Don’t Miss These One-of-a-Kind Beaches in Southern Italy
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Antonella Deuster
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Updated on 05/14/2025
Not far from Otranto, Puglia awaits you with one of the most beautiful beaches in the region. The picturesque Baia dei Turchi with its snow-white sandy beach, shimmering turquoise, crystal-clear water and the unique rocky landscape all around will inevitably put you in a vacation mood. So make yourself comfortable on the beach. Refresh yourself in the shallow water or build sandcastles on the beach with your children. Explore the small bays of the Baia on a long walk or let yourself be enchanted by the fragrant pine trees near the beach. Whatever you decide, a visit to the Baia dei Turchi is a must during your trip to Puglia.
South of Vieste, striking limestone cliffs provide a fantastic coastal panorama. There is also an extensive, golden sandy beach and the shimmering turquoise sea. The ideal combination to spend an unforgettable day by the water. Simply follow the almost three-kilometre-long beach promenade. Enjoy the fine, gently sloping sandy beach for a beach vacation with the whole family. Be inspired by the impressive rocky landscape and the magnificent view of the sea or relax in one of the many cozy bars in the immediate vicinity. Once you've recharged your batteries, don't miss out on a stroll through the historic town of Vieste.
To the south of Vieste, another dream beach invites you to relax and soak up the sun. The Spiaggia di Portonuovo impresses with its light-colored rocks, soft sand and wonderfully blue water. However, the gently sloping beach promenade of the Spiaggia di Portonuovo is ideal for a day of swimming with children. Let your little ones splash around in the shallow water without a care in the world. Build sandcastles on the golden beach. Or treat yourself in one of the charming beach restaurants. Alternatively, you can also enjoy water sports, pedalo rides or the spectacular view of Vieste at sunset on this dream beach in Apulia.
On the way from Vieste to Mattinata lies the spectacular dream beach Spiaggia di Porto Greco. However, you can only reach this idyllic spot after a walk through the untouched nature of the region. Once you arrive, a secluded pebble beach and a magnificent atmosphere await you. Let yourself be enchanted by the wild charm of this magical beach. Enjoy the diverse flora and fauna and spend an unforgettable day by the turquoise blue sea. What's more, the crystal-clear sea water invites you to go snorkeling or diving. So don't miss out on experiencing the region's magnificent underwater world up close.
Caribbean flair awaits you at the Spiaggia di Baia dei Mergoli in the Gulf of Manfredonia. The long, white pebble beach, the turquoise sea and the light-colored cliffs covered with olive and almond trees in the background create a special ambience. While the beautiful beach slopes gently into the crystal-clear water, both couples and families with children get their money's worth here. So don't hesitate to refresh yourself in the crystal-clear water or relax on the beach. Explore the many small caves that are so typical of this region. Or take in the two imposing rocks that rise out of the sea in the middle of this idyllic setting.
The Baia di Vignanotica will take your breath away. This fantastic place between Vieste and Mattinata will take your breath away even before you get to the beach. Follow the beautiful path through the dense pine forest right down to the coast. Take your time and enjoy the magnificent view over this enchanting stretch of coast before you reach the bright pebble beach. Take in the white cliffs and the azure blue sea and look forward to an unforgettable day of swimming by the sea. If you would like to explore the unique coastline of Baia di Vignanotica from the water, you can easily hire a boat on site!
Outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers in particular should not miss out on Torre dell'Orso beach in Apulia. Because it's not just a bright sandy beach, crystal-clear water and picturesque surroundings that are waiting to be discovered here. Instead, the Adriatic coast here offers a fascinating mix of beach, limestone cliffs, fine sand dunes and dense pine forests. At the same time, both recreational and active vacationers get their money's worth here. After all, you can not only relax on the beach, but also enjoy swimming, canoeing or pedal boating or put your climbing skills to the test on the two imposing limestone cliffs in the middle of the sea.
Spiaggia Alimini is almost three kilometers long and is located halfway between Torre dell'Orso and Otranto. Surrounded by snow-white dunes, a dense pine forest and several small lakes, this beach invites you to enjoy a unique vacation experience. Spend unforgettable hours on the picturesque shores of Spiaggia Alimini. Explore the expansive beach on a long walk by the sea and marvel at the black spots caused by natural iron minerals. Refresh yourself in the shallow water or use your visit to this dream beach for a leisurely picnic amidst the beautiful dunes.
The beach of the same name is located in the middle of the Porto Selvaggio Regional Park, north of Gallipoli. However, you can only reach this Apulian dream beach after a relaxing hike through the almost 270-hectare pine forest that surrounds the Spiaggia di Porto Selvaggio. Once you arrive, a breathtaking rocky landscape, wonderfully clear water and impressive flora and fauna await you. Make yourself comfortable on one of the imposing rocks. Take in the unique atmosphere. Or explore the colorful underwater world of Apulia while snorkeling. Because underwater visibility is rarely as clear as here anywhere else!
The Spiaggia di Punta Prosciutto should also not be missing from the list of the most beautiful beaches in Puglia! The fine, white sandy beach captivates its many visitors at first glance. Surrounded by crystal-clear, turquoise-blue water and meter-high sand dunes, this beach is simply breathtaking. Both young and old swimmers can relax or play in the shallow water here. So pack your picnic basket for a unique visit to the beach and refresh yourself by swimming in the shallow water. Or experience Puglia's underwater world up close while snorkeling. If you stay until the early evening, you will also be rewarded with a magnificent sunset.
Directly between Gallipoli and Santa Maria di Leuca, Puglia's south boasts the beautiful Torre Pali beach. Even at first glance, it becomes clear why this stretch of coast is known as the Maldives of Salento. A snow-white, fine sandy beach, emerald green, crystal-clear water and a breathtaking backdrop create a vacation feeling that is hard to beat. What's more, Torre Pali offers every comfort thanks to the various rewarding restaurants, beach bars and offers. So look forward to a spectacular visit to the beach and enjoy the Apulian Maldives with your partner or family.
In the case of Spiaggiabella on the Salento peninsula, nomen est omen. The beautiful beach between Torre Rinalda and Torre Chianca boasts a long, clean sandy beach, azure blue sea and magnificent surroundings. So it's no wonder that the beach is part of the Bosco e Paludi di Rauccio nature reserve. So take the opportunity to combine some enjoyable hours on the beach with a unique hike through the beautiful natural surroundings. Relax in the fantastic sand dunes off the coast. Or treat yourself to some Apulian delicacies in one of the many local trattorias.
Explore miles of white beaches on your trip to Puglia. Immerse yourself in the Mediterranean way of life and enjoy the paradisiacal coasts and the variety of water activities, whether with family or friends!
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