Best Beaches in Puglia: Where They Are, How to Get There and When to Go

Baia dei Turchi is the pick for fine white sand, on the Adriatic coast about 4 miles (6 km) north of Otranto. The last stretch is a 10 to 15 minute walk through pine forest from the parking area, and the path doesn’t suit strollers.

What are the best beaches in Puglia?

The beaches fall into two groups. On the Ionian side are Punta Prosciutto, the bay of Torre Colimena and the two beaches of Gallipoli, Baia Verde and Purità. Marina di Pescoluse and Torre Vado, also in the Salento, have fine white sand too.

• Baia dei Turchi: fine white sand · 10 to 15 minute walk from the parking area, summer shuttle or local buses from Otranto · for walkers, not for strollers or reduced mobility
• Torre dell’Orso: fine golden sand · among the most frequented beaches in Puglia · for anyone who likes a lively beach
• Ostuni mare: 12 miles (20 km) of coast, Blue Flag · about twenty minutes by car from the city center · for a long beach with free lots that have services
• Marina di Pescoluse and Torre Vado: fine white sand · free access · for an easy day with no ticket
• Punta Prosciutto: Ionian coast · free access for everyone · for a no-cost day by the sea

Baia dei Turchi has shuttle or local buses from Otranto in summer, and it can also be reached by bicycle from Otranto on a short route through countryside and coast.

How warm is the water at the beaches in Puglia?

Near Bari the sea averages 78°F (26°C) in August and 77°F (25°C) in July. September is still warm at 75°F (24°C).

Early summer and autumn come next. June reaches 71°F (22°C), and October holds at 69°F (20°C). May is cooler at 64°F (18°C), so spring is for walking the coast more than for long swims.

In winter the sea stays between 56°F (13°C) in February and 59°F (15°C) in December. Torre dell’Orso is among the most frequented beaches, and access to Grotta della Poesia has been limited because of the crowds. In July and August, go early in the day to the busy ones.

Where are the beaches in Puglia, and how do you get to each one?

Baia dei Turchi: fine white sand

From the parking area, a path through the pine forest takes 10 to 15 minutes. The beach is about 4 miles (6 km) north of Otranto, inside the Parco Naturale Regionale Costa Otranto – Santa Maria di Leuca e Bosco di Tricase. From Otranto, take the SP366 north towards Torre dell’Orso. From Lecce, take the SS16 towards Maglie, then follow signs to Otranto (SP363). Wear shoes you can walk in.

Torre dell’Orso: golden sand

The sand is fine and golden, and the beach is among the most frequented in Puglia. Arrive early in summer to find space.

Lama Monachile: pebbles and clear water

Lama Monachile is in Polignano a Mare. The beach has small pebbles and clear water. Bring shoes for the pebbles.

Ostuni mare: Blue Flag coast

The coast runs 12 miles (20 km) and has earned the Blue Flag and the five sails of Legambiente. It sits a few kilometers from the city center, about twenty minutes away by car. Ostuni has seven lots for free beaches with services: Pilone, Cala Rosa Marina, Monticelli, Villanova, Gorgognolo, Costa Merlata and Torre Pozzella. The Dune Costiere park extends over the territories of Ostuni and Fasano.

Torre Guaceto: protected reserve

A shuttle takes visitors from Serranova, near Torre Guaceto, to the beach. The reserve has three zones, two with partial protection and one with total protection. Check which zone you are in before you settle on the sand.

Marina di Pescoluse and Torre Vado: white sand, free access

Both beaches have fine white sand, and access is free with no ticket required. They are in the Salento, which has some of Italy’s most beautiful beaches. Pack water and food, since no services are listed for them.

Punta Prosciutto: Ionian coast, free access

Punta Prosciutto is along the Ionian coast, and access to its beaches is free for everyone. It makes a simple stop on an Ionian coast day.

Gallipoli: Baia Verde and Purità

Baia Verde beach is in Gallipoli, and so is Purità Beach. Gallipoli’s historic center has an Angevin Castle, churches and palaces. Pair a swim with a walk through the old town.

What should you know before going to the beach in Puglia?

• Heat: according to the U.S. State Department, heatwaves are common in the south in summer, so plan beach time for the morning and bring water.
• Storms: thunderstorms with heavy rain, lightning and gusty winds come mainly in spring and summer.
• Earthquakes: several major fault lines cross Italy and earthquakes are frequent.
• Protected areas: Baia dei Turchi lies within a regional natural park, and Torre Guaceto is divided into zones with different levels of protection.
• Access: the path to Baia dei Turchi is not suitable for people with reduced mobility or strollers.
• Fees: Marina di Pescoluse, Torre Vado and Punta Prosciutto are free to enter.