A Local’s Guide to the Best and Most Beautiful Puglia Beaches

Planning your escape to Puglia? Start with the beaches we love most

Not all beaches are created equal — especially in Puglia.

With over 800 kilometers of coastline stretched between the Adriatic and Ionian seas, this region offers an extraordinary range of coastal experiences. From wild pine-fringed coves to long stretches of soft, golden sand, Puglia beaches are as diverse as they are unforgettable. But with so many choices, knowing where to go, and when — can completely shape your stay.

At Borgomadre, we’ve spent years exploring this coastline — as locals, as hosts, and as a family.

Some of these beaches are just down the road from our villas. Others are further afield, worth the drive for a full day’s adventure. But each one in this guide is here for a reason. These are the spots we recommend to our guests, return to with our own families, and hold close to heart.

This isn’t just a roundup. It’s a curated list of Puglia beaches that reflect the rhythm of this place — the kind of beaches that linger in your memory long after the holiday ends.

No matter if you’re looking for a wild swim, a quiet stretch of sand, or a beach club with great spritzes and even better people-watching, there’s something here for every kind of traveler.

Let’s start with the ones we love most.

1. Torre Guaceto — Nature, Silence, and Something You Can’t Quite Describe

This one’s close to home, in every sense.

Located just 25 minutes from Borgomadre, Torre Guaceto is a protected marine reserve where nature sets the pace. There are no beach clubs here. No music. No crowds. Just sand, sea, and sky — and a quiet that’s hard to put into words.

You’ll park at the edge of the reserve and either walk the winding trail through olive groves and wild herbs, or hop on a solar-powered mini train (a favourite among kids — and adults, if they’re honest). 

What awaits is a long, golden stretch of Torre Guaceto Beach, framed by sand dunes and crystal-clear water that feels untouched.

It’s ideal for a morning swim or a few hours of simple peace. Bring what you need — towels, water, snacks, and settle in for a kind of stillness that’s getting harder to find. Some guests at Borgomadre even return here more than once during their stay. If you'd like more tips on how to spend the perfect day at Torre Guaceto, you’ll find our full guide here.

2. Punta Prosciutto — Iconic Waters, Beach Clubs & Boats at Sunset

You’ll hear this one mentioned often, and for good reason. Punta Prosciutto is what most people imagine when they picture southern Italian beach perfection — shallow, warm waters that stretch out like glass, soft white sand underfoot, and long, open skies above.

It’s not exactly a secret sanctuary — especially during the high season. Expect a lively scene, with beach clubs setting the mood, families settling in for full-day stays, and music floating on the breeze. But that’s part of the charm. If you’re after energy, amenities, and great swimming, Punta Prosciutto Beach is worth the drive down to Salento.

Prefer a slower rhythm? Head down in early summer or late September, when the sea is just as inviting but the pace feels more relaxed. Or better yet, rent a small boat and explore the nearby coves — a favourite tip from our team. Consider pairing your visit with a walk through the nearby trails of the Natural Reserve of River Chidro, or stopping at the Salina dei Monaci lagoon, where flamingos often wade across pink-tinted waters. Sunset out on the water here, with a bottle of cold rosé and a few friends, is something you won’t ever forget.

3. Porto Selvaggio — Wild Swims & Pine-Shaded Afternoons

Looking for something untouched and deeply local? Porto Selvaggio. is the kind of place that rewards those who take their time.

Set within a protected nature reserve, this rugged stretch of coastline is reached by foot — a shaded path through pine and eucalyptus trees opens out onto sun-drenched rocks and strikingly clear water. It’s not a sandy beach, but what it offers in return is a kind of raw beauty you don’t find on the main tourist trail.

Bring what you need: water shoes for climbing in and out, a packed lunch, and a sense of adventure. The snorkeling here is exceptional, and the natural shade from the forest makes it easy to spend an entire afternoon unwinding. If you're up for more, the area is rich with trekking trails, and you’ll find caves and ancient watchtowers tucked along the cliffs.

We often come here midweek, when it’s quietest. Some of us bring books, others just stretch out on the sun-warmed rocks. It’s a beach that asks for a bit more effort, and gives you much more in return.

4. Marina di Pescoluse — Where the Sand Feels Like Silk

Known as the Maldives of Salento, Marina di Pescoluse is all about laid-back luxury and long beach days.

Marina di Pescoluse stretches for nearly eight kilometres along the Ionian coast, its shoreline flanked by soft white sand, acacia-dotted dunes, and translucent blue water that barely ripples. It’s one of the most beautiful Puglia beaches — and also one of the liveliest in high summer.

If you’re after a classic Italian beach day with loungers, umbrellas, and beach clubs serving fresh seafood and Aperol spritzes, this is your place. But timing matters. It can get especially festive in midsummer, with music, laughter, and umbrellas stretching as far as the eye can see. For a more peaceful visit, aim for mid-June or early September when the energy softens but the experience remains top-tier.

It’s a bit further from Borgomadre, but many of our guests make it a highlight of their trip, especially if they’re staying for a week or more and want to explore the full coastline.

Looking to level up the experience? Make sure you book a shaded cabana for the day and stay until the sun begins to dip. The golden hour here is something special.

5. Cala Porto — Postcard Views in Polignano a Mare

Possibly the most iconic of all Puglia beaches, Cala Porto (also called Lama Monachile) is a narrow cove framed by limestone cliffs and old-town views.

The pebbled shore and turquoise waters make for stunning photos — and short swims. It’s best for a dip and a wander, not a full day. Nearby, local vendors offer octopus panini and seafood focaccia, perfect for a light bite with a view.

For the best experience, come in the early morning, when the water glows and the crowds haven’t yet arrived.

Set in the heart of Polignano a Mare, the beach is modest in size but big in atmosphere. The turquoise water glows against the pale stone, and a small Roman bridge above the cove offers one of the best vantage points for a photo.

6. Apani Beach — Quiet, Wide, and Just Around the Corner

A favorite among our team, Apani Beach is just a short drive from Borgomadre. Wide and open, even mid-summer it rarely feels packed.

There are beach clubs with loungers and lunch spots, but if you walk a little further, you’ll likely find a quiet corner just for you.

We love coming here early with coffee, catching a swim, and still being home in time for lunch under the pergola. But if we head there on a Saturday, you can bet we’ll be at the high-quality beach bar and restaurant — especially when they’re hosting one of their seasonal events. It’s the perfect blend of relaxed and refined, just how we like our weekends.

7. Baia dei Turchi — History, Pines, and White-Gold Sand

There’s something cinematic about Baia dei Turchi.

Located near Otranto, this stretch of coastline is where the Ottoman fleet is said to have landed in 1480 — and while its past is dramatic, the beach today is anything but chaotic. Shaded by a pine forest and reached by a short path through the trees, Baia dei Turchi opens onto a pristine crescent of white-gold sand and calm, crystal-clear water.

It’s part of a protected nature area, so there’s no heavy development nearby — just a few small beach clubs and plenty of space to roam. It’s one of the most beautiful Puglia beaches, but it’s also one that rewards a little extra effort to reach.

Our tip? Don’t rush to settle — the further you wander, the more the coastline opens up into small, tucked-away coves that feel a world away from the main entrance. It’s the kind of place that rewards curiosity and an unhurried pace.

If you’re planning a beach-hopping itinerary during your stay at Borgomadre, this one makes a great day trip, especially when paired with a late lunch in Otranto’s charming old town.

8. Tremiti Islands — A Wild Archipelago Worth the Journey

Set off the coast of northern Puglia, the Tremiti Islands are one of the region’s best-kept secrets — and one of the most breathtaking destinations for lovers of wild beaches, boat adventures, and crystal-clear waters.

This tiny archipelago, part of the Gargano National Park, is reachable only by boat — typically from Termoli or Vieste, but it’s worth every mile. The most famous beach here, Cala dei Pagliai, is carved into the cliffs of San Domino island. With shallow turquoise waters and dramatic limestone stacks rising from the sea, it’s a natural swimming pool like no other.

The vibe here is remote and untouched. There are no beach clubs, no boutiques, just sun, sea, and time. Snorkelling is exceptional, and many visitors spend the day hopping between coves or floating in the warm Adriatic.

If you’re staying at Borgomadre and planning to explore northern Puglia or extend your stay, the Tremiti Islands make for an unforgettable overnight trip, especially for travelers who like their beaches served with a little adventure.

Borgomadre’s Top Picks — Where We Go (and Why)

After years of exploring this coastline, with kids, with friends, with visiting family, and sometimes just for a moment of quiet — we’ve found ourselves coming back to the same places. Not because they’re trendy. But because they speak to something deeper: rhythm, beauty, and connection.

Here are the Puglia beaches our team returns to again and again:

• Torre Guaceto – For early mornings, long swims, and the kind of quiet that stays with you. Just 25 minutes from Borgomadre, and a guest favourite.

• Apani Beach – Close, calm, and reliable. Even in August, you’ll find space to stretch out.

• Punta Prosciutto – For beach days with friends, music, boat rentals, and sunset drinks out on the water.

• Porto Selvaggio – When we need nature and stillness. No umbrellas. Just trees, rocks, and unbelievably clear water.

• Marina di Pescoluse – Perfect for a classic Italian beach day. Visit in June or September to see it at its best.

• Cala Porto – For a quick stop and a great photo in Polignano. Bonus: grab a shrimp panino nearby.

• Baia dei Turchi – Romantic, pine-framed, and full of soft sand and history.

• Tremiti Islands – A longer trip, but one of the most magical places we’ve ever swum.

Wherever you go, we’re here to help you plan it. No matter if it’s packing a beach bag, reserving a lunch spot nearby, or organizing boat hire, just ask. We’ve done it all — and we love sharing our part of Puglia with you.

👉Let’s Go To The Beach

Your Beach Days Begin Here

If you're drawn to pine-shaded coves, sun-drenched sands, or turquoise waters that stretch as far as you can swim, Puglia beaches deliver something truly special. They aren't all easy to find — and they aren’t meant to be. That’s the beauty of it.

The coastline here invites you to slow down, to explore with intention, and to experience Italy in a way that’s as real as it is relaxing. From quiet mornings at Torre Guaceto to boat days off Punta Prosciutto, every beach on this list offers more than a view — it offers a memory.

If you’re staying at Borgomadre, this is your personal guide. We know the roads, the rhythms, the tides — and we’re here to help you make the most of every beach day, whether that means planning a seaside picnic, booking a boat tour, or simply pointing you to the right stretch of sand.

Your Puglian summer starts here. We’ll see you by the water.

👉  Get in touch today to explore our villas, ask us your questions, or let us help you plan the perfect seaside stay.