The sea goes hand in hand with luxury travel.
While there are many fabulous landlocked destinations, there’s nothing quite like enjoying a drive along a rugged coastline, surrounded by nothing but dazzling blue waters and majestic mountains. Or soaking up the sun on a pristine beach with refreshing cocktails on tap. Or, to really feel the wonders of the sea, taking a private yacht ride to explore all of the coast’s hidden gems. And, of course, nothing beats freshly caught seafood!
If you’re looking for opportunities to do all of the above and more, you’ll want to book a ticket to Puglia (also as Apulia) as soon as possible. Situated on Italy’s southern tip, this region is said to have the most beautiful coastline in the whole country. It’s also one of the sunniest parts of Italy, making it the ideal location for a beach holiday.
With approximately 900 kilometres of coastline that stretches from the Adriatic Sea to the Ionian, there’s no shortage of breathtaking locales to enjoy the scenery. Below we’re sharing our top choices for Puglia’s most beautiful coastal towns for fellow lovers of sea and sand.
Bari
As the capital and biggest city of the Puglia region, Bari combines old world charm with metropolitan amenities. You can find it all here: great beaches, high end shopping, world class restaurants, and vibrant nightlife.
Get your fill of stunning architecture by exploring the old town, Bari Vecchia, a walled part of the city that sits on a peninsula overlooking the old harbour. Wander through the narrow cobblestone alleys and small piazzas to admire the numerous churches and shops, then make your way down to the old harbour to see traditional fishing boats floating atop the bright blue water.
Sea lovers will find themselves at home at the lungomare – Bari’s bustling seafront. It’s filled with lively bars, restaurants, and cafes where you can enjoy fresh seafood. From there, you’ll be able to head down to Bari’s long stretch of beaches. Celebrated for their clear azure waters and bright white sand, you’ll also be able to enjoy a stunning backdrop of centuries-old architecture perched atop of limestone cliffs.
Polignano a Mare
Often considered the most beautiful Apulian town, Polignano a Mare is situated just down the coast from Bari. It’s built on a cliff 20 metres above sea level, meaning all of its beaches come with an extra special view.
The vibrant blue waters are responsible for creating unique natural caves around the town, so you can make your beach day as relaxed or as adventurous as you like. We recommend taking a boat trip along the coast so you can see the caves up close and discover special swimming spots. Fun fact: Polignano a Mare is a popular spot for cliff jumping if you want to indulge your inner thrill-seeker!
For those who prefer a more relaxed style of holiday, you can venture away from the shore to explore Polignano’s historic city centre. It’s a well-preserved medieval village filled with striking architecture, churches, and art galleries. Polignano is also a hotspot for foodies. It’s the home of Grotta Palazzese, the world-famous restaurant nestled into the side of an ancient cave. It’s just one of many unforgettable experiences you can enjoy in Polignano a Mare!
Monopoli
Further south along the Adriatic coast is Monopoli, a quaint coastal town that truly captures the Apulian spirit. The brilliant azure waters pop against Monopoli’s whitewashed buildings, while traditional blue fishing boats float around the Porto Antico, or old harbour.
You can get your fill of sun and sea in one of Monopoli’s numerous cove-like beaches; we recommend Cala Porto Rosso, Cala Porto Vecchia, and Cala Paradiso. If you ever need a break from the sun, simply head to the old town to enjoy the magnificent architecture. The Cattedrale Maria Santissima della Madia and Carlo V castle dominate the Monopoli skyline, and both offer incredible views inside and out.
The lungomare seafront is filled with even more historic buildings, and the town’s narrow alleyways and piazzas are brightened up with large cacti and flowers. All roads lead back to the sea, so you’ll never be far from spectacular views.
Vieste
Situated at the northern tip of the Gargano peninsula, Vieste is one of the main towns in the surrounding national park. The area is filled with natural wonders, from dramatic cliffs to picturesque coves and secret caves. But unlike many of its other coastal neighbours, Vieste boasts lush greenery that’s typically found deeper inland in Puglia.
Discover all of Vieste’s unique landscape by taking a boat trip along the coast; you can venture out to the nearby Tremiti Islands or admire the sea stacks in the Baia delle Zagare. On land, take a stroll along Castello Beach to admire the imposing Pizzomunno rock formation.
Vieste also has plenty of manmade beauty for architecture buffs to admire. Explore the medieval old town, enjoy sea views from every angle on Via Judeca, or get a bird’s eye view of the entire region from the top of Vieste castle.
Santa Cesarea Terme
If you’re looking for more than just saltwater, you’ll want to make a stop in Santa Cesarea Terme. This historic spa town is home to natural hot springs that flow into several of its local caves: Feidida, Solfurea, Gattula, and Solfatura.
Located on a steep cliffside in Costa Otranto National Park, Santa Cesarea Terme offers incredible views of sea stacks, caves, and bays. The town itself is made up of magnificent palazzos where aristocrats built their holiday residences, like the opulent Moorish Palazzo Sticchi. But there are also plenty of public spaces for you to enjoy, like the seafront promenade and its numerous cafes, shops, and restaurants.
Santa Cesarea Terme’s thermal baths are open from May to November, or you can take a dip in the Ionian Sea all year round.
Where To Stay On The Puglia Coast
So, where should you make your home base when you visit Puglia? With so many gorgeous coastal towns to visit, you’ll want to make sure you’re staying somewhere central and accessible.
We recommend finding a holiday villa in Puglia to rent, especially if you’re craving a luxury retreat. They’re often situated in more secluded spots that offer closer proximity to multiple locations. You’ll be more tempted to explore different parts of the region. Plus, you’ll get to enjoy the privacy of your own space, so you can holiday on your terms.
Wondering where the best luxury villas in Puglia are? There are many options, but Borgomadre offers special features and amenities that many other Apulian villas lack. From private heated pools and tennis courts to indoor and outdoor cooking facilities, Borgomadre villas provide you with everything you need for an unforgettably luxurious stay. Contact us here to book your stay!