Salento is a land of rare beauty, a corner of Puglia where the sea meets history, nature, and deeply rooted traditions. Every year, this extraordinary region attracts visitors from all over the world thanks to its spectacular beaches and breathtaking landscapes. Here, the sun shines for most of the year, making every season ideal for exploring its coastline.
The variety of Salento’s shoreline is remarkable: from long stretches of white sand to hidden coves, from dramatic cliffs overlooking the sea to crystal-clear seabeds perfect for snorkeling enthusiasts. The waters, with countless shades of blue and turquoise, look like they belong on a postcard and offer unforgettable experiences for both relaxation seekers and adventure lovers.
But Salento is more than just the sea. Each beach is set within a context rich in history, culture, and gastronomy, with picturesque villages and traditional restaurants where you can enjoy local specialties such as fresh fish, friselle, and the famous pasticciotto. Anyone who visits this land discovers not only the beauty of its coastline, but also the warmth of Salento hospitality.
If you are looking for the perfect destination for your next holiday, this guide is for you. We have selected the 10 most beautiful beaches of Salento for 2025, based on natural beauty, water quality, available services, and the uniqueness of the landscape. Discover the must-see destinations for a dream summer.
1. Punta Prosciutto
Located in the municipality of Porto Cesareo, Punta Prosciutto is one of the most renowned beaches in Salento. Its shoreline features fine white sand and turquoise waters with shallow depths, making it ideal for families and for those who love calm, crystal-clear seas.
This beach is part of the Porto Cesareo Marine Protected Area, a zone safeguarded for its rich biodiversity. Here, visitors can admire typical Mediterranean vegetation and swim in waters teeming with marine life, perfect for snorkeling. Thanks to its wide sandy stretches, Punta Prosciutto is a favorite destination for travelers seeking an unspoiled yet accessible beach.
Despite its wild character, the beach offers many services, including beach clubs, sunbed rentals, and traditional restaurants where you can taste Salento specialties. Those looking for a more authentic experience can choose the free beach areas, ideal for enjoying the natural beauty to the fullest.
2. Baia dei Turchi
Located near Otranto, Baia dei Turchi is a beach with a wild charm, surrounded by a dense pine forest. White sand and transparent water make it a favorite among nature lovers and hiking enthusiasts.
The beach owes its name to the landing of Ottoman Turks in 1480, an event that marked the history of Otranto. The bay features a striking landscape with sand dunes and Mediterranean vegetation that enhance its evocative atmosphere.
To reach the beach, visitors must walk along a path through the Mediterranean scrub, adding a sense of adventure to the experience. Once there, the clear sea and peaceful surroundings offer a true corner of paradise away from the crowds.
3. Porto Selvaggio
Located within the Porto Selvaggio Regional Natural Park, this beach is ideal for those who want to immerse themselves in nature. Crystal-clear waters and lush Mediterranean vegetation provide an authentic and relaxing experience.
Accessing Porto Selvaggio requires a walk of about 20 minutes along a path through pine trees and cliffs, offering spectacular panoramic views. This limited access helps preserve the area’s beauty, keeping it less crowded than other Salento beaches.
The water is particularly cool due to underground freshwater springs flowing into the sea, making swimming refreshing even on the hottest days. For snorkeling lovers, the area offers rich seabeds and small caves to explore.
4. Torre Lapillo
This long stretch of white sand lies near Porto Cesareo and is known for its shallow, clear waters. Torre Lapillo is ideal for those looking for a well-equipped beach with plenty of services.
The presence of the historic Torre di Lapillo, a 16th-century coastal watchtower, adds cultural interest to the scenery. The calm, shallow sea makes this beach especially suitable for families with children.
Numerous beach clubs, seafood restaurants, and seaside bars ensure comfort and relaxation. Those seeking peace and quiet can also find wide sections of free beach surrounded by nature.
5. Marina di Pescoluse (The Maldives of Salento)
Known as the Maldives of Salento, this beach is famous for its golden sand and Caribbean-like waters. A true paradise for those wishing to relax in a stunning setting.
The evocative name comes from the extraordinary color of the sea, with shades of turquoise and light blue. Crystal-clear waters and shallow depths make it perfect for families, couples, and groups of friends seeking a dream vacation.
In addition to being one of the most popular destinations in Salento, the area offers many services, including beach clubs, restaurants, and opportunities for water sports such as paddleboarding and snorkeling.
6. Torre dell’Orso
Located on the Adriatic coast, Torre dell’Orso is one of Salento’s most iconic beaches, famous for its sea stacks known as Le Due Sorelle (“The Two Sisters”). The beach features fine sand and crystal-clear water, perfect for swimming and snorkeling.
Legend has it that the two rock formations were once two sisters turned to stone by the gods as a reward for their deep bond. This myth, combined with the natural beauty of the place, attracts thousands of visitors every year. The contrast between the white cliffs and the deep blue sea creates a breathtaking landscape, ideal for photography lovers.
The beach is well equipped with beach clubs, restaurants, and seaside bars. Thanks to marine currents, it is also a popular spot for surfing and windsurfing. Nearby, visitors can explore hidden coves and trails through Mediterranean scrub for a quieter experience.
7. Cala dell’Acquaviva
This small cove, located in Marina di Marittima, is one of the most evocative beaches in Salento. The sea here is an intense turquoise, and the surrounding cliffs create an intimate and relaxing atmosphere.
One of Cala dell’Acquaviva’s most distinctive features is the presence of freshwater springs flowing directly into the sea, keeping the water refreshingly cool even in summer. Access is via a rocky path, adding a touch of adventure to the visit.
Despite its small size, the cove is highly appreciated by nature lovers and those seeking tranquility. The surrounding cliffs provide perfect sunbathing spots away from the crowds, while the clear waters reveal rich marine life.
8. Santa Maria al Bagno
Small yet charming, Santa Maria al Bagno stands out for its transparent waters and proximity to a seaside village ideal for a stroll through history and tradition.
Located in the municipality of Nardò, this destination is perfect for combining a beach day with cultural exploration. The village retains the charm of old fishing traditions, with white houses facing the sea and restaurants serving fresh seafood.
One of the main attractions is the Museum of Memory and Hospitality, dedicated to Jewish refugees hosted here after World War II before emigrating to Israel. The blend of sea, history, and culture makes Santa Maria al Bagno a unique destination.
9. Porto Badisco
Known as the place where, according to legend, Aeneas first landed in Italy, Porto Badisco is an enchanting bay with clear waters and natural caves to explore.
Located just a few kilometers from Otranto, the beach is surrounded by cliffs and Mediterranean scrub, creating a wild and unspoiled environment. The deep blue sea and rocky seabeds make it ideal for diving and snorkeling.
One of the most fascinating sites nearby is the Grotta dei Cervi (Deer Cave), one of Europe’s most important prehistoric sites, featuring Neolithic rock paintings. Although the cave itself is not open to visitors, the surrounding area offers breathtaking scenery and hiking trails.
10. Lido Marini
Among the most beautiful beaches in Salento, Lido Marini offers a perfect balance between relaxation and entertainment, with many beach clubs and stretches of free beach.
Located between Ugento and Salve, this beach features golden sand and shallow waters, ideal for families with children. The calm, clear sea is also perfect for swimming and water sports such as SUP and kayaking.
The area is well served by hotels, restaurants, and shops. Thanks to its strategic location, it is easy to reach other famous Salento beaches such as Pescoluse and Torre San Giovanni. Lido Marini is the ideal choice for those seeking comfort without sacrificing natural beauty.
A Journey Through the Wonders of Salento
Choosing among the 10 most beautiful beaches in Salento is no easy task, as this land offers landscapes of extraordinary beauty. Each beach has unique characteristics suited to every type of traveler, whether in search of peace or adventure. From golden sandy shores washed by turquoise waters to hidden coves nestled among cliffs, every place tells a story of unspoiled nature, tradition, and dreamlike scenery.
Beyond its beaches, Salento enchants visitors with its cultural and gastronomic heritage. Historic villages with stone-paved alleys and centuries-old traditions offer an authentic atmosphere that enriches the journey with unforgettable emotions. And then there is the local cuisine—genuine flavors that tell the story of the land, from fresh seafood dishes to specialties like pasticciotto and puccia. Visiting Salento means immersing yourself in a world of sun, sea, and culture—an experience that leaves a lasting impression and one you will long to relive.
