The 5 Best Beaches in Puglia
Find out why everyone’s talking about Salento
As we welcome the first days of Fall, beaches might not be the first thing on your mind. However, in Salento – no matter if Fall is here or not – summer vibes and 30 degree days often continue long into September. When the tourists start to head home, there’s no better time to visit the Southern tip of the heel of the boot – the beaches clear out, leaving room for locals (and those of us lucky enough to take late holidays). With 500 miles (800 km) of coastline, there’s a reason this summer everyone was clamouring for space for their towel on one of the 5 Best Beaches in Puglia (all of which can be found in Salento).
Salento is a peninsula in Puglia located at the Heel of the Boot. At the tip of this area, at Santa Maria de Leuca, is where the Ionian and the Mediterranean seas meet; some even say they can see where these two seas converge. That being said, the two seas provide remarkably different habitats. On the East Coast you will find rocky cliffs and rugged beaches typical of the Adriatic Sea, as well as quaint coves from which you can watch the sunrise. Whereas, on the West Coast, you will find sandy white beaches and turquoise water that is reminiscent of the Maldives. Plus since the sun sets on the West Coast, the days are longer, and you have the benefit of watching the sun set over the Ionian Sea.
1. Punta Prosciutto, Puglia
Punta Prosciutto Beach is located on the Ionian Sea. Visitors to this beach will be immediately transported to the Maldives, with its vast stretching white sandy coastline and shallow turquoise waters where you can walk for miles being maximum waist-deep. You can rent a sunbed and an umbrella at one of the many “lido” or you can pop your towel down on the fine white sand and enjoy a day at one of Puglia’s top beaches.
2. La Grotta Verde
La Grotta Verde, located at the Marina di Andrano, is nothing short of spectacular. Park your car for a few euros for the whole day, and rest on the cliffs of the sea-green rocky Adriatic coast. Head into the sea cave by foot and then eventually you will have to submerge yourself in the water in order to swim to the cave. Once inside the green sea cave, an opening lets light in, reflecting off the sea and creating a spectacular green light. Thrill seekers can hold their breath and swim under the small opening and will be let out into the open sea, full of marine life.
3. Baia dei Turchi
The Turkish Bay is a historic place near Otranto and part of the protected Oasis of the Alimini Lakes. Legend has it the Turks landed here first when they came to conquer Otranto in the 15th century. Today you can find heavenly coves and rocky cliffs surrounded by a backdrop of Mediterranean scrub and the shade of the pine forest. You can either park your car outside and walk in, or take the shuttle available during high season.
4. Marina Serra Natural Pools
The natural pools at Marina Serra on the Adriatic Coast of Puglia, are a great place to spend the day. Sitting below the antique coastal watch tower Torre Palane, you will find crystal clear water nestled between rocks where you can spend the day sunbathing and swimming in the shallow waters.
5. Frascone Natural Park
Frascone is a Natural Park just 15 minutes’ from Nardò and is the locals’ choice. There are a few spectacular coves with natural springs that make the water in some places quite cold, but perfect for a refreshing swim and an escape from the hot Salento sun. If you feel like exploring you can find a little sea hole where you can relax and check out the sealife on the cliffs. There is even a little beach bar where you can grab a caffè Leccese or a bite to eat. If you are looking for the perfect spot to explore the Ionian Coast, then make your reservations At the Aia today, just a 10 minutes’ drive from Frascone Natural Park, and some of the other Best Beaches in Puglia.
