Selecting 15 beaches for the summer in Puglia is as easy as it is partial due to the abundance of wonderful destinations to spend your summer holiday.
What are the best destinations for summer holidays in Puglia?
The entire region is dotted with beautiful whitewashed coastal villages with unique architecture and seascapes.
PUGLIA'S MOST BEAUTIFUL BEACHES
Cala Zio Cesare, Tremiti
Bay of Manacore Peschici, Gargano
Bay of the Zagare, Peschici
Lama Monachile, Polignano a Mare
Marina di Ostuni, Ostuni
Spiaggia delle due Sorelle, San Foca
Cave of Poetry, Roca Vecchia
Baia dei Turchi, Otranto
River Chidro, San Pietro in Bevagna
Acquaviva Cove, Marittima
Punta Prosciuttio, Porto Cesareo
Porto Selvaggio, Nardò
Bay of Vignagotica, Gargano
Cala Matano, Tremiti
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Sea in Apulia
Washed by the Adriatic Sea on one side and the Ionian Sea on the other, Puglia boasts the longest coastline in Italy, golden beaches and rugged coastlines, where the colours of nature and the flavours of tradition intertwine to create a fascinating balance
Magnificent seaside resorts and picturesque villages are scattered throughout the territory, from the rocky promontories of the Gargano to the hidden corners of Salento, passing through the white villages of the Bari area and the bays in Taranto.
Red earth, emerald sea, yellow stone, markets, exquisite food, baroque palaces and fishermen's houses, historical sites and paradisiacal coves, to each his own corner of Apulia for an unforgettable holiday.
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Ostuni 
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Perched on a hillock overlooking the sea, Ostuni offers a fantastic view even before arriving to visit; from a distance, it is impossible not to recognise the white city.
With its ancient cobbled streets, large churches and scenic white houses, Ostuni is one of the perfect locations for a summer stay in Apulia.
Wandering through the labyrinthine alleyways of the centre means delving into its ancient history and coming across picturesque views, steep stairways, small squares embellished with geraniums, artisan workshops, typical restaurants and architectural gems such as the Cathedral, the Bishop's Palace, ancient noble houses and Piazza della Libertà with the column of Sant'Oronzo standing out.
Ostuni offers a characteristic atmosphere of an authentic village, strategically located close to the Adriatic coast from where exclusive resorts and long sandy beaches are within easy reach.
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Polignano a Mare 
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Polignano a Mare is undoubtedly one of the most popular destinations for summer holidays in Puglia. The reasons are many and easy to imagine: a small but enchanting village of white and gold buildings perched in a spectacular position on a rock overlooking the emerald sea.
The best known and most beautiful beach is that of Cala Porto or Lama Monachile just below the centre of the village, a small bay of white pebbles surrounded by cliffs with clear emerald waters that provide a unique view. Behind the beach is also an ancient Roman bridge that was part of the Via Triana.
The pretty old town is a lovely place for a stroll or an aperitif amid shady courtyards, outdoor cafés in one of its small squares and many viewpoints overlooking the sea.
Although very popular with tourists, Polignano a Mare still manages to retain an authentic and charming atmosphere with one of the most beautiful coastlines in Apulia, a rugged coastline with steep slopes, and a great location for exploring other wonderful places such as the nearby Itria Valley.
Gallipoli 
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On the list of places to visit in Apulia for the summer, the name of Gallipoli, one of the best known and most popular destinations on the Salento coast, cannot be missing.
Founded by the Greeks and passed under the rule of many different civilisations, Gallipoli has been enriched over the centuries with historical and cultural treasures as well as maintaining its beautiful landscape.
The city today is divided into two distinct areas the old town, perched on a limestone island, and the new town connected to the island by a 16th century bridge.
Visiting the old part means breathing in a special and elegant atmosphere in a maze of picturesque streets full of shops, cafés and restaurants, Baroque churches such as that of Santa Maria della Purità and the Cathedral of Sant'Agata, convents, historical palaces, an imposing castle with walls and fortification towers and even an ancient underground oil mill: the Frantoio Ipogeo at Palazzo Granafei. Near the village, you can relax on half a moon of golden sand or move a short distance to some of the most beautiful beaches in Salento and Puglia as a whole.
Otranto
Otranto is one of the most precious gems of the Salento, an ancient village perched on rocks and overlooking the beautiful turquoise waters of the Adriatic Sea.
Its optimal location on the Adriatic coast provides the perfect combination for enjoying its cultural attractions and beautiful beaches washed by one of the most spectacular seas in Italy.
Strolling along its seafront promenade and then through the village's stone-paved streets, one breathes in a magical atmosphere shaped by ancient Roman, Greek and Byzantine rule.
The walls of the Aragonese Castle enclose the centre of the town where the Romanesque cathedral stands out with its Renaissance rose window and a spectacular mosaic covering the entire floor depicting the Tree of Life.
Outside the town centre, you can visit the Punta Palascia lighthouse and the Grotta dei Cervi (Deer Cave) and above all relax on some fantastic beaches nearby such as those of Torre dell'Orso, famous for the Due Sorelle stacks, or Porto Badisco.
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Santa Maria di Leuca 
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To visit the beauty of Santa Maria di Leuca, we have to descend to the southernmost point of Apulia.
Perched on a promontory between the Ionian and the Adriatic Sea with a sea view as far as the eye can see, Leuca is one of the most popular destinations for summer holidays in Salento. The marvellous Mediterranean landscape of the rugged coastline is full of rocks, natural caves and scenic inlets that can be admired from the hairpin bends winding along the turquoise-water coastline.
Along the promenade are several cafés, elegant buildings, Art Nouveau villas and the final part of the Apulian Aqueduct with an impressive waterfall.
If, on the other hand, you go up the cliff road, you arrive at one of Leuca's most suggestive spots: the Sanctuary of the Basilica of Santa Maria de Finibus Terrae (end of the town), built at the foot of a large white lighthouse that dominates the bay and offers a breathtaking and romantic view, particularly at sunset.
Vieste 
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Perched above the sea on a peninsula of white cliffs is the beautiful town of Vieste, one of the most fascinating towns of the Gargano in northern Apulia.
The town best combines the charm of a typical Apulian fishing village with the attractions of a popular seaside resort.
The old town is made up of whitewashed houses, steep stairways and narrow streets that weave their way through the characteristic historical centre where a splendid Cathedral and the majestic Swabian Castle stand out, rising above a cliff and offering an incredible view of the sea.
Vieste also boasts one of the most evocative stretches of coastline in the region with long, easy-to-reach sandy beaches alternating with secluded bays and spectacular rock formations such as the fantastic Baia di Pizzomunno, where an expanse of beach opens up in front of an imposing and characteristic limestone stacks in its own right.
Monopoli 
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The small and enchanting town of Monopoli captures the eyes and emotions of those who visit it thanks to the beauty enclosed within the old town and the beaches that surround it.
Behind the walls that protect the town, a historical centre with a relaxed and characteristic atmosphere unfolds, with ancient palazzos, typical restaurants, small squares, cobbled streets, magnificent medieval churches and the Castle of Charles V.
Just below the walls of the fortress, it is possible to enjoy a sunny day by the sea on the beach of Cala Porto Vecchia or moving a little further south to that of Porto Ghiacciolo in the district of Santo Stefano.
Just outside the city, on the other hand, you can easily reach the renowned Grotte di Castellana with its amazing underground rock formations or the Lama degli Ulivi Botanical Garden with caves, rock churches and thousands of Mediterranean plant species.
Trani 
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Not far from Bari, on a scenic stretch of the Adriatic coast is the elegant town of Trani, an ideal destination for a summer holiday in Apulia.
Here it is pleasant to indulge in days of leisure, easily reaching the long stretches of sandy coastline, numerous beaches along the coast or exploring the old town by bicycle. Trani's landmarks are the scenic Swabian Castle rising above the sea and its spectacular Cathedral built in a scenic sense on a cliff surrounded on three sides by water that makes it appear to be suspended over the sea.
For relaxing afternoons, you can visit the pretty marina, the panoramic terrace known as the Fortino and the splendid Villa Comunale: a large park on the seafront. Trani is also a perfect base from which to explore places in its surroundings such as the towns of Andria, Barletta, Molfetta and the famous Castel del Monte, an important Unesco site.
Peschici 
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An attractive seaside resort and medieval village, Peschici is a small jewel on a promontory overlooking the sea in one of the most enchanting bays in the Gargano National Park.
Famous for its fine sandy beaches and beautiful multicoloured caves such as those of San Nicola and Manacore that attract sea lovers every summer, Peschici also has much more to offer.
The ancient area retains its original atmosphere and offers panoramic views of the sea that remain etched in the memory, such as those overlooking the Aleppo pines that dot the coastline along with the old watchtowers.
Dominating the village are the Norman castle and the Torre del Ponte (Bridge Tower), from which one enters a world of white stone houses with domed roofs, narrow alleys, flights of steps, cobbled streets, small balconies and arches.
Morning 
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In the province of Foggia we find the beautiful seaside resort of Mattinata that boasts enchanting sandy beaches at the foot of white cliffs and a turquoise sea that creates a fantastic contrasting effect such as the Baia delle Zagare beach with its famous stacks just a few metres from the shore.
Thanks to the centuries-old olive trees dotting the hillside, Mattinata has always been a place of production of olive oil and other products of local excellence such as almonds, dried tomatoes in oil, wild rocket and various types of cheese.
To taste them, just visit the surrounding countryside or explore the ancient village in search of one of its typical restaurants scattered among narrow streets, ancient stone steps and masserias.
Mattinata is also of great historical interest thanks to the ruins of the Roman Villa degli Agnuli and the ancient noble villas overlooking the sea near the small port.
Manfredonia 
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A town of medieval origin in the southern part of the Gargano, Manfredonia is one of the ideal tourist destinations where to spend a summer holiday in Apulia thanks to the nearby beaches of Siponto, a seaside resort just two kilometres from its centre and rich in attractions.
Precisely Siponto is the centre of interest for bathers and nightlife lovers in this area of the province of Foggia with a coastline full of bathing establishments equipped with every comfort for families and young people.
The historical centre of Manfredonia offers the possibility of delightful walks through its streets dotted with places of cultural interest such as the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Siponto, the Abbey of San Leonardo, the Palazzo dei Celestini and many other historical buildings up to the tourist harbour where there is a lively and colourful atmosphere.
Manfredonia also enjoys an ideal strategic position for exploring the Gargano and visiting other important centres such as San Giovanni Rotondo and Monte Sant'Angelo, Mattinata and Vieste.
Margherita of Savoy 
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Margherita di Savoia is not among the best-known seaside destinations in Apulia, but still offers great attractions for nature and sea lovers.
It is a small municipality near Barletta-Andria-Trani that boasts kilometres of beautiful dark sandy beaches and Europe's largest salt pans tinged with an extraordinary deep pink colour. This particular ecosystem is well known to birdwatchers, who lurk here to observe colonies of flamingos, also pink, which are found in this location, providing a spectacular view.
The stretch of Adriatic coastline that stretches around Margherita di Savoia has long stretches of wonderful beaches, some free and wild like the Pink Flamingo beach at Torre Pietra and others equipped with every comfort and service closer to the city centre.
Manduria 
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The ancient city of Manduria in the province of Taranto on the territory considered Magna Grecia is a land of Primitivo wine, vineyards, masserias, olive groves, dry stone walls and enchanting beaches.
Its historical centre is enriched by ancient palazzos, the Jewish ghetto, the Imperial Castle and the Holy Trinity Church, among narrow alleys and hidden corners that preserve an atmosphere suspended in time.
In its wine cellars and in every local restaurant, you can taste the exquisite red wine of Primitivo di Manduria DOP, the local pride, while those who want to relax on the beach can easily reach one of the most beautiful and evocative stretches of coastline in the region and bathe in the crystal-clear waters of the Ionian Sea, in about 20 km of coastline stretching from San Pietro in Bevagna to Torre Colimena, among enchanting white beaches alternating with steep cliffs and dunes covered with thick Mediterranean maquis vegetation that make up dreamy natural landscapes.
Porto Cesareo 
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Porto Cesareo is a renowned seaside resort overlooking the Ionian Sea and surrounded by the natural heritage of the Protected Marine Area and the 'Palude del Conte e Duna Costiera' Regional Park.
The entire area is dotted with the ancient and majestic coastal defence towers of Torre Lapillo, Torre Chianca and Torre Cesarea that dominate high cliffs and beautiful golden beaches.
In addition to taking long swims in the crystal-clear sea in this area, you can go hiking on the paths that cross the park amid unspoilt nature and educational sites such as the Marine Biology Research Station and the Oceanographic Museum.
In the village you can enjoy the typical atmosphere of the Salento village and a characteristic small port where a lively fish market is held among several fishing boats.
Santa Cesarea Terme 
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If, driving along the Adriatic coast south of Otranto, among wooded hills and white cliffs overlooking the sea, you notice the Moorish dome of an elegant 19th-century villa perched on a cliff, it is a sign that you have arrived in the beautiful Santa Cesarea Terme.
This small seaside village is renowned for the extravagant architecture of its buildings, such as Palazzo Sticchi, and the sulphurous waters rich in curative properties that flow naturally in many from some local caves, making it an important spa and wellness centre. The unmistakable silhouette of the town is characterised by elegant houses built on tufa cliffs overlooking the sea, offering memorable views and panoramas.
The coastline is rocky and bathed by a turquoise sea that invites you to dive in, while in the surroundings of the municipality are forests and meadows that are part of a protected regional coastal park.
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