Surrounded on three sides by the Adriatic and Ionian Seas, it’s no surprise to learn that Puglia has the longest coastline of any Italian region; around 500 miles. Some of it is rocky, elsewhere there are white-pebble beaches, sandy stretches or soft sand dunes. We’ve picked out some of Puglia’s best beach hotels and resorts, some with private beaches or beach clubs, others with a wealth of watersports, many family-friendly and all with enviable views.
For a family friendly beach hotel
- If you want plenty of action, as well as style, we recommend Borgo Egnazia, one of Puglia’s biggest, and most luxurious, family hotels. Close to the beaches at Savelletri, this village-style resort has heaps of activities – beach club, tennis courts, windsurfing, spa, four swimming pools, amongst others – while bedrooms are opulent in creams and marble.
- A short walk across a field brings you straight onto the beach if you stay at Masseria Mongio, a chic, minimalist conversion of a farm and outbuildings near Otranto. Rooms are light and airy, with exposed-stone walls and flagged floors. There’s a garden with large pool, bikes to borrow – and a small spa for the grown-ups.
- The family-run Il Melograno, a 16th-century farmhouse with Moorish outbuildings, knows how to entertain families while still offering luxury surroundings. There are indoor and outdoor pools, tennis courts, watersports, a modern spa and private beach. Rooms are airy and cool and lightly furnished with antiques.
Luxury beach hotels in Savelletri
Savelletri, near Fasano, is one of Puglia’s prettiest seaside resorts and fishing ports so a beach hotel here offers both sea and charm.
- If you want plenty of action, Masseria Torre Maizza, a contemporary hotel with a youthful vibe, offers sailing, windsurfing, golf and a spa, as well as a private beach club. Minimalist rooms have a monochrome colour scheme; the best with private plunge-pools.
- Masseria Torre Coccaro offers the choice of two beach clubs, dining is indoors or al fresco plus there’s an Aveda spa and outdoor pool. Accommodation is elegantly rustic in this handsome restored farmhouse.
- In a stunning position on the seafront, with a dining terrace perched above the water, the adults-only La Peschiera is both romantic and indulgent. Rooms are serene affairs in white-on-white with pale tiled floors and lots of natural materials; many with private patios. There’s a large pool, shady spots and a terrace for lounging with sea-views.
Great value beach hotels
- Masseria Cisternella, a short stroll from the beach on the southern coast, is a charming conversion of farmhouse and outbuildings with each room having a private entrance and patio. With simple white or stone walls, cool tiled floors and handsome local furniture, rooms have rustic charm.
- Also, on the southern coast, on the Gallipoli Peninsula, La Riviera has an enviable waterfront location overlooking the harbour and small beach. The small townhouse hotel has fuss-free, traditionally furnished rooms, all with balconies overlooking the seafront while public areas charm with antiques and painted ceilings. Dine on the harbourside terrace and watch the activities.
- On the beach-front at Savelletri, Canne Bianche is a smart, modern hotel with airy, stylish rooms in neutral colours, and all with balconies or patios. There are terrific views over the Adriatic, a large pool plus restaurant serving deliciously fresh seafood as well as other Puglian dishes.
Still not sure which to book?
