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What are the 10 best beaches in Salento?
Also known as “the land between the two seas”, Salento is the southernmost part of Puglia, whose wonders attract millions of national and international tourists every year. Rising between the crystal-clear waters of the Ionian and Adriatic Seas, the region has become one of the most popular and fascinating tourist destinations in southern Italy, both for its beaches and for the warm hospitality of its inhabitants and accommodation facilities, such as the wonderful seaside resorts in Puglia. Thanks to their many amenities, they will further elevate your dream experience among the most beautiful beaches in Salento, located in the provinces of Lecce, Brindisi and Taranto, each with its own unique charm and beauty.
What beaches to visit in Salento
Every corner of Salento’s beaches is a heavenly treasure not to be missed and to be fully experienced. It is here that Puglia manifests all its beauty, with dream beaches comparable to the most beautiful Caribbean stretches of sand.
Punta Prosciutto Beach
Punta Prosciutto is one of the most famous beaches of Salento, a must-see if you want to visit the best beach near Lecce and Taranto. This enchanting place offers some rare beauty with its crystal-clear waters and fine white sand, a postcard-perfect sea offering all its incredible charm to visitors.
The Maldives of Salento: Santa Maria di Leuca and Pescoluse beach
Among the most beautiful beaches near Lecce, in fact of the entire Italian peninsula, is the beach of Pescoluse with its fine sand and crystal-clear water, one of the rarest gems of Salento. The beach area is part of the hamlet of Santa Maria di Leuca, which, despite being one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country, has never lost the intimate and rustic flavour of a small seaside village.
Conca Specchiulla
Near Santa Maria di Leuca there is another incredibly stunning location. The beach of Conca Specchiulla also offers the type of sand and water that you could only find in the Caribbean. The beach is as beautiful as the accommodation facilities available in the area, such as the VOI Daniela Essentia, just 1 km from this marvellous beach.
Torre dell’Orso
Torre dell’Orso is a small town on the Adriatic coast of Salento offering an extraordinary landscape. Its crystal-clear waters are embraced by two large cliffs and guarded by a majestic pine forest providing some shade in the hottest hours. In addition, the beach is also known for the presence of two iconic sea stacks not far from the shore, called “the Two Sisters”.
Porto Selvaggio in Nardò
One of the most stunning beaches in Nardò, a small seaside town in the province of Lecce, is that of Porto Selvaggio, which is located in a nature reserve and offers a less touristy feel. You can access the beach after a short walk through a lovely park, which is an added value in itself, but is also definitely worth walking through as it offers a breathtaking view of the beach.
Alimini beach in Otranto
Near Otranto, on the Adriatic coast, you will find the beach of Alimini, named after the homonymous Lakes. The long coastline is a natural oasis of magnificent beauty providing not only a breathtaking beach experience, but also excellent reception services. VOI Alimini Resort is the ideal place to stay near Otranto, to enjoy some of the best beaches in Puglia as well as some typical accommodation services such as catering, wellness and entertainment.
Baia dei Turchi (Bay of the Turks)
Close to Otranto and even closer to Alimini beach is Baia dei Turchi, so called because of the landing of Turkish warriors in the 15th century for the siege of Otranto. The beach is particularly enchanting and characterised by a series of sandy coves surrounded by low cliffs and facing an unparalleled blue sea.
Castro Marina: Seno dell'Acquaviva and Cala di Porto Miggiano
Castro Marina also offers the best of Salento's beaches, such as the Seno dell’Acquaviva and Cala di Porto Miggiano. Both have small stretches of sand to relax on, but they also have low rocks where you can sunbathe and enjoy the incredible blue waters that will give you the impression of swimming in a pool.
San Foca beach
The tenth and last beach we recommend, which rightfully takes its place among the best beaches of Salento, is San Foca, part of Marina di Melendugno. Here too you will encounter crystal clear waters and fascinating cliffs, especially if exploring, for example, one of its typical sea caves. One of the most iconic caves is Grotta della Poesia (lit. Cave of Poetry), a striking natural pool in the middle of the Adriatic coast that stands out as an excellent example of the unique beauty of Salento.