending on the parking lot chosen, you may need to walk a fair distance to the beach through a pine forest.

Baia dei Turchi

Most beaches in Puglia have spots for free bathing and spots to rent a beach set-up.

The main benefit of visiting Baia dei Turchi is that it is a little harder to get to than other beaches in the area. Most routes to Baia dei Turchi require a 20-minute walk through a thick pine forest or a shuttle to the beach.

One of the best places to park to visit Baia dei Turchi is at Parcheggio “BAIA DEI TURCHI” Tenuta Schito because it is only a 5 to 10-minute walk from the car park through the pine forest to the beach.

It costs €5 to park your car at the above option for the day. Many people report that it is a well-kept parking lot with trees for shade and a foot shower.

Where To Stay in Puglia for Beaches?

While Lecce is a great place to stay to explore the Puglia beaches, there are other beach towns in Puglia to consider.

For example, Otranto is one of the best beach towns in Puglia because it is close to the beaches on the east coast of Salento, such as Baia di Porto Miggiano, Bagno Marino Archi, Baia dei Turchi, and Torre dell’Orso.

Gallipoli is another place that could be known as the best beach town in Puglia due to its proximity to beaches, such as Spiaggia di Porto Selvaggio and Spiaggia di Pescoluse. Plus, it has a beach right in the town centre.

Although, Lecce is technically not much further away from the beaches than these other towns given that you can drive on the motorway for most of the way.

Polignano a Mare is one of the best seaside towns in Puglia because it also has its famous Lama Monachile beach in the centre.

Conclusion: Best Puglia Italy Beaches

In conclusion, three standout beaches in Salento, Puglia, worth visiting include:

1. Lama Monachile, Polignano a Mare: Offering a unique and captivating setting, this small beach is famous for its remarkable cliffs framing a pebble beach, creating stunning natural scenery.
2. Il Ciolo: Nestled near the southernmost point of Salento, this remarkable beach features a stunning rocky shoreline with crystal-clear waters, making it an essential addition to any Puglia itinerary.
3. Spiaggia di Pescoluse (Maldive del Salento): Known as the “Maldives of Salento,” this beach boasts silky sand, crystal-clear waters, and a family-friendly atmosphere.

On the other hand, three beaches that might be worth skipping include:

1. Cala Verde: Despite its picturesque appearance, swimming is not allowed at Cala Verde, and the beach may not be suitable for a leisurely swim due to strong waves and debris.
2. Marina Serra: While offering unique rock formations, Marina Serra’s water quality may not meet expectations, and the beach can become crowded during peak summer months.
3. Grotta della Poesia: Though visually striking, swimming is prohibited, and the area is more of a an archaeological site.