Spending summertime by the sea is a national pastime in Italy, where sun-seekers are spoiled for choice. For the best beaches on the peninsula, follow in-the-know Italians to Puglia, where the beaches rival those of the Maldives and Caribbean.
Less- Find out morePunta ProsciuttoBeach
A stretch of azure water and white sand beach on the Adriatic coast near Monopoli, this beach is the place to go when you want to be pampered. Beach clubs like Le Palme and Lido Bambù draw affluent travelers with their plush sunbeds and gourmet restaurants. The former has a range of options, including private cabanas and oversize sun loungers with mattresses. The latter is run by Rocco Forte Hotels, which operates the five-star Masseria Torre Maizza hotel nearby.
- Find out moreSpiaggia PescoluseBeach
Sometimes called the Maldives of Italy, this Blue Flag beach spreads over 2.5 miles, with undulating dunes. Located on the Ionian side about 15 minutes from Puglia’s southernmost tip, this picturesque beach has shallow water and is surrounded by vegetation, including acacias and white lilies. There are plenty of beach clubs here, plus opportunities to explore the sea by boat.
- Find out moreBaia dei TurchiBeachOpen 24 Hours
Located between Otranto and Alimini Lakes, this bay’s name alludes to an invasion by the Ottoman Turks in 1480. The wild coastline is protected by FAI (the Fondo Ambiente Italiano) and can only be reached by foot. Once you arrive, you’ll find powder-fine white sand and turquoise water. Luxury-seekers can stay at the newly-open Baglioni Masseria Muzza, which has a guests-only beach club equipped with sunbeds and umbrellas.
- Find out moreBaia delle ZagareBeach
Located in Gargano National Park, this peaceful bay is famous for its two limestone sea stacks jutting out of the sea. It gets its name from the orange and lemon trees that perfume the landscape (zagara means orange blossom in Italian). One of the sea stacks is called Arco Magico because, as legend has it, it brings good luck to whoever swims through it. The beach clubs are accessible to guests of hotels like the Hotel Baia delle Zagare, which was established by a young sailor in 1957.
- Find out moreSpiaggia di San VitoBeach
If the beaches in Polignano a Mare— one of Puglia’s most charming towns— are too crowded, head ten minutes north to San Vito, where you can sunbathe on a little bay in the shadow of a 10th-century abbey. There are a couple of casual bars near the shore where you can cool off with an Aperol Spritz. Rowboats bob in the little marina, where you can also depart for an excursion to the nearby grottoes of Polignano a Mare with Pugliamare.
