Sunbathers will be astonished upon their first visit to Puglia, Italy : One day you're dipping your toes in the sand, the next you're already sunbathing on large rocks, and the day after that you're jumping into the water from chalky white cliffs that hide mysterious caves underneath. As varied as Puglia's beaches are, one thing's for certain: the turquoise, almost translucent water is the best place to cool down on hot days. Now there's only one thing left to do:: choose from one of the many beaches and enjoy a sun-kissed summer in Puglia.

Good to know

Puglia's coastline is an impressive 800 kilometers long – the third-biggest in Italy after Sardinia and Sicily.

1. Torre dell'Orso, Lecce

Torre dell'Orso is a pristine beach near the city of Lecce – adventurers explore caves and grottos there. © Shutterstock

Where? Torre dell'Orso, 73026 Lecce, Puglia, Italy
Travel time: about 40 min. by car from Lecce

The beach, a dream: in the small town of Melendugno, south of Lecce, is the famous Torre dell'Orso. Surrounded by pine trees, where cicadas provide the summer soundscape, you lie here on the sandy shores and look out over almost unreal turquoise expanses – and the Due Sorelle. Those who dare jump into the cool water from the two limestone rocks. There are also caves and grottos to discover here; the Grotta della Poesia is particularly beautiful.

Good to know:

The beach was named after an old fortified tower from the 16th century.

2. baia dei turchi, lecce

The "Turkish beach" is lined with lush greenery – a real natural paradise! © Shutterstock

Where? Località Baia dei Turchi, 73028 Otranto, Lecce, Puglia, Italy
Travel time: about 45 min. by car from Lecce

Fine white sand, bushes and pines blowing in the wind and the gentle waves of the Adriatic Sea: Baia dei Turchi is a real dream beach, located in the Alimini Lakes Nature Reserve. In addition to unspoiled nature, you will also find all the amenities that make up a perfect beach day: from showers, changing rooms and restrooms to sun beds, small bars and a wide range of water sports.

Good to know:

If you arrive by car (especially outside of high season), you can park directly on the beach in the pine forest near the bus stop.

3. marina di Pescoluse, Lecce

Pescoluse, known as the "Maldives of Italy," is among the most beautiful beaches in Puglia. © Shutterstock

Where? Marina di Pescoluse, 73050 Lecce, Puglia, Italy
Travel time: about 1 hour by car from Lecce

"Are we still in Italy?" people ask when they arrive at this beach. The azure blue water is so clear that you can see all the way down to the bottom and watch happy little fish scurrying by. It's no surprise that Pescoluse is also known as the "Maldive del Salento" – planning a beach day here is a must during your Puglia vacation.

Good to know:

The beach in Pescoluse is partly rocky, but you can also stretches of sand.

4. isola dei Conigli, Lecce

On Isola dei Conigli, little bunnies hop through the sand and over the gravel, and turquoise waters beckon for a swim. © Shutterstock

Where? Via Bissolati, 73010 Porto cesareo, Lecce, Puglia, Italy
Travel time: about 45 min. by car from Lecce

The so-called Rabbits Island is located only a few meters from the mainland and scores with a fine sandy beach, lots of nature and a relaxed ambience. The island lives up to its name, by the way, because little rabbits actually hop across the beach and hills!

Good to know:

Isola dei Conigli is easily reached by boat, but due to the short distance to the mainland, you could also just swim there.

5. spiaggia di Ginosa, Taranto

The classic Puglian beach: at Ginosa, you can dip your toes in the fine sand while the kids build their sandcastles. © Shutterstock

Where? Ginosa Marina, 74013 Taranto, Puglia, Italy
Travel time: approx. 1 hr. 15 min. by car from Bari

Numerous small lidos and beach clubs line Marina di Ginosa on the coast of Taranto. Whether you're arriving with the family, looking for a quiet day on the beach with a good read, or craving club vibes, there's something here for everyone.

Good to know:

Numerous resorts line Lido di Ginosa, yet there are still many beach areas that are freely accessible. 

Related: The 10 best restaurants in Puglia

6. baia delle zagare, foggia

The azure expanses as well as the towering limestone cliffs make Baia delle Zagare one of the highlights of the Apulian coast. © Shutterstock

Where? Baia delle Zagare, 71030 Foggia, Puglia, Italy
Travel time: about 1 hour by car from Foggia

In an idyllic, almost untouched bay lies the Baia delle Zagare, a fine pebble beach that can be reached by boat or by land. Visitors to this seaside resort will especially notice the alabaster-colored limestone cliffs that stand out against the azure blue sea. A magical sight!

Good to know:

The Baia delle Zagare is the ideal place for a boat tour, passing by the grandiose cliffs and rock formations that rise steeply from the water.

7. cala dei Pagliai, Foggia

If you want to escape the tourist crowds, head by boat to Cala dei Pagliai, a stunning cove on the coast of Foggia. © Shutterstock

Where? Cala dei Pagliai, 71040 Isole Tremiti, Foggia, Puglia, Italy
Travel time: about 1 hour by car from Foggia

Craggy limestone rock formations rise out of the water, creating a stunning contrast of white and turquoise. An incredible sight to enjoy from Cala dei Pagliai: the wild sandy beach in Foggia is ideal for explorers and divers who feel like exploring the many coves or looking for caves and grottos.

Good to know:

Cala dei Pagliai can only be reached by boat – but the trip is well worth it once you see the limestone cliffs. Just magical!

8. cala San Felice, Foggia

After a hike through the forests of Gargano, head to Baia San Felice, where crystal clear waters and a natural rock arch await visitors. © Shutterstock

Where? Baia San Felice, Vieste, 71019 Vieste, Foggia, Puglia, Italy
Travel time: about 1 hr. and 20 min. by car from Foggia

The Gargano peninsula is ideal for leisurely hikes through dense forests and past impressive white rocks – but also for days of swimming, for example in Cala San Felice. If you feel like it, you can combine both, settle down on the sandy beach after a tour and look over to the Arco di San Felice, a natural rock arch in the bay.

Good to know:

Although Cala San Felice is in the middle of nature, there are beach chairs, bars and beach resorts. 

9. Spiaggia della Scialara, Foggia

The Pizzomunno stands almost defiantly in the middle of Vieste beach - making Spiaggia della Scialara a unique place. © Shutterstock

Where? Spiaggia della Scialara, 71012 Vieste, Foggia, Puglia, Italy
Travel time: approx. 1 hour and 15 minutes by car from Foggia

Spiaggia della Scialara is located on the iconic Pizzomunno, a white monolith rising from the golden sand right on the coast. It's one of the most popular beaches in the region. Perched on the impressive white cliffs that line the bay, the old town of Vieste looks down on the mix of white and turquoise. However, in addition to the beauty of nature, you'll also find many facilities and services that make for a perfect day on the beach.

Good to know:

Legend has it that the large monolith that gives its name to the Lido di Pizzomuno was once a young man who was turned into a rock by a jealous siren. We can't confirm whether that's fact or fiction, but we can guarantee that the rock is an impressive photo motif nevertheless.

10. polignano a mare, bari

The town of Polignano a Mare makes a fantastic photo backdrop for bathing days in the bay. © Tommaso Scalera

Where? Polignano a Mare, 70044 Bari, Puglia, Italy
Travel time: about 45 min. by car from Bari

It's probably one of the most famous beaches in Puglia: the sandy, rocky bay of Polignano a Mare winds its way through towering cliffs to the waves of the Adriatic Sea glistening in the sunlight. The water entrance is gentle, the cool water almost translucent, and the town of Polignano a Mare with its white cottages towers high on the rocky ridges. 

Good to know:

In high season, you should be prepared for the beach to be very (almost too) crowded. Nevertheless, it's nice to sunbathe in the bay for a few hours.

Related: Puglia Bucketlist: 10 Things That Must Be On Every Puglia List