Apúlia

Best Beaches in Apulia

Apulia’s coastline stretches across the Adriatic and Ionian seas, offering diverse geological formations from the dramatic limestone cliffs of Polignano a Mare to the flat, sandy expanses of Salento. Many sites, like Baia dei Turchi and Porto Badisco, carry historical significance dating back to Ottoman sieges and Roman mythology. This selection includes protected natural reserves within the Gargano National Park, fully equipped beach clubs with modern amenities, and secluded gravel coves accessible only by boat or steep coastal paths.

Lama Monachile

Situated in Polignano a Mare, this small pebble beach is tucked between two high limestone cliffs. It sits beneath a historic Roman bridge on the Via Traiana and is known for its deep turquoise waters.

Spiaggia di Porto Badisco

A narrow rocky inlet near Otranto. According to Virgil’s Aeneid, this was the first landing site of Aeneas in Italy. The area is characterized by natural caves and calm, deep blue water.

Pane e Pomodoro Beach

This public sandy beach features a bar and also green areas. One of the best places to relax and sunbathe in Bari.

Vignanotica

A secluded beach on the Gargano coast featuring high white limestone cliffs. The shore consists of small pebbles and gravel, accessible via a hiking path or by boat from Vieste.

Lido Solero

A managed beach resort located in San Foca. It provides sunbeds, umbrellas, and dining facilities on a sandy stretch of the Salento coastline.

Punta della Suina

Located south of Gallipoli within a regional park, this area features low rocky outcrops and sandy patches bordered by a dense Mediterranean pine forest.

Torre dell'Orso

A crescent-shaped sandy bay framed by pine groves. It is famous for the 'Le Due Sorelle' (Two Sisters), two prominent sea stacks rising from the water near the southern cliffs.

Torre Lapillo

Known for shallow, crystal-clear waters and white sand, this bay is overlooked by a 16th-century watchtower built to defend the coast against Saracen raids.

Sandy Beach

A private beach club in Monopoli offering sand-based lounging, a restaurant, and bar services. It features a mix of sandy areas and low rocky platforms.

Copacabana

A public beach area in Monopoli that provides accessible entry points to the water and consists of a mix of sand and flat rocks.

Baia dei Turchi

Part of the Alimini Lakes nature reserve, this sandy beach is surrounded by Mediterranean scrub. Historically, it is cited as the landing spot for the Ottoman fleet in 1480.

Baia dei Mergoli o delle Zagare

Famed for two massive limestone sea stacks, this beach features white pebbles and high cliffs. Access is primarily limited to hotel guests or via boat and pre-booked permits.