Planning a trip to Puglia this summer? You’ve made a great choice! Italy’s heel is a spectacular destination and one of my favorite places on the planet. With breathtaking scenery, endless olive trees, and unique landscapes vastly different from other parts of Italy you may have visited before, Puglia is a gem waiting to be discovered.
The true magic of Puglia lies in its charming beach towns and stunning beaches, boasting turquoise blue, crystal-clear water, scattered along the coast.
Having spent years swimming in Hawaii and the Caribbean, I have high standards for beach destinations, and Puglia absolutely did not disappoint. With beautiful white sand and vibrant shades of blue and green, it offers everything you love about tropical beaches – but with the added bonus of delicious focaccia, a local staple.
Here’s my insider guide to the 6 best beaches in Puglia, including hidden treasures that you definitely won’t encounter in every typical guidebook:
1) Spiaggia di Porto Ghiacciolo
Spiaggia di Porto Ghiacciolo is easily one of my top three favorite beaches and one of the best beaches in Puglia. Just a seven-minute drive from the center of Monopoli, this cove is bordered by a castle, creating stunning views as you lounge or swim.
The beachside bar here is my favorite in all of Italy. The barstool seating overlooks the entire beach and castle, with the water literally at your feet as you enjoy a delicious seafood platter. I highly recommend the orecchiette with mussels paired with a local Pugliese rosé.
Ghiaccio is Italian for ‘ice,’ and this name is fitting both here and throughout all the waters of Puglia, however, you really won’t mind the cold water much as it is a refreshing escape from the southern Italy heat.
The beach is a mix of public areas where visitors can lay out their towels and sections with umbrella and chair rentals. Also, unlike many other beaches with a lido, there is no separation between the paid and free areas, creating a more inclusive atmosphere.
2) Cala dell’Acquaviva
Also making the list of one of my all-time favorite beaches in Puglia is Cala dell’Acquaviva, located in the south of Puglia, about a 30-minute drive south of Otranto. The coastal drive from Otranto offers iconic views of the rugged coastline with endless cliffs and coves – think California vibes, but with the charm of small Italian towns.
Once you arrive at this hidden gem, you will first enter through the beach bar, Anam Terrace, overlooking the beautiful cove and stunning water. From up here, you can see just how clear the water is. The bar is worth a stop either before or after heading down to the water as the lounging areas are super cozy and have a vibey Tulum feel, perfect for enjoying a spritz and Tartare di Tonno.
Once down at the beach, the serene cove offers plenty of opportunities for both lounging to soak up your gorgeous surroundings and for feeding your adrenaline rush by jumping into the sea from along the side of the cove. Additionally, if you swim out to the end of the cove, there are steps formed out of rock you can take to climb out of the water for incredible views of the Adriatic Sea.
(Insider Tip: Definitely bring durable beach shoes such as these and Italian-approved favorites of mine to Cala dell’Acquaviva Beach. Parts of the beach, and especially the pathways out to the end of the cove are rocky with sharp jagged rocks that are rough on bare feet.)
The cove is also great for families as it provides protection in the shallows for calm water. You’ll see lots of young kids enjoying this area of the cove and even my 11-month-old had a great time here splashing around in the cool shallow water.
3) Torre dell’Orso
Torre dell’Orso is another must-visit beach in Puglia. It offers many paid lidos to choose from for umbrella and lounger rentals, as well as a few options for public (free) beach access.
This stunning white sandy beach extends for almost an entire kilometer and is bordered on both sides by stunning white cliffs. (The long stretch of sand is also notable because many beaches throughout Italy are usually rocky or pebbly.)
The beach has (once again) beautiful bluish-green crystal clear water that also is usually very calm with no waves and stays shallow for a long distance, making it a great beach to bring your babies or kids to play in the shallows.
From the beach, you have a stunning view of the coast and can also see the popular Le Due Sorelle, or two sisters, sea stack.
3.5 Honorable Mention) Grotta della Poesia
Before leaving the Torre dell’Orso area, take a short five-minute drive to the Grotta della Poesia, or Cave of Poetry. This natural swimming pool, carved into limestone, is a must-see for its rugged landscape and stunning turquoise water.
However, Grotta della Poesia is only an honorable mention on this list because swimming at the grotto might not always be allowed due to varying rules. If you can’t take a dip in the pool, you might still be able to jump into the open ocean from the rocks nearby, though this depends on conditions and permissions as well.
Despite these restrictions, I would still consider a visit to the Grotta della Poesia for a memorable and picturesque stop on your Puglia adventure.
4, 5, and 6) Vieste
If you’ve made it to the end of the list, congratulations – you’ve unlocked the secret of my favorite beaches in all of Puglia, and probably all of Italy.
Vieste is home to numerous stunning vistas and beaches that you can explore by foot or by boat. Here are my top three to consider when in this region:
4) Hidden Beach in Vieste – Near Hotel Seggio
My favorite beach in all of Puglia is this hidden beach in Vieste located near the Hotel Seggio. This secluded spot is accessible only by either being a guest at the hotel or by seeking out and following the hidden staircase in town that leads to it, which is located near the Sapore di Mare Ristorante. (This is how we reached it during our trip.)
Because of the beach’s hidden location, it has a very private and tranquil atmosphere. On the day we visited in fact, there were only five other people with us in the entire area.
The beach here is protected by a breakwater wall, ensuring calm, beautiful clear blue-green water that remains shallow for hundreds of feet. You can wade out far from the shore here and feel like you’re in the middle of the ocean, while still standing in hip-deep water. From this vantage point, the views of the town of Vieste, along with the stunning limestone cliffs and caves below it, are truly an amazing sight.
5) Spiaggia di Portopiatto
Spiaggia di Portopiatto is my second favorite beach in Puglia and my top pick for those accessible by boat. While hiring a boat is the most convenient way to get there, you can also reach it by hiking down a short but somewhat steep staircase or through a nearby resort.
The scenery at this beach is spectacular. The water is crystal-clear blue, and the beach is framed by stunning limestone cliffs and lush greenery.
A standout feature of this beach is a nearby cave located to the left of the shore when facing the ocean. You can swim or paddle into the dark cave and, once inside, lounge and cool off on the pebbly beach. Sitting in the cave’s darkness makes for a unique and unforgettable experience you shouldn’t miss!
6) Grotta Sfondata
Accessible only by boat (see here for boat tours that will take you here), kayak, or paddleboard, Grotta Sfondata is truly a hidden gem. While not technically a beach but more a cave, this grotto is one of the most awe-inspiring places I have ever seen- in fact, I even told a group of Italian guys inside that it was more beautiful than at home in Hawaii and they didn’t believe me, ha.
Paddling or swimming into the grotto, you are encircled by limestone cliffs, with the blue sky and bright green trees above you visible through the grotto’s opening. The sunlight streaming in creates an almost magical feeling.
Once inside, you can swim to the grotto’s shore, and relax on the smooth pebbles right at the edge of the crystal-clear turquoise water to soak in your surroundings. The contrast between the limestone cliffs, the bright sky, and the stunning water creates an unbelievable experience.
