5 Beaches in Puglia Worth Visiting

If you’re planning a trip around Puglia, you’re probably picturing plates of burrata, orecchiette and glasses of chilled local wine. But with all that stunning coastline, it’d be a real shame not to make time for the beaches as well. We road-tripped through the region one August (a few years back now), hopping from town to town — Lecce, Gallipoli and Ostuni; whilst stopping off at some of the beautiful beaches nearby.

Note: August is peak Italian holiday time. Expect packed beaches, but mostly filled with Italians enjoying their own country. Just get there early if you want space to spread out.

Spiaggia di Punta Prosciutto

📍 Near Porto Cesareo

A classic Puglian beach experience: powdery white sand and shallow turquoise water. It’s popular, but because it’s so long, you can usually find a decent spot even on a busy day. The sandy section is narrow, so it's more for swimming and lounging. Expect no beach games here.

Lunch tip: We ate at one of the beach lidos — fresh pasta and focaccia. Simple and brilliant.

Baia dei Turchi

📍 15 minutes north of Otranto (coastal town)

One of our favourite beaches in Puglia. After parking (around €5, or you might find a free spot if you’re early). Be aware it’s about a 15-minute walk through a shaded pine forest before the beach comes into view — soft white sand, crystal-clear shallow water and a few rocky coves if you want a quieter corner.

Top pick for: A peaceful, natural spot. Not suitable for those with limited mobility, and facilities are minimal — but that’s part of the appeal. Because of its remote feel, bring plenty of water, snacks and an umbrella so you’ve got some shade for the day.

Cala Porto (Lama Monachile)

📍 Polignano a Mare

This little cove (also known as Lama Monachile), tucked between Polignano’s famous limestone cliffs and its iconic bridge, is as striking as it looks in the photos. It’s small, rocky and gets packed quickly — so arrive early if you want even a little space. You’ll be close to your neighbours, but that’s part of the charm here. The dramatic cliffs and turquoise water more than make up for the lack of comfort. We were lucky enough to visit before it became ‘Insta-famous’, and managed to enjoy a quiet swim and soak up the atmosphere.

Punta Penna Grossa

📍 Inside Torre Guaceto Nature Reserve, about 30 minutes from Ostuni

What stuck with us most? Sitting under a beach umbrella, tucking into creamy burrata and loving every minute. The beach has plenty of space, especially if you get there early, and feels wonderfully unspoilt. Just a tip — don’t forget to pay for parking. We found out the hard way!

Marina di Ginosa

📍 45 minutes from Matera in Basilicata (we stayed overnight here before driving into Puglia)

A wide sweep of fine golden sand on the Ionian coast, backed by pines and dotted with lidos and free beach areas. At first glance, the resort town feels a little tired, but don’t let that put you off — the beach itself is clean, shallow and ideal for a relaxed family-friendly day. Toddlers can splash about safely, and you can wade out far without worrying about waves.

If you walk past the busiest central lidos along the seafront, you’ll find quieter stretches of sand perfect if you prefer more space.

Note: We recommend this if you’re already visiting Matera, but it’s not worth a special trip just for the beach.

Beaches in Puglia Map

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