5 secret beaches in Salento only locals know about

Salento is one of Italy's most popular summer destinations, whose coast is dotted with little coves and beaches, from tiny ones that you can reach by boat to long stretches of golden sand. With popularity, however, come a few drawbacks: the local beaches are magnificent, but they are often crowded during the summer. If you want to escape the crowds and enjoy a more relaxing holiday, then you might want to consider going for some of these less well-known, almost “secret” beaches in Salento.

Torre Uluzzo

Torre Uluzzo is located in the Porto Selvaggio and Palude del Capitano Regional Nature Park. Beautiful rocky bay is hard to see from the road and is not as easily accessible as most beaches in this area, which makes it an exclusive destination for committed and determined divers and sunbathers.

Access is free, and the small bay is still completely wild: take water and fresh fruit with you! If you want more refreshments, there is a bar on the opposite side of the road. This part of the coast has crystal clear water, three to four meter deep, so it’s perfect for snorkelling too. It’s also great for surfing (there are some waves) but be careful if you go alone: there are no lifeguards here!

5 secret beaches in salento torre uluzzo

Torre Specchia Ruggeri

Located on the Adriatic coast between San Cataldo and San Foca, Torre Specchia boasts small and large coves interrupted by vast vegetation and sheer cliffs. The beaches here have white sand, clear water, and they are never too crowded, not even during peak season. Its name comes from one of the many watchtowers that dot the coastline and that still stand today.

Baia dei Turchi

This beach is not "secret," but it is unspoiled and protected. This beach is located just before Otranto and is among the most beautiful in Italy. Admission is free but it is not possible to get there by car: you will have to leave your vehicle at the nearby parking lot and walk. It is forbidden to build establishments, marinas, or restaurants here to preserve the beautiful landscape, which makes it a must-visit destination for nature lovers.

Baia di San Gregorio

Near Santa Maria di Leuca you will find this enchanting little bay. The beach is made of small pebbles and has rock steps from which you can dive into clear, cool waters. Here, nature is unspoiled and marine wildlife thrives. The beach is almost never crowded, despite the fact that San Gregorio is a popular tourist destination in Salento.

Porto Badisco

This spectacular seaside destination near the town of Otranto features crystal-clear water with an initially sandy bottom. If you just swim a little further offshore, however, you will come across several caves of rare beauty, including the famous Grotta dei Cervi (Deer Cave), one of the largest Neolithic pictorial complexes in Europe.