Beaches at Bari and the surrounding area

The coastal area between Molfetta and Monopoli, near Bari, boasts enchanting and unique beaches. The coast offers a variety of landscapes, from sandy beaches to rocky coves, ideal for relaxing and enjoying the crystal-clear sea. Among the most renowned beaches is the beach of Polignano a Mare, famous for its limestone cliffs and turquoise waters. Moreover, the beach of Monopoli offers a picturesque atmosphere with its white houses and clear sea. These locations provide an authentic and charming beach experience, perfect for those wishing to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of Puglia.

Cala San Giacomo

Cala San Giacomo, located on the coastline of Molfetta, is a place of significant historical importance, having been the ancient medieval port of the city. This picturesque beach features a varied landscape, with a combination of sand, pebbles, and rocks. Its shallow waters near the shore make it particularly suitable for families with children. The beach, about 200 meters long, offers ample space to relax and enjoy the beauty of the sea. An area is dedicated to four-legged friends, allowing them to share the beach experience as well. Currently, Cala San Giacomo is a free beach, without equipped resorts, and water access is easy, although wearing sea shoes is recommended for greater safety.

Available services:

• ample parking
• Possibility to practice water sports
• dog area

Polignano a Mare

Awarded the Blue Flag in 2008 and 2009, an honor given by the Foundation for Environmental Education according to quality, cleanliness, and services offered, the beach of Polignano a Mare is undoubtedly one of the most appreciated on the coast. It features some "cliff" rocky stretches alternated with stretches of golden sand.

Recommended hotels in Polignano a Mare: San Michele Suite, CalaPonte Hotel

Beach of Giovinazzo

Giovinazzo, a picturesque town in the province of Bari, Puglia, stands out for its authentic charm, far from the traditional tourist paths. Its historic center, Sette Torri, is perched on a hill at 142 meters altitude, while the coastal localities of San Matteo and Le Macchie are known for their renowned beaches and resorts.
The coastline of Giovinazzo stretches along a crystal-clear sea, awarded by Legambiente with the recognition of Tre Vele. The coast is characterized by pebbles, small bays, and coves, as well as picturesque cliffs. North from the harbor, there is Lido Azzurro, a pebble and rock beach, followed by Cala Arena, a mixed beach of stones and sand. Cala Arena, with its gently sloping seabed, is appreciated by families and offers services such as umbrella and sunbed rental, bar and restaurant, as well as paid parking.

Il Crocifisso Beach

Located in the harbor area, this beach features a sandy shoreline lapped by azure waters. It is a perfect destination to enjoy the sun and swim in the cool water. Although the beach is rocky, it is suitable for children due to the formation of natural pools.

Available services:

• paid parking
• bar restaurant
• rental of umbrellas and sunbeds

Cala Arena

Located in the northern part of Giovinazzo, this beach is set in a beautiful natural setting. With its light and soft sand, it is a perfect place to relax, sunbathe, and enjoy the tranquility of the Adriatic coast.

Available services:

• paid parking
• bar restaurant
• rental of umbrellas and sunbeds

Lido San Francesco alla Rena

Lido San Francesco alla Rena, located on the western coast of Bari, is a renowned beach resort just a few kilometers from the city center. This tranquil area offers easy access to a variety of tourist accommodations, restaurants, bars, and pizzerias. Nearby is the San Francesco Pine Forest, a green area loved by sports enthusiasts, children, and anyone looking for a relaxing moment in nature. The lido, one of Bari's historic establishments, is a haven of peace near the bustling urban center. With its fine sandy beach, well-maintained umbrellas and sunbeds, and shallow waters, it is perfect for relaxing as a couple or with family and for holidays with friends, offering a welcoming and relaxing atmosphere.

List of available services:

• sunbed and umbrella rental
• restroom facilities
• restaurants and bars
• paid parking
• lifeguard assistance

San Vito Beach, Polignano a Mare

A beach frequented by the locals, framed by historic buildings and the harbor with its colorful boats. It features small pebbles, natural pools, and rocks and is ideally sized to keep an eye on children.

Torre Incina, Polignano a Mare

A beach of rocks and pebbles also frequented by local divers and fishermen who land here. The sea is deep, and the high rocks are interspersed with caves carved by water. An ideal place for those who love diving.

Marzà, Monopoli

A small lido that offers umbrellas, sunbeds, and a kiosk. Access to the sea is via a small sandy beach with high rocks on the sides.

Lido di Santo Stefano, Monopoli

Clear water, sand, and a castle on your left overlooking the sea. The beach has restrooms and facilities.

Lido di Monopoli

Monopoli is known as the city of a hundred districts, due to its division into various areas, each evoking the name of a farmhouse or church. Lido di Monopoli is one of the most well-known and frequented on the Apulian coast.

Recommended hotels in Monopoli: Il Melograno, Don Ferrante Dimore di Charme, Nina Trulli Resort

Pane e Pomodoro

The Pane e Pomodoro beach, located at the end of Bari's seafront, is a stretch of golden sand that extends for over a kilometer. This public beach is easily accessible on foot, being only 3.5 km from the center of Bari. Its name evokes a culinary tradition typical of the local residents: in the past, when the beach was less developed, it was customary for the people of Bari to bring bread and tomato for a simple and tasty snack by the sea.
Today, Pane e Pomodoro remains a popular spot for both residents and visitors, offering a relaxed atmosphere and a dip into local traditions, while being close to the vibrant heart of the city.

Available services:

• large communal parking
• public beach
• park with a children's play area
• fitness area
• public facilities and showers
• lifeguard assistance

Mola di Bari

Mola di Bari, in the Puglia region of southern Italy, boasts a picturesque coastline on the Adriatic Sea, characterized by a rocky and jagged coast, with small inlets extending up to Cozze. The seabed is mainly low and rocky, ideal for snorkeling and diving, with some sandy areas for greater variety. The busiest areas include Porto Colombo and the Braccio, a small pier built in the 1950s, as well as a private equipped lido located between Mola and Cozze. Most of the remaining beaches are free, offering tranquility and natural beauty.

Available services:

• Equipped lidos with umbrellas and sunbeds
• Restaurants and bars along the coast
• Rental of equipment for water sports
• Parking near the beaches
• Panoramic observation points
• Coastal hiking trails.

Beaches in the Gargano Park

In this area, the Bay of Manacore in Peschici and the Bay of Zagare in Vieste-Mattinata are among the most beautiful beaches. In Vieste, the Vignanotica beach appears as a small strip of sand and pebbles backed by a very high white cliff. It is accessible through a path about 3 km long.