The best beaches in Puglia and where to stay

Located near the southern tip of Puglia, Spiaggia di Pescoluse is characterised by its white sandy stretch, tropical ocean shades of blue, azure and green, and acacia-covered dunes. This idyllic spot goes by the nickname ‘Maldives of Salento’, which gives a nod to just how spectacular this place looks. With a length of around five kilometres, Spiaggia di Pescoluse is ideal for long walks, sunbathing and soaking up the view, and that’s not to mention the breath-taking sunrises and sunsets. Thanks to its size, Spiaggia di Pescoluse usually has plenty of space for visitors to enjoy a touch of privacy. For a more exclusive siesta under the sun, you can pay to enter certain areas that boast bars and a little extra security for your possessions.

Spiaggia di Pescoluse stretches from Torre Vado in the south to Torre Pali further north, passing through Pesculose along the way. The beach is 39 kilometres from Gallipoli and just 10 kilometres from Santa Maria di Leuca, making it a stunning day-trip destination from some of Italy’s prettiest urban centres. You’ll also find many stylish abodes near Spiaggia di Pescoluse for if you fancy spending a night or two in the area. Occupying a space of two hectares surrounded by the gorgeous Apulian countryside, Masseria Sant’Antonio has just three spacious rooms, keeping the focus placed firmly on guest comfort and relaxation. These ultra comfortable rooms offer views of the Renaissance courtyard and seawater pool, and the grounds are home to an organic vineyard and olive trees. Also set amid the surrounds of olive groves is the Antica Masseria del Fano, a farm building turned stylish bed-and-breakfast. Chic yet rustic rooms feature exposed stone walls and vaulted ceilings. The buffet breakfast is to-die-for, followed by a morning of poolside relaxation.

Connected to the mainland of Puglia by a 16th-century bridge, the historic centre of Gallipoli enchants all visitors with its largely intact defensive walls, medieval roads and amazing architecture. But Gallipoli also boasts some of the best beaches in Puglia, with our favourite being the Beach of Purity (Spiaggia della Purità). Golden sand is gently lapped by the waters of the Ionian Sea, and the view of the iconic lighthouse on Sant’Andrea Island only adds to the place’s wonder. Beach facilities are few, but the sandy strip is seconds from bars, restaurants, and the winding streets of Old Town. The Beach of Purity is also one of the best sunset spots in Puglia, and there are fountains to wash the sand off your feet when you’re ready to hit the town after sundown.

If you’re looking for a place to boogie in Gallipoli, we recommend Lido Zen, which is not explicitly a gay club but does attract a young, open-minded crowd, making it a top choice if you’d rather not trek all the way across to the gay scene in Salento. For a fantastic place to stay during your time near Gallipoli and the beautiful Beach of Purity, take a look at the rooms at Critabianca, which occupies a charming country house in Cutrofiano’s picturesque countryside. There’s also an on-site fine diner and swimming pool.

With its white sandy dunes and clear waters, Spiaggia di Punta Prosciutto entices families, couples and water sports enthusiasts to its shores. Windsurfing and diving are popular activities, but most people come to simply soak up the sun and the laid-back atmosphere. The sandy stretch of this beach is brought to life by a single bar that plays music and serves refreshments. And in places that aren’t sandy, rocks double up as natural decks on which to relax and take in the view.

Just five kilometres away from Spiaggia di Punta Prosciutto is the beach of Torre Colimena, a must-visit sight for those who can spare the time. The nearby city of Porto Cesareo is also home to some of Puglia’s best sandy beaches, including the famous Torre Lapillo. Porto Cesareo also hosts a diverse selection of restaurants, shops and accommodation options, making it a good base if you want a cosy place to your feet up after exploring the Puglia region.

One of the most photographed beaches in Puglia, Lama Monachile – also known as Cala Porto – is a small white pebbled beach by the historic town of Polignano a Mare, which overlooks the sea from the edges of the limestone towering cliffs that surround the tiny bay. The beach’s name is taken from the bridge that can be seen stretching between the cliffs behind, a remnant of the city’s Roman Via Traiana. During weekends and holidays, crowds that flock to the beach and its azure waters leave little space for sunbathers, though Lama Monachile is geared more towards adventurers than sunseekers. Popular activities include cliff diving, snorkelling and sailing through sea grottos such as the Cavernone dei Monumenti and the Grotta Nera.

For the best Adriatic Sea views during your trip to Lama Monachille, consider spending the night at the Borgo Egnazia, a plush resort with an architectural style that reflects the beauty of a traditional Puglian village. Besides six elegant diners and a bar with private terrace seating, the Borgo Egnazia boasts a luxe spa, tennis courts, four indoor and outdoor pools, and a convenient location adjacent to the San Domenico Golf Course. Not far from the Borgo is the Canne Bianche Lifestyle Hotel, home to a restaurant and bar, stunning garden and outdoor pool, plus a private beach, spa and sauna.

As a protected marine area in a secluded spot, Torre Guaceto is a sandy beach that’s adored by naturalists and nudists alike. The Torre Guaceto Marine Protected Area is about 25 minutes from Brindisi, making it rather remote, but there’s always space to grab a peaceful spot on the several kilometres of sand that attracts gay men in tight speedos from all over Italy. When you’re not admiring the views on land, you can dive underwater to see seagrass and colourful coral reefs in the calm and clear ocean. Pack your snorkelling gear to swim alongside fish that visit the shore. Some of the best photos can be taken near the 16th-century watchtower that overlooks the beach.

Within driving distance of the Torre Guaceto Marine Protected Area is the Paragon 700 Boutique Hotel & SPA, which occupies an 18th-century abode complete with antique furnishings, an underground spa, seasonal swimming pool, and restaurant and bar. You can also take part in local wine tasting sessions as well as Pilates and yoga lessons.

White sands, crystal-clear waters and gentle winds make Torre Dell’Orso Beach popular with windsurfers, snorkelers and kayakers, though sightseers also flood the beach to see the forest-fringed sandy strip and the 16th-century watchtower that overlooks it. The northern end of the 800-metre strip attracts crowds, while the quieter southern end invites leisure seekers looking for a shaded spot under a canopy. The beach is flanked by cliffs, and the Two Sisters cliffs just off the coast are a popular spot for diving. After visiting this blue flag beach, take a short walk along the coastal trail to the spectacular Torre Sant’Andrea, where natural limestone cliffs and sea stacks create a fabulous backdrop. The tiny Sant’Andrea Beach provides access to the sea, though the locals prefer exploring the area’s sea caves after diving into the ocean from the cliffs.

Located in the nearby town of Palmariggi, the Masseria Corte degli Aromi is one the best hotels in Puglia for those who prioritise wellness and wellbeing. The hotel boasts a cocktail bar, restaurant and facilities including a swimming pool, fitness centre, wellness centre, and barbershop. For a luxurious retreat in this historic centre of Otranto, book a stay at the Masseria Longa Boutique Hotel by BarbarHouse, where guests have access to a solarium, a delicious on site restaurant, swimming pool, private gardens, and a Turkish bath.

Just two kilometres north of Torre Dell’Orso Beach is Grotta della Poesia (Cave of Poetry), a 100-feet-wide, pearl-shaped sinkhole that borders the ocean. Visitors can dive into this natural swimming pool from the rock sheaths that rise as high as 15 feet. Those less enticed by heights can climb down the stairs of the Grotta della Poesia walls. Daring swimmers can leave the cave walls and venture out into the ocean for views of pockmarked sea walls and weathered coastline. Because the Cave of Poetry is popular with locals, it’s best to arrive early, giving you enough time to explore nearby attractions that include archaeological sites and ancient cave networks.

The Torre di Roca Vecchia is just a short stroll from the Grotta della Poesia. At this treasure trove of craggy limestone islands and caves, archaeologists excavated Bronze Age architecture over a period of 30 years. Just outside of the site’s fenced-off area, you can explore ancient dwellings and caves. Swim through a narrow channel to find the Tower of Maradico on a deserted island. Or, simply find yourself a quiet spot on the beaches hidden between battered bluffs to soak up the view of the Salento coast.

After a day of exploring the Grotta della Poesia, consider staying at the Vigna Corallo to make the most of a scenic location amid a wonderful vineyard. This sophisticated agritourism resort pampers guests with warm hospitality and emotional experiences. Its refined and minimal villas take on the style of the ancient Masseria farmhouse buildings unique to the Puglia region, all facing a gorgeous pool.