Top beaches in Puglia

Torre Guaceto

About half an hour down the coast from Torre Canne, this picturesque sandy beach sits within a protected marine and nature reserve.

Polignano a Mare

Small and pebbly but still deservedly popular and very photogenic, set below the cliffs with the Old Town above. If you just want to swim, follow the coastal path for more secluded bathing spots.

Torre Canne

Halfway between Bari and Bridisi, a beach of soft sand with plenty of little shops, bars and restaurants nearby. The village is also a thermal spa, with mud baths and massage treatments available.

Porto Selvaggio

A bit more effort is required to reach this rugged spot in a national park; wear decent shoes and pack plenty of water and you can enjoy hiking trails and stunning clear waters for swimming.

Torre Lapillo

Peacock blue waters and white sand make this one of the most beautiful beaches in Puglia. It does get busy with families and groups of all ages in high summer, but always worth at least one visit.

Beach Clubs

With bars, restaurants and often live music, Puglia’s beach clubs offer a livelier seaside experience and you’ll find many of the best near Capitolo. Your entry fee should cover sunbed and parasol hire, plus changing rooms.

Things to do in Puglia

Beyond the beach, Puglia’s countryside stretches out in a tapestry of olive groves, vineyards, glistening white towns and discreet luxury holiday villas, many converted from old farmhouses or the unique conical trulli. Baroque Lecce, a.k.a.  the "Florence of the South," is unashamedly ornate, whilst the whitewashed towns of Ostuni, Locorotondo, and Martina Franca are a supremely photogenic mix of winding streets and shimmering sea views. You’ve probably already heard of Alberobello, and while it’s certainly no off-the-beaten-track secret, a visit to these UNESCO-listed trulli houses is an essential Puglia experience – go early or late if you can.

Want to holiday like the Italians do? Make sure to catch one of the summer festivals that bring together the deeply traditional nature of Puglia and its modern identity as a summer playground. From religious processions to the Conversano cherry festival, Lecce’s September wine festival to the unique Notte della Taranta, Italy’s largest music festival, every day of your holiday in Puglia is a cause for celebration. 

Puglia Food and Drink

Deliciously simple and simply delicious! Fish and seafood are the menu favourites here, served simply grilled or sliced sushi style and raw, from sea to plate in a matter of hours. Puglia has its own pasta speciality of course: orrechiette are traditionally hand rolled, typically served with leafy greens, garlic, anchovies and chilli, plus of course a drizzle of olive oil. Puglia produces 40% of all the olive oil in Italy, and it makes a great holiday gift. For the simplest of holiday lunches at your villa, try Puglian focaccia stuffed with tomato, potato and oregano, with a ball of wickedly creamy mozzarella on the side. And for those super-chilled summer days where lunch stretches seamlessly into aperitifs and then dinner, stock up on the rich Primitivo reds that make Puglia Italy’s largest producer of wine and enjoy the luxurious space and seclusion of your own private villa with pool. Looking for more inspiration? Check out more things to do in Puglia

Where to stay in Puglia

From exquisitely restored trulli houses to an immaculately renovated farmhouse or a romantic, sophisticated small hotel, there’s a wonderful choice of places to stay in Puglia. Thanks to our strong local connections, we’ve put together a carefully selected collection of villas and hotels to suit couples, families and groups. Not sure where to start? Contact our Destination Specialists for first hand advice from someone who’s been there. 

VILLAS IN PUGLIA   HOTELS IN PUGLIA