Pilone
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Beach Towns
Puglia is blessed with a plethora of beach towns and beaches to explore and experience . . . on both the Adriatic and Ionian coasts.
Here is a sampling of some of our favourites:
Savelletri- this once-sleepy fisherman's village is undergoing quite a gentrification, yet retains its charm and is noted for its seafood osteria and restaurants
Polignano de Mare - Picturesque villa-topped cliffs drip into the sea. Lovely old town and great food. Host of the Red Bull Cliff Diving event each July
Santa Sabina - delicious seafood year-round. Very busy in the high season, cozy the remainder of the year
Campomarino - on the Ionian (ie west) coast, this is a proper seaside town which attracts tourists from all of Italy for its long, sandy beaches.
Gallipoli - what a gem! Also on the Ionian coast and separated from the mainland by a narrow 75 meter bridge, the island's narrow winding alleys are fantastic to explore, wine and dine.
Otranto - we often combine a day-long excursion . . . Lecce, Otranto, Gallipoli . . . to include this lovely beachside town which hosts Europe's largest medieval mosaics on its cathedral floor in the Old Town
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Ostuni Beaches
Ostuni Beaches (w facilities)
> Pilone - Lido Bosco Verde or Viar Club
Ostuni Beaches (w/o facilities)
> Costa Merlata - series of cove beaches @ Masseria Santa Lucia or Torre Pozella
> Torre Guaceto - natural preserve
Further afield, the beaches at Otranto, Gallipoli and Campormarino are wonderful as well.
Boat Hire
If you feel more at home 'at sea' vs on a beach, it is possible to organise an escorted boat excursion . . . or, if you are experienced on the water, hire your own small motor or sailing boat . . . for an on-water Puglian experience.
Located at Ostuni's marina (named, Villanova), MC Yachting Service is on-deck to assist you.
Children . . . When Beaches Are Not Enough
Sometimes the kids need even more than a beach . . . so nearby you can explore any of these local attractions:
AquaPark Egnazia (open mid-June through mid-September). Typical water sliding fun.
Adventure Park (Ciuchino Birichino)
If children have always wanted to try their hands at a zip line, nearby adventure park "Ciuchino Birichino" (open Sunday's throughout the year and nearly every day from mid-June through mid-September) may just do the trick.
Zoo Safari
Two parks in one! A drive-through zoo/safari park . . . and a traditional amusement park with fairground rides.
or . . .
Visit a Cave
The caves at Grotte di Castellana . . . filled with beautiful stallagtites and stallagmites . . . provide thrills for kids and adults alike.
or . . .
Gelato!
Everyone loves gelato! Our favourite is at Dolci Momenti in Ostuni.
Torre Guaceto