National and international tourists in Italy always get amazed by the enchanting cultural features of the country. However, in order to have a truly full Italian experience, you should go and explore the best beaches in Puglia. Here you’ll be surprised by the unspoilt nature of what is called the “heel of italy”.

The landscapes in here may look like out of a place on a Greek Island: hectares and hectares of olive trees, lovely villages with uncountable white houses and artisanal boutiques; you’ll run into traditional “masserie”, curious architectural shapes such as “trulli” houses and you’ll taste the unique fresh flavours of the local typical food.

Whether you’re living in Bari or you’ll be in Puglia just on holiday, these are the best locations you should visit for a unique maritime experience.

Why Puglia is the perfect beach destination

Among all the things that Puglia has to offer, what probably will amaze you the most is its beaches, definitely the best-kept secret (even though lately became always more famous among young italian people). Puglia boasts the longest coastline in Italy and its beaches are bathed by both Adriatic Sea and Ionian Sea, offering the most diverse and beautiful landscapes to their visitors. 

Why do we think that you should consider one or more of the best beaches in Puglia as your next holiday destination?

Well, the coastline of this beautiful region is undoubtedly a remarkable Italian treasure, yet it remains still undiscovered by most of the foreign tourists. This means that you can still enjoy the true essence of Puglia, its locations off the beaten path, far from the international crowds. Moreover prices still are super affordable compared to holidays in Spanish or Greek famous islands. Last but not least, the best beaches in Puglia are also called “the Italian Maldives” and we definitely can relate: crystal clear waters and sandy beaches are the main characters in here!

Our top 5 best beaches in Puglia

Italy is quite famous among international travelers for its history and culture, food and landscapes; but not for its beaches, that actually are a real gem. Puglia is the place where all these characteristics come magically together. 

The coastline here measures more than 800 km and it’s home to the most diverse landscapes: rocky coves, wild strands, sandy shores and lovely sea villages; from Gargano to Salento - and many more places - you’ll dive into pure natural beauty.

Here are our favourite locations you can’t miss in the Italian heel; get a look at the best beaches in Puglia!

Explore Polignano a Mare

Polignano a Mare is perched above several layers of dark cliffs, therefore, is not the typical sandy location you would expect, but it’s truly one of a kind since it looks like a northern fjord. Legend says that it was founded by a Roman commander.

Along the last couple years, Polignano became famous among italian visitors and in August, when it gets overcrowded, you can spot local people escaping the beaches in order to reach the beautiful terraces on the cliffs (where you can also find several caverns and tunnels carved out by erosion processes).

Its unique landmark makes Polignano perfect to host international cliff-diving competitions.

Gallipoli, a gem in the Ionian Sea

Named after the Greek “kalé polis” - it literally means "beautiful town" -, Gallipoli is witness of century-long invasions by pirates or armies, that tried to conquer this pearl of the Ionian Sea. It’s located deep in the beautiful and popular Salento area, a bustling harbor that back in19th century played the role of one of the main Mediterranean hubs of spice merchants. Gallipoli is an actual paradise: golden and sandy beaches, bright and fluorescent blue waters that made people rename this place like the “Italian Maldives”.

Discover Gargano

Gargano beaches are located in the Gargano National Park, an amusing promontory boasting the typical Mediterranean bush, bays enclosed by rock arches and pine woods, up in the northern side of Puglia. Here you can find many beaches but also lovely towns such as Peschici, Vieste or Rodi Garganico.

Dive into the crystal clear waters of Torre dell’Orso

Located in the southern Puglia, in the east side of Lecce, there’s Torre dell’Orso a famous sandy beach, popular for its twin sea stacks named “Two Sisters”, rising close to the shore. Here there also are rocks, where beach-goers love to tan and to cliff-dive. 

The peaceful oasis of Alimini Lakes

Located in a protected oasis in the southern side of Lecce, there are the two Alimini Lakes, a lovely location that hosts a long sandy and white beach, turquoise waters and peaceful pine woods. The most known spot here is Baia dei Turchi (Turks’ Bay).

You’re now ready to book your holiday in the Southern Italy and explore the best beaches in Puglia, the beautiful region on the heel of Italy; and if you’re planning to have a longer stay here, get a look at our beautiful and cosy accommodations in Bari.