Puglia: the 7 most beautiful beaches of Salento

From Torre Lapillo to Torre dell'Orso, from Punta Suina to Santa Maria di Leuca: here are the 7 most beautiful beaches of Salento, jewel of Puglia!

Land of sea, sun and lightheartedness, Salento and its beaches represent one of the most popular and picturesque areas of thePuglia. Famous for the soft colored sands and the glimpses that smell of salt and good food, the heel of the boot ofItaly(or peninsula of Salento) is a very popular tourist destination both for those looking for a relaxing holiday and for those looking for fun and happiness at reasonable prices.

Bounded by the provinces ofLecce, Taranto andToast, The Salentoit shows itself to wayfarers as a wild land in which jagged coasts, coves, caves, ancient watchtowers, expanses of olive trees, light colored houses and baroque re-enactments of great style are the masters.

READ ALSO: Itinerary of 7, 10, 15 days in Puglia

HOW TO GET TO THE BEACHES OF SALENTO

There are several solutions to reach the Salento peninsula and its splendid beaches:

• Car:the city of Lecce (reference point for those traveling to Salento) can be reached via the A14 Bologna-Taranto and A16 Napoli-Canosa motorways. In both cases it is necessary to take the exit for Bari and then, continuing on a free highway, in the direction of Brindisi. Once in Lecce you can easily reach the main towns of Salento such asOtranto, Jerseys andGallipoli following this itinerary of 7, 10 or 15 days in Puglia that will allow you to see the main things.
• Coach:there are direct lines, both day and night, which lead directly to Lecce, Bari and Brindisi. If you start fromSicily(as I did), the best company is thebus centerwhich, in less than 8 hours, covers the direct Messina-Lecce route at really cheap prices (taking much less time than the train). The journey is comfortable, fun (no driving stress, no wasting time at airport controls, no train or carriage changes), convenient (on the company's official website you will always find travel offers and discounts) and, above all, highly picturesque! If you choose to travel at night you will also have the opportunity to arrive atLecce(or Bari orToast) in the morning and enjoy the city in peace… saving even the price of a night in a hotel!
• Airplane:the nearest airport is inToastwhich is about 40 km from Lecce. From there it is then necessary to travel by public transport or to rent a car (the most recommended solution).
• Train:the Lecce railway network has direct connections with the main cities ofItalybut not with all. That's why, for example, if you start fromSicilyor fromCalabriathe bus remains by far the fastest means. The Southeast Railwaysthey connect insteadLeccewith Gallipoli,Otrantoand Capo di Leuca (to these, in summer, other seaside resorts are added). The best way to move within the Salento in total autonomy and freedom is still the car.
• Ship: the main airport is Brindisi.

THE BEST 7 BEACHES OF SALENTO

The coasts of Salento are bathed by two seas, the Ionian (south and west) and the Adriatic (east), which have contributed to creating an incredible diversity of landscapes, panoramas and beaches. Between coves, very fine sands and crystal clear waters, I leave you my very personal list of the 7 unmissable beaches of Salento.

Marina di Pescoluse

Four kilometers of soft white sand surrounded by a sea so crystalline that it can almost be mirrored. The beaches of Marina di Pescoluse, better known as the Maldives of Salento, are a blaze of perfection. Located in the lower part of the Salento peninsula, they are one of the favorite destinations for young and old.

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Nearby!The beaches of Marina di Pescoluse are located near theLido Marini, another famous locality in the lower Salento which belongs to the Municipality of Ugento.

Bear Tower

Set in the north-eastern part of Salento, not far fromOtranto, the beach of Torre dell'Orso is known for its silver-colored sand and particularly clear water which has guaranteed it the Blue Flag certification. Among the peculiarities of this famous location, atowerwhich in the past had the task of spotting enemy Turkish ships, theSt Christopher's Cavein which there are ancient graffiti andThe Two Sisters, two stacks which, according to legend, represent two women who, tired of the daily toils, one day decided to dive into the sea seeking refreshment…

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Nearby!Near Torre dell'Orso I point outSan Foca, the Alimini Lakes, theBay of the Turksand the splendid Otranto!

Cala dell'Acquaviva

To give the name to this small inlet with the shape of a fjord are the cold water springs. The Acquaviva cove is located in the municipality of Diso, at the foot of the Marittima Marina greenhouse and is a real eye-catcher. To access the pebbled bay nestled between two high cliffs, it is necessary to walk a small distance. The water is clear, transparent and fully regenerating!

Nearby!A few kilometers away from Cala di Acquaviva is theZinzulusa cave, whose name derives from the numerous stalactites in the shape of shreds of cloth (zinzuli) that hang from its vault.

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Lapillus Tower

Located in the north-western part of Salento, the only fraction of the municipality ofPorto Cesareo, Torre Lapillo beach is among the most beautiful beaches in Salento. Soft, clear and extremely sandy, its name derives from the watchtower also known as Torre di San Tommaso.

Nearby! Not far from Torre Lapillo is locatedPunta Prosciuttowhose peculiarity is given by the sand dunes that rise behind the beach and by the thick array of secular Mediterranean scrub that surrounds the area. The Palude del Conte and coastal dune nature reserve has also been established in the area.

Punta Suina

If Marina di Pescoluse is called "the Maldives of Salento", the area of ​​Punta Suina is known as "the Caribbean of Salento". The name derives from the protruding shape that the coast assumes as it stretches out towards the sea, almost touching the small island that emerges from the water. Punta Suina beach is sandy with stretches of jagged coastline and an inland area characterized by a pine forest rich in flora and fauna. A curiosity? Some scenes of the film were shot in this placeThe Wandering Mines by Ozpetek.

Nearby! Not far from Punta Suina are the beach ofGreen Bayand the famous oneGallipoli(absolutely recommended the tour in the historic center at sunset!).

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Chianca Tower

Located in the north-eastern area of ​​Salento, about 10 kilometers away from Lecce, Torre Chianca is famous for its crystalline waters that attract lovers of diving, snorkelling and diving. The name derives from the ancient watchtower dating back to the sixteenth century which stands in front of the sea. In the waters of Torre Chianca it is possible to admire five Roman columns that belonged to a shipwrecked ship just off the coast.

Nearby! Do not miss the basins of the Idume and Fetida rivers which are part of the Rauccio park and a visit to the Abbey of Santa Maria a Cerrate.

Santa Maria di Leuca

Extreme tip of the heel of Italy, Santa Maria di Leuca is an unmissable stop for those who decide to spend a holiday in Salento. The historic center stands out for its picturesque churches, splendid nineteenth-century villas, the Omomorto Tower and the lighthouse which stands on Punta Meliso. The high and jagged coast of Santa Maria di Leuca hides caves of surreal beauty that can only be reached by boat (for an unforgettable experience I recommend theLittle Nautical).

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Among the most famous caves, theDevil's Cave (40 metri di lunghezza e 17 di larghezza), la Grotta del Presepe, la Grotta del Drago (profonda circa 60 metri), la Grotta delle Gioie e la Grotta degli Amanti.