Life's a beach!

Although many sections of beach in Puglia have sun loungers and a small bar, there are miles of unspoilt beaches to explore, where you will only encounter a few intrepid beach lovers.

Torre Santa Sabine has both private and public beaches and wonderful cliffs, and has been awarded the Italian equivelant of our Blue Flag, the 3 Sails.  La gola beach is located in the northernmost coastline and it is characterised by high and sloping cliffs, from which you can dive. Walking southwards, in the locality Carisciola, there is a small river which crosses the Mezzaluna (Half-moon) beach, with the shape of a slice, partly public and partly private which, with its shallow water and sandy sea bed, is perfect for children.

A bit further and there is the public beach of the Isoletta (small island) and the small beach of Scoglio del cavallo, characterised by a small rocky island in the shape of a horse.

In the town centre of Santa Sabine, there is the public beach Camerini, with shallow water and a sandy sea bed, dominated by the Tower of Santa Sabina, one of the three octagonal watchtowers in Puglia.  Very popular with the Italians, this beach offers a variety of restaurants and shops.

Morgicchio is a long beach north of the coastal resort of Specchiolla. It is a beautiful beach with some small rocks that rise from the shallow water and from the sand. All along its length there are various lidos equipped with bars and showers as well as for the rental of umbrellas and chairs. There are, however, many areas of free access.

Specchiolla is a seaside resort that comes alive especially in summer months. The resort is located along a stretch of mainly rocky coast. There are some small beaches located to the south of Specchiolla. Some of these beaches offer bathing services but others are free to access.

Pantanagiani beach is located between Santa Sabina and the Morgicchio beach, and consists of two beaches: one small and the other large, locally called 'piccola' and 'grande'. They are both sandy with low waters and enclosed inside coves with low cliffs. There is a car park and an area for campers but roadshide parking is also possible.

Torre Guaceto is a nature reserve and protected area with plenty of opportunities to observe plant and animal species usually scarce in this part of the world.  Cars are not permitted anywhere near the beach, so expect a long haul or take the little wooden train which departs from the car park.  Make sure you take your own food and drink.  It is well worth the effort.