There are many things to love about Puglia, from its simply wonderous food to the laid-back lifestyle synonymous with the region. But in my opinion, it's the miles and miles (and miles) or stunning coastline along the Adriatic that hands-down beats many of the world's favourite holiday spots.
So it's no surprise that visitors to Puglia want to experience them. After all, you're coming to take a break from your busy life and relax - and where better to do it than near a beautiful beach.
Unlike British beaches, Puglia's beaches give you a lot more bang for your buck. No tacky seaside arcades here, or eating your picnic wearing your winter jacket in August (this actually happened to me in the UK). Instead, visiting the beach in Puglia is a case of preparing for hot weather and warm seas for pretty much every month between May and October.
Take me to:
Where to stay on your Puglia holiday?
There are so many options of where to stay in Puglia. I'd usually want to stay in the Valle d'Itria for that authentic Pugliese experience - hundreds of trulli everywhere, and gently rolling undulations characterised by the reddish earth and unending olive groves.
But I'm a recent convert to staying near the coast, mainly because you can be on the beach within a blink of an eye - and it saves you money, too. You just won't see any trulli! Here are a few more reasons why you should stay in the best beach hotels in Puglia.
Why stay at a beach hotel in Puglia?
There are some really good reasons to stay at one of Puglia's many hotels and accommodations near the beach.
1 > You'll have instant access to the sea
This is kind of obvious, but there's nothing like being able to get to the coast within a few minutes walking or driving (or being able to step straight out of your hotel onto a private beach). Staying in the pretty Valle d'Itria is great and all - but it's then a good 30 minute drive to the beach at least.
2 > It'll save you money
Obviously if you decide to book one of the very best beach hotels in Puglia, then you might not save much money...but the reason it could be a money-saver is that with the sea right there, you'll not need to book a villa or hotel with a pool. In peak seasons, anything with a pool comes at a massive premium.
3 > Get the fresh sea air
Imagine waking up, walking outside your room and taking a big breath of beautiful sea air. Sounds blissful doesn't it. Well, it is! And with temperatures in Puglia reaching 40 degrees centigrade in the summer, you'll be glad you stayed at a beach hotel, trust me. You'll need the breeze whenever you can get it.
4 > Easy access to Puglia's great beach clubs
They're not hugely talked about, but one of the things I enjoy most about Puglia are the beach clubs. They're something that the UK just doesn't have, mainly because the weather is so terrible that they'd never stand a chance of being viable businesses. Puglia's beach clubs can range from simple little beachside bars to larger affairs with restaurants, spa services and proper lounging areas. They are simply a must if you intend to spend a large part of your Puglia holiday on the beach.
Recommendations:
Lido Bosco Verde, Pilone
LullaBay, Pilone (best in the evenings as a beach bar club)
Guna Beach Club, Punta Penna
5 > Hop on to the coastal autostrada
The autostrada (a mini version of a motorway) goes along most of the length of Puglia, following the coastline. That means that by staying in a beach hotel in Puglia, you'll be able to easily and quickly get onto the autostrada if you want to explore the region. That'll make it so much quicker to get to anywhere like Bari, Polignano a Mare, Monopoli, Ostuni, Brindisi and Lecce (and on to the Salento).
Best beach hotels in Puglia: a guide
Disclaimer: I've not stayed in these beach hotels in Puglia, but I've assessed where they're all located, and chosen the best rated ones I could find. They cover different budgets and include adult-only, family-friendly, luxury and more.
Beach hotel near Savelletri di Fasano
Price: £££££
The ultimate 'don' of Puglia's beach hotels is the incredible Borgo Egnazia. It's a luxurious hotel in Savelletri di Fasano, just a short distance from the Adriatic Sea. This hotel looks like a traditional Puglian village and offers guests a real taste of local culture and luxury.
To give you a sense of just how amazing this beach hotel is, for the recent gathering of world leaders in Brindisi, they booked out the entire place.
Why stay at Borgo Egnazia?
Beautiful architecture: The hotel's design is inspired by traditional Puglian villages, with stone buildings and charming alleyways.
Great facilities: Borgo Egnazia has multiple swimming pools, a golf course, a luxurious spa, and several restaurants offering delicious Italian cuisine.
Close to the beach: The hotel has a private beach club where you can relax by the sea and enjoy water sports.
Nearby Attractions:
Archaeological Site of Egnazia: Explore ancient ruins just a short drive away.
Zoosafari Fasanolandia: A fun place to visit, with animals and amusement rides.
Interested in this Puglia beach hotel? Click here to take a look at Borgo Egnazia.
Beach hotel near Savelletri di Fasano
Price: £££
Masseria Torre Coccaro is a charming Puglia beach hotel set in a restored 16th-century farmhouse (known as 'masseria'). It's surrounded by beautiful olive groves and close to some of Puglia's most beautiful beaches, giving you a relaxing atmosphere with a touch of history.
Why stay at Masseria Torre Coccaro?
Authentic experience: The hotel offers a genuine taste of Pugliese life, with beautiful gardens, traditional decor, and farm-to-table dining.
Relaxing spa: Enjoy the on-site spa with a variety of treatments to help you unwind.
Beach club access: The hotel provides access to a private beach club with sun loungers and umbrellas.
Nearby attractions:
The 'White City' of Ostuni: Explore this stunning town known for its whitewashed buildings.
The Home of the Trullo, Alberobello: Visit this UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its trulli, traditional cone-shaped houses.
Interested in this Puglia beach hotel? Click here to take a look at Masseria Torre Coccaro.
Beach hotel near Polignano a Mare
Price: ££
Cala Ponte Hotel is located in the picturesque town of Polignano a Mare, famous for its dramatic cliffs and clear blue waters. The hotel is modern and comfortable, offering a relaxing environment near the beach - and it's on the least expensive side of this list (not all of us can afford to stay at Borgo Egnazia!)
Why stay at Cala Ponte Hotel?
Modern amenities: The hotel offers spacious rooms with modern amenities, including a swimming pool and a wellness center.
Scenic location: Located near the famous Lama Monachile beach, known for its stunning views and clear waters.
Easy access to town: It's a short walk to the centre of Polignano a Mare, where you can explore charming streets and enjoy local cuisine.
Nearby attractions:
Cliff diving: Polignano a Mare is famous for its cliff diving spots - not that I would condone that myself!
Boat tours: Take a boat tour to explore the beautiful coastline and sea caves (I've done this, it's really very special and highly recommended!) Here's a selection of boat tours you'll find around Polignano.
Interested in this Puglia beach hotel? Click here to take a look at Cala Ponte Hotel.
Beach hotel near Torre Canne
Price: ££
Hotel Del Levante is a beautiful beachfront hotel located in Torre Canne, known for its sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters. This family-friendly hotel offers great amenities and direct access to the beach.
Why stay at Hotel Del Levante?
Beachfront location: The hotel is right on the beach, making it easy to enjoy the sun and sea.
Family-friendly: With a children's pool, playground, and entertainment, it's perfect for families.
Delicious dining: Enjoy a variety of Italian dishes at the hotel's restaurant, with fresh seafood being a highlight.
Nearby attractions:
Thermal Baths: Torre Canne is known for its thermal baths, offering a relaxing spa experience.
Egnazia Archaeological Park: Explore ancient ruins and learn about the region's history.
Interested in this Puglia beach hotel? Click here to take a look at Hotel Del Levante.
Beach hotel near Savelletri di Fasano
Rocco Forte Masseria Torre Maizza is a luxury hotel set in a beautiful estate surrounded by olive trees and vineyards - typical Puglia authenticity. It combines delightful Pugliese charm with modern luxury and offers excellent service and amenities.
Why stay at Rocco Forte Masseria Torre Maizza?
Luxurious accommodation: The rooms and suites are elegantly decorated and offer comfort and style.
Golf course: Enjoy a round of golf on the hotel's 9-hole course.
Private beach club: Access to a private beach club with stunning views and excellent facilities.
Nearby attractions:
Castellana Caves: Explore these fascinating underground caves with impressive stalactites and stalagmites.
Olive Oil Tasting: Visit local olive farms to taste the region's famous olive oil. Here's one option for a decent olive oil tour and tasting nearby.
Interested in this Puglia beach hotel? Click here to take a look at Rocco Forte Masseria Torre Maizza.
Beach hotel near Monopoli (adults only)
Price: £££
Hotel La Peschiera is a luxury hotel in Monopoli, offering stunning views of the Adriatic Sea. This adults-only hotel is perfect for a romantic getaway, with beautiful rooms and top-notch facilities.
Why stay at La Peschiera?
Seafront location: The hotel is right on the water, with private access to the sea.
Elegant rooms: The rooms are stylishly decorated and offer stunning sea views.
Gourmet dining: Enjoy gourmet dining at the hotel's restaurant, which serves fresh seafood and local specialties.
Nearby attractions:
Monopoli Old Town: Explore the charming streets, historic churches, and lively piazzas.
Beaches: Visit nearby beaches like Porto Ghiacciolo and Cala Porta Vecchia for more seaside fun.
Interested in staying in this Puglia beach hotel? Click here to take a look at Hotel La Peschiera.
Beach hotel near Ugento (great for families / all-inclusive)
Price: £££
Vivosa Apulia Resort is an all-inclusive resort located in Ugento, offering a relaxing and fun-filled holiday for families and couples alike. It's surrounded by a beautiful pine forest and is close to stunning beaches of the beautiful Salento peninsula.
Why stay at Vivosa Apulia Resort?
All-inclusive experience: Enjoy unlimited food, drinks, and activities included in your stay.
Family-friendly: The resort offers children's clubs, entertainment, and a variety of sports activities.
Nature surroundings: The resort is set in a beautiful natural environment, perfect for outdoor activities.
Nearby attractions:
Torre San Giovanni Beach: A beautiful beach with white sand and clear waters.
Salento Peninsula: Explore the nearby towns and natural attractions of the Salento Peninsula.
Interested in this Puglia beach hotel? Click here to take a look at Vivosa Apulia Resort.
Beach hotel near Torre Canne
Price: ££££
Canne Bianche Lifestyle Hotel is a stylish beachfront hotel located in Torre Canne. With its modern design and luxurious amenities, it offers a relaxing and comfortable stay by the sea.
Why stay at Canne Bianchi Lifestyle Hotel?
Chic design: The hotel features contemporary decor with a touch of elegance.
Spa and wellness: Relax in the hotel's spa, offering a range of treatments and therapies.
Beachfront access: Enjoy direct access to a beautiful sandy beach.
Nearby attractions:
Natural reserves: Visit nearby nature reserves for hiking and wildlife watching.
Local markets: Explore local markets for fresh produce and handmade crafts.
Interested in this Puglia beach hotel? Click here to take a look at Canne Bianchi Lifestyle Hotel.
Hope you've enjoyed the best beach hotels in Puglia, Italy!
So there you have it - it's just a small selection of a handful of great beach hotels in Puglia. There are countless more! If these don't tickle your taralli then you can always use this search to find other beach hotels.
I'm absolutely mad about staying on Puglia's beautiful coast, and I hope you will be too.
What next?
Read some of the other Puglia-related blogs on this site, below, or check out the 7-day Puglia holiday itinerary for visitors flying in and out of Bari.
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