Chiara’s Favourite Hidden Beaches in Puglia (Ionian edition)
I'm sorry to break it to you, but you've been misled by Instagram and Google when it comes to Puglia.
The only beach they seem to show you repeatedly is Polignano a Mare.
Don’t get me wrong, the view of Polignano from different angles is absolutely stunning, but as a local who has spent every summer from May to September at the beach since I was a child, I can assure you there are plenty of lesser-known spots that you could enjoy far more than the touristy beaches.
Polignano a Mare
If I were to list all my favourite spots, we'd be here for days, so I’ll try to sum up some of the best ones on the Ionian coast—beaches that are mostly known to locals and that you’ll absolutely love!
THE BEACH OF MY HEART
First up, my number one beach, the one I’ve been visiting since I could barely speak, is Porto Cesareo. It offers 17 kilometres of white sandy beaches and shallow, Caribbean-like waters. My personal favourite is the beach in the little village of Torre Lapillo, which is particularly stunning with its soft sand and crystal-clear sea.
Here, I learned to appreciate life. When the sun is shining down on you, the warm sand beneath your feet, and an expanse of crystal-clear water in front of you, you have everything your soul needs!
Now, this area has changed a lot over the last 20 years. Despite its Maldives-like beauty, it’s important to know how to make the most of it. Let me share some tips with you.
Porto Cesareo
Chiara’s Tips
June, early July, September, and even October are the months you’ll want to visit to really enjoy your experience. If you’re heading there in July and looking for a more relaxed vibe, I recommend going early in the morning and leaving around lunchtime. In the afternoon, some areas of the beautiful 17 km stretch turn into a party scene, with younger crowds arriving.
If July and August are your only options, you’ll definitely want to rent beach chairs. Just be prepared for traffic and lots of locals—when I say lots, I mean lots!
While most of the beach was public when I was a child, now private beach clubs are the norm. Each one offers great amenities and services, but they attract different crowds. From young party vibes to family-friendly atmospheres to more relaxing spots, you just need to pick the right one for you.
Always make sure you visit when the ‘Tramontana’ wind is blowing, or you might miss out on all the magic. This is the time when the water is as flat as glass and as clear as the air.
There’s nothing quite like swimming in the crystal-clear Mediterranean waters, with the sun shining down on you, a cold spritz or some bubbles waiting for you as you exit the sea. It’s one of those moments when life feels really good in its simplest form. This is why June and September are my favourite months—they’re quieter, and you can truly soak up the experience.
SAND, ROCKS AND A MEDITERRANEAN PINE FOREST
Next on the list, further south, is another of my favourite beaches—Punta della Suina in Gallipoli.
It’s a beautiful spot with crystal-clear waters, stretches of sand and patches of rocks. The beach is surrounded by a Mediterranean pine forest, which offers natural shade and a cool escape from the sun.
While Porto Cesareo is all sand, Punta della Suina combines sandy areas and rocky patches, giving it a special character. It’s located about 8 kilometres from Gallipoli’s historic centre.
Punta della Suina. Photo Credits: Baia Di Gallipoli Camping Village
Chiara’s Tips
As this beach has been featured in a couple of popular Italian films, you might find Italian tourists. It’s a popular destination during the summer months, but it’s generally less crowded than some of Gallipoli’s other beaches, partly because you need to take a short walk through the pine forest to reach it.
Again, I strongly discourage visiting in late July or August, especially since this beach is smaller than Porto Cesareo. The best times to visit are May–June or September, when you can avoid the peak summer crowds but still enjoy the warm weather. While Porto Cesareo offers a variety of beach clubs, Punta della Suina has just one or two.
THE HIDDEN BEACH
If you're looking for a bit more adventure, I highly recommend Porto Selvaggio. It’s a stunning natural park and marine protected area near Nardò in Lecce, and one of the most beautiful nature reserves in the region, covering about 1,122 hectares of Mediterranean wilderness.
I’ve spent many summers snorkelling and diving here. It’s a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation, with its limestone cliffs dropping into turquoise waters and its dense pine forest stretching right up to the coastline. There are also several hiking trails to explore.
If you’re a history enthusiast, Porto Selvaggio is rich in archaeological significance, with caves containing prehistoric remains, including the famous Grotta del Cavallo, which has yielded important Paleolithic artefacts. The area also has several historic watchtowers, including Torre dell'Alto, which were built in the 16th century to defend against maritime invasions.
The beach itself is quite distinctive—it doesn’t have sand, but features smooth white pebbles and rocks. While this makes it less convenient for typical beach activities, it contributes to the exceptionally clear water and makes it an ideal spot for an active day.
Porto Selvaggio. Credits: Tripadvisor users.
Chiara’s Tips
Getting to Porto Selvaggio requires a bit of effort, but trust me, it’s absolutely worth it! You’ll need to park in designated areas and walk for about 15-20 minutes through the pine forest to reach the beach. However, this limited accessibility helps preserve its natural beauty and keeps the crowds smaller than many other beaches in the area.
The right footwear is key for a great experience. Let me tell you why! When I was 20, after a dive, I tried to push off with my feet to swim out when I heard my friend shouting something at me. After a few seconds, I realised he was yelling, “Watch out for the sea urchins!” It was too late. I ended up with 20+ sea urchin spines in my feet. Was it avoidable? Yes. Should I have worn water shoes? Absolutely!
Also, wear good shoes, like running shoes or even sneakers, when walking through the pine forest to reach the beach, as it can be quite steep.
Since Porto Selvaggio is a protected area, there’s only a kiosk at the entrance, so it’s a good idea to bring your own food and water if you plan to stay on the beach.
If you're looking to relax, you can lie down and even take a nap in the forest, which offers a cooler option, while still allowing easy access to the beach and the water at any time.
If you’re into photography, the landscape here offers fantastic opportunities for great shots.
On the main road, there’s a rustic bar called Fico D’India. I’m not sure what the vibe is like now, but we used to stop there for a cold beer after a long day of swimming and snorkelling. It was a laid-back, unpretentious spot, perfect for unwinding after the beach.
These are just some of my favourites, the ones I've spent the most time at since I was born. However, I've been fortunate enough to explore many of the beautiful spots the Ionian coast has to offer, from the coastal villages below Taranto to Santa Maria di Leuca.
As Puglia boasts a stunning coastline on the Adriatic side as well, sign up for our newsletter below to be notified about my favourite Adriatic beaches.
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