Salento: The best beaches for your holidays!

For an unforgettable vacation by the sea with many paradisiacal dream beaches as well as Mediterranean nature and culture, the southern Italian peninsula of Salento in Apulia is ideal. The peninsula forms the heel of the Italian boot and offers over 800 km of coastline with numerous breathtaking beaches and coves with a Caribbean flair.

Table of contents

Salento - 8 special beaches

Salento - 8 special beaches

Porto Badisco Beach

The beach of Porto Badisco is located near the small southern Italian port town of Otranto in Apulia. It is somewhat hidden in a small, paradisiacal bay and protected on both sides by rocks and from behind by a hill. The chalk-white cliffs create a beautiful atmosphere with the wonderfully sparkling sea. Due to its sheltered location, the sea here is very gentle and ideal for swimming. Additionally, it is also great for diving and snorkeling, as the water is very clear and clean. There are also many pretty underwater caves to discover. Infrastructure is also available.

Torre dell’Orso Beach

The idyllic paradise beach of Torre dell’Orso is located in the small Italian town of Melendugno on the Adriatic coast southeast of Lecce in Apulia. It is surrounded by pretty rocks as well as pine forests and dunes, while the two limestone rocks Due Sorelle – the two sisters – rise up in the middle of the water. The beautiful rocks not only offer a great sight but can also be climbed and serve as a natural diving platform. In addition to swimming, the crystal-clear water is also very suitable for snorkeling and diving. Among the rocks all around, there are also many small caves that invite exploration.

Bay of the Turks Beach

A historical moment gives the beach Baia dei Turchi its name: In 1480, Turks landed here and conquered Otranto from this location. You reach the natural beach via an unpaved road. A cliff covered with macchia and cool pine forests frame the dreamy sandy beach. For your relaxing day at the beach, you can rent loungers and umbrellas. Along the coast, there are restaurants that indulge you with drinks, fish dishes, and other foods. The bathing season lasts from June to September. During this time, the water temperature is sometimes well over 20 degrees Celsius.

Punta della Suina Beach

The beach of Punta della Suina is located near the southern Italian city of Gallipoli in Apulia on the Salento peninsula, which forms the heel of the Italian boot. The crystal-clear sea offers a Caribbean flair with color shades ranging from turquoise blue to emerald green, and the bright white sand accentuates this paradisiacal view. The beach enchants with its beautiful vegetation, such as magnificent pine forests and fragrant thyme bushes. A special feature is the rare beauty with which the white sand and the rocky part repeatedly mix. There is a terrace bar here that offers a fantastic view and promises breathtaking sunsets.

Torre Chianca Beach

As early as May, when the water temperature sometimes climbs above 20 degrees Celsius, the first bathers come to Torre Chianca. Until the first half of October, you can splash around in the shallow shore and enjoy the crystal-clear water. The sand shimmers golden. During the peak season, the beach is supervised. Torre Chianca was named after a tower built by the Spaniards for protection against the Saracens. Today, the coastal section is a popular meeting point for families and water sports enthusiasts. You can go catamaran sailing and jet skiing through the surf here. Those seeking tranquility rent a sunshade and a lounger.

Grotta della Poesia Beach

At first glance at the Grotta della Poesia, you will understand why it was chosen by National Geographic as one of the most beautiful reservoirs in the world. The natural pool filled with crystal-clear water is surrounded by majestic rocks. According to legend, a princess once swam here and inspired poets from all over Apulia. The Grotta della Poesia attracts not only swimmers but also the daring: they plunge into the water from the high cliffs. There is no infrastructure on site. You will find restaurants, bars, and sunbed rentals at the Torre del Orso beach, which is about a 10-minute drive away.

Pescoluse Beach

The beach of Pescoluse is located in Apulia on the Salento peninsula, which represents the heel of the Italian boot. It is often compared to the Maldives and the Caribbean because it offers the typical paradise view. At the same time, it has a very gentle entry into the sea, making it ideal for swimming. Along the beach, there are magnificent dunes and coastal cliffs covered with green ferns and fragrant white lilies. The paradise beach is also popular with families with children and offers excellent infrastructure and many food stalls, as well as entertainment and water games. Additionally, the city center is not far.

Torre Lapillo Beach

The Torre Lapillo beach is named after a tower that overlooks the coast. Climbing the relic from the 16th century is worthwhile to let your gaze wander over the fine, light sandy beach. The Torre Lapillo beach stretches from Punto Prosciutto to Porto Cesareo. In the hinterland of the Torre Lapillo beach, sand dunes covered with juniper extend. The sandy beach is interrupted by cliffs where fishermen await a rich catch. The almost white sand stands out against the turquoise, crystal-clear water: The ambiance is somewhat reminiscent of the Caribbean.