Puglia is surely among the favourite destinations for summer holidays from the Italians, it’s expected a boom of tourists this year too, so we can imagine a horde of persons on the shore and fully booked bathhouses…
However, from the Gargano down to the Salento, without forgetting Taranto coast, it is possible to discover some lonely coves and unknown beaches where to relax and enjoy the clear Apulian sea.
On the Gargano the area between Rodi Garganico and Peschici is characterized by a low and sandy coastline, while from Peschici to Vieste and Mattinata the scenary is completely different and it offers breathtaking panoramas overlooking the sea and solitary bays accessible only by boat or by foot through dirt paths.
On the border between Peschici and Vieste is the Sfinalicchio Beach, which is almost 2 km long and it has a secluded space despite being served with some lidos.
If you prefer a natural and wild atmosphere, you can choose the Campi Beach, in the southern area of Vieste, which is a solitaire location with a pebble shore and deep water and can be reached by a steep trail, off-limits to not adventure people.
Then, Vignanotica is to be mentioned, one of the most beautiful beaches of the Gargano, quite full in August, although you should arrive by sea or walking among the dense Mediterranean Maquis, but the typical white cliff is not to be missed.
In the Central Puglia, Monopoli is one of the top tourist destinations and seaside resorts are flocked here during the weekend and in August. Anyway, it’s not impossible to find some isolated coves where to spend quiet moments. In the southern part of the city, between Porto Marzano and Santo Stefano Abbey various sandy and rocky bays are set, crystal clear and enchanting places such as Cala del Diavolo o Cala Sottile.
After passing the Capitolo area, the most famous seaside location of Monopoli, overflowing with holiday makers and not, to avoid if you don’t like bustle, it extends the Marina of Fasano, Savelletri with a blue sea and rocky coastline, where it’s not difficult to have a peaceful corner even in peak season.
Going down to Brindisi you can also stop in a Natural Reserve, Torre Guaceto with its 8 km of crystal waters, golden sand and protected and unspoiled nature.
In Salento it’s hard to believe to find desert places in midsummer, considering the mass of tourist coming from all over Italy and not only. However, there are some lovely seaside spots, less popular here too.
Torre Chianca and Torre Rinalda are part of the Marina of Lecce, and they offer public beaches alternate to private lidos which are less crowded than Torre dell’Orso, Gallipoli and Porto Cesareo.
On the Ionian side Torre Suda and Marina di Mancaversa, a few km from Gallipoli Bay, represent holiday resorts where you can get relaxed on the low cliff easy-to-access.
Then, in province of Taranto, we can mention San Pietro in Bevagna and Torre Colimena, that have large and fine sandy shores, not too chaotic even in high season and provide a good tranquillity.
viaggieitinerari... in Puglia by Valeria Dicarlo 