Beaches
Pilone
Quick Links
Beach Towns
Puglia is blessed with a plethora of beach towns and beaches to explore and experience . . . on both the Adriatic and Ionian coasts.
Here is a sampling of some of our favourites:
Savelletri- this once-sleepy fisherman's village is undergoing quite a gentrification, yet retains its charm and is noted for its seafood osteria and restaurants
Polignano de Mare - Picturesque villa-topped cliffs drip into the sea. Lovely old town and great food. Host of the Red Bull Cliff Diving event each July
Santa Sabina - delicious seafood year-round. Very busy in the high season, cozy the remainder of the year
Campomarino - on the Ionian (ie west) coast, this is a proper seaside town which attracts tourists from all of Italy for its long, sandy beaches.
Gallipoli - what a gem! Also on the Ionian coast and separated from the mainland by a narrow 75 meter bridge, the island's narrow winding alleys are fantastic to explore, wine and dine.
Otranto - we often combine a day-long excursion . . . Lecce, Otranto, Gallipoli . . . to include this lovely beachside town which hosts Europe's largest medieval mosaics on its cathedral floor in the Old Town
Ostuni Beaches
Ostuni Beaches (w facilities)
> Pilone - Lido Bosco Verde or Viar Club
Ostuni Beaches (w/o facilities)
> Costa Merlata - series of cove beaches @ Masseria Santa Lucia or Torre Pozella
> Torre Guaceto - natural preserve
Further afield, the beaches at Otranto, Gallipoli and Campormarino are wonderful as well.
Click on Map to enlarge
Boat Hire
If you feel more at home 'at sea' vs on a beach, it is possible to organise an escorted boat excursion . . . or, if you are experienced on the water, hire your own small motor or sailing boat . . . for an on-water Puglian experience.
Located at Ostuni's marina (named, Villanova), MC Yachting Service is on-deck to assist you.
Children . . . When Beaches Are Not Enough
Sometimes the kids need even more than a beach . . . so nearby you can explore any of these local attractions:
AquaPark Egnazia (open mid-June through mid-September). Typical water sliding fun.
Adventure Park (Ciuchino Birichino)
If children have always wanted to try their hands at a zip line, nearby adventure park "Ciuchino Birichino" (open Sunday's throughout the year and nearly every day from mid-June through mid-September) may just do the trick.
Zoo Safari
Two parks in one! A drive-through zoo/safari park . . . and a traditional amusement park with fairground rides.
or . . .
Visit a Cave
The caves at Grotte di Castellana . . . filled with beautiful stallagtites and stallagmites . . . provide thrills for kids and adults alike.
or . . .
Gelato!
Everyone loves gelato! Our favourite is at Dolci Momenti in Ostuni.
Torre Guaceto