Crowned by the two seas (Adriatic and Ionian) Puglia is the queen of all Italian mainland regions.
Puglia beaches are often called Maldives of Italy thanks to its 800 kilometers of white sand and turquoise clear sea water.
Being situated in Galipolli on Ionian coast with just an hour ride to the Adriatic side of Puglia, we have experienced several beaches during our stay.
All of them equally beautiful, crowded but enough space for everybody, some in the very city center, some far away and not easy accessible without a car, but still worth the hustle.
Here are our top beaches visited:
Spiaggia della Purità in the old part of Galipolli city was definitely our number one. Close to the old and new part of the city, with dozens of nearby restaurants and shops, with sun umbrellas stand, a bar with super expensive ice cream.
Many of beaches are deprived of sun shade so one is forced to have some sort of sun cover or leave the beach during the warmest part of the day, between 13 h and 17h.
Spiaggia della Purità is no exemption however the vicinity of the restaurants that have possibility to order take out is gold when you want to enjoy the sunsets and the warmth of the evening swim.
Lido San Giovani is a long beach strand starting from Galipolli outside the city border. It is packed with food and entertainment stands in the evening but a lovely free beach with paying parking available.
Like the name says Spaiggia dei bambini in Otranto is definitely a kids beach. Warm, shallow waters are perfect for a lazy dipping in the sea, while playing ball or just talking with one another or learning kids to swim.
Situated in the very center and acting as a marina it is a perfect coolstation for the visitors and locals.
Named after the Ottoman Turks’ siege of Otranto Baia dei Turchi is a stunning white sand crystal water beach on the Adriatic side of Puglia.
Situated few kilometers north of Otranto, the beach is part of the Alimini Lakes Oasis and requires a short walk from the parking through the pine trees. The parking is paid and guarded, with spots in the tree shade.
Spiaggia delle pescoluse is a 4 kilometers stretch of fine sandy beach some 40 minutes ride from Galipolli direction south. Called Maldives of Salento due to the incredible beauty of the beach, with fine white sand and clear turquoise waters reminiscent of those of the Maldives islands.
Small waves are perfect for playing and running towards it, and if you want to swim than a short walk into the water is required.
Mid July in 2024 was a heat wave summer and we were lucky to have the beast warm sea temperature of around 26 degrees. Perfect for literally soaking up for hours, something that I still dream of today and that has set the high standards for our summer holidays. 😊
