Apulia’s beaches everyone will be visiting in 2026

Summer is here and you still don't know where to spend your beach vacation? We have the most exciting solution for the 2026 season: come with us to Apulia (Puglia) to discover heavenly beaches and extraordinary locations!

The 10 most beautiful beaches in Apulia we've recommended in this guide, with their fascinating variety of landscapes ranging from fine sands to imposing cliffs, are destinations suitable for every kind of traveler. The coastline of this splendid region stretches for over 800 kilometers, guaranteeing a unique and always stimulating experience that combines nature, history, and culture in one single spectacular setting.

Exceptional beauty and quality services make Apulia's beaches destinations that attract thousands of visitors every year, consolidating the region's key role in Italian seaside tourism.

Among the most famous beaches are the Two Sisters Beach in Torre dell'Orso and the Maldives of Salento in Pescoluse, where they create wonderful postcard-like scenery. You can't wait to discover all our recommendations? So let's not waste any more time and dive (literally!) into this guide to your seaside holiday in Apulia!

Is it possible to keep attracting (and captivating) millions of travelers while remaining authentic? Of course yes, and Apulia is among the Italian regions best positioned to embrace this delicate role in the pursuit of sustainable tourism.

Already crowned queen of summer last year with the preference of approximately 16% of travelers in Italy, even in 2026 Apulia aims to confirm its tourism leadership in the hottest season of the year.

How? Quality hospitality (with a strong growth in masserie), an immersive, personalized offering of experiences spanning food, culture, and sports (including water activities like surfing and snorkeling), and stunning beaches that invite you to relax and enjoy the well-being and enchantment of one of the most beautiful regions in the world.

What are the 10 best beaches in Apulia? For 2026, we'll discover together:

- the coasts of Salento (Turks' Bay, Two Sisters Beach, Sant'Isidoro beach, Torre Chianca beach, Pescoluse);

- the coasts of Bari (Cala Verde, Lama Monachile);

- the coasts of Taranto (Porto Cupo Bay, Porto Pirrone beach);

- the coasts of Gargano (Baia delle Zagare).

Cala Verde is one of the most enchanting beaches in Monopoli, perfectly set between two rocky walls that protect it from the winds, thus guaranteeing a generally calm sea. This little piece of paradise is particularly suitable for families thanks to its calm, shallow waters.

The beach is accessible by following the signs to Camping Santo Stefano and offers a more intimate and private experience, with no sunbed or umbrella rental services, so it is ideal to bring along everything you need to enjoy a day at the beach.

Local tips: the shallow, rocky seabed is perfect for snorkeling; we recommend visiting early in the morning or at sunset.

How to get there: it is located near the Torre Cintola - Capitolo area and can be easily reached by car on the SS16, taking the Monopoli Sud exit and following the signs for the seaside resorts.

Just 15 minutes from Taranto, Porto Cupo Bay offers a unique experience for those seeking a more private and less crowded beach. This small pebble bay is known for its crystal-clear waters and for being an ideal place to relax away from the more touristy beaches.

Despite its small size, Porto Cupo Bay is appreciated for its natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere. After a day in this enchanting bay, also consider making a trip to Campomarino di Maruggio, a place known for its golden beaches and turquoise sea.

Local tips: it is recommended to bring your own food and beach equipment, especially an umbrella, as the area does not offer natural shade.

How to get there: it is located just south of Taranto near Pulsano and can be reached by car following the SS100 and SS7 towards Taranto and then the SP122 towards Leporano.

Located along the Taranto coastline, Porto Pirrone Beach is a favourite destination for its clear waters and relaxing atmosphere. This beach offers a stretch of fine sand but also stretches with rocks, both of which are pleasant.

The steps to get there are a bit challenging, but the place is well worth it. Despite its popularity during the summer months, especially at weekends, Porto Pirrone remains a real gem to be discovered.

Local tips: ideal for families and camping enthusiasts, it offers the opportunity to combine beach fun with culture, including a visit to the Saturo Archaeological Park.

How to get there: it is located along the SP122 towards Leporano Marina, direct buses are also available from Taranto.

The Turks' Bay, located a few kilometres north of Otranto, is famous for its enchanting white sandy shoreline, surrounded by a thick pine forest and rocky cliffs that create a natural environment of rare beauty.

This bay owes its name to the historical event of 1480, when Turkish troops landed here during the siege of Otranto. Today, the bay is a paradise for those seeking a seaside experience amid unspoilt nature.

Local tips: it is part of the protected natural oasis of the Alimini Lakes, ideal for camping and trekking adventures combined with fun on the beach.

How to get there: it is easily reached by car on the SP366 Otranto - San Cataldo, but in the summer there are also direct buses departing from Lecce.

The Two Sisters Beach in Torre dell'Orso is one of the pearls of Salento, famous for its fine sand and clear blue sea. This beach is nestled between high cliffs and a lush pine forest, creating a picture-postcard landscape that fascinates tourists and residents every year.

Its crystal-clear waters are ideal for swimming and snorkelling, thanks also to the currents of the Otranto Canal that keep the sea clean.

Local tips: this location offers extraordinary views for landscape photography; if you're a good swimmer and the sea is calm, you can even swim to the two rocks that give this place its own name.

How to get there: it can be reached on foot too directly from Torre dell'Orso and walking following the coast to the right, if you travel by car take the SP1 to Vernole - Melendugno and then the SP297, there is also a dedicated parking lot for the beach.

Lama Monachile, also known as Cala Porto, is one of Polignano a Mare's most iconic beaches. This small inlet is famous for its Bourbon bridge above it and its crystal-clear waters, set between imposing limestone cliffs.

The pebble beach is popular with locals and tourists alike for its natural beauty and picturesque atmosphere. Despite its popularity, Lama Monachile retains a quiet charm, ideal for those seeking a corner of paradise where the sea merges with history.

Local tips: wear rock shoes for the beach, we recommend a boat tour with an expert local skipper to explore the hidden corners and caves of the cliff.

How to get there: Polignano a Mare can be reached by car on the SS16 exiting at Conversano, the location is in the heart of the historic centre and can be accessed by going down the stone steps beneath the Bourbon Bridge.

Sant'Isidoro Beach, located in the picturesque Marina di Nardò, is one of Salento's gems. The beach is perfect for families. Thanks to its fine, white sand and shallow, crystal-clear waters, children can play safely.

The beach stretches in a gentle curve along the coast, creating an ideal environment to relax and enjoy the seascape. The presence of the historic Sant'Isidoro Tower, erected in the 16th century to defend the coast from incursions, adds a touch of history and charm to the place. With well-equipped lidos and various services, Sant'Isidoro offers a comfortable and relaxing bathing experience for all visitors.

Local tips: the area is equipped with services for every need, ensuring stress-free days at the beach for the whole family; nearby, we also recommend visiting Lido degli Aironi, Spiaggia del Frascone, and Palude del Capitano.

How to get there: you can reach it by car by following the SS101 Lecce - Nardò and then the SP359 for Porto Cesareo, follow the signs for Sant'Isidoro.

The Torre Chianca beach in Porto Cesareo is a little corner of paradise that stands out for its white sand and crystal-clear turquoise sea. The presence of the historic watchtower, also erected in the 16th century by Charles V to protect the coast from Saracen raids, adds a unique historical charm to the place.

Despite being an idyllic spot, it can become very crowded during the summer months, attracting many visitors in search of relaxation and natural beauty. This makes it essential to arrive early in the morning to secure a good spot on the beach.

Local tips: if you enjoy diving, even as an amateur, we recommend admiring the evocative Roman columns underwater in the shallow seabed just a few meters from the shore; the area is equipped with all the necessary services.

How to get there: it is located in Scala di Furno and can be reached by car from Lecce via the SP119 to Leverano and then the SP21 to Porto Cesareo, following the specific signs for Torre Chianca.

The Baia delle Zagare, located between Mattinata and Vieste, is one of the most evocative corners of the Gargano. This bay is renowned for its pale rock cliffs that plunge into a crystal-clear blue sea, shaping a stunning postcard-like landscape.

Characterised by a beach of fine white pebbles, the bay is dominated by the presence of two imposing stacks, known as L'Arco di Diomede and Le Forbici, which contribute to making the landscape even more breathtaking. The natural beauty of Baia delle Zagare has also been praised by international publications such as the New York Times and National Geographic, recognising it as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.

Local tips: the perfect location for a relaxing day immersed in nature, it's especially suitable for seaside trekking, snorkeling, and short boat trips.

How to get there: it is located in the Mattinata area and can be reached by car following the SP53 that leads to Vieste.

Pescoluse, also known as the Maldives of Salento, is one of the most charming seaside resorts in Southern Apulia, famous for its fine, golden sandy beaches stretching along a crystal-clear sea. This destination is ideal for those seeking a tropical-like piece of paradise, thanks to its shallow waters and clear waters, and is ideal for families and water sports enthusiasts.

It is no coincidence that this location is often compared to the real Maldives for the quality of its beaches and the breathtaking landscape, characterised by sand dunes and lush vegetation that fades into the hues of the sea. Pescoluse is also a perfect starting point to explore other wonders of the Salento, such as Lecce: a perfect combination of relaxation, culture and fun.

Local tips: the seabed remains shallow for hundreds of meters from the shore, making it one of the safest beaches for families, even with small children; also worth visiting are the Salve marina and Torre Pali.

How to get there: it is located along the southern coast of Salento and can be reached by car from Lecce by taking the SS101 to Gallipoli and then continuing on the SS274.