Gallipoli Beaches

Gallipoli, known as the "Pearl of the Ionian," is divided into two areas: the historic "old town" on an island, connected to the modern "new town" on the promontory by a stone bridge. The ancient walls of the island are now part of the scenic road, with picturesque alleys flanked by tuff houses characterized by loggias and balconies with blooming flowers. The Ionian coast, with its white beaches frequented in the summer, alternates between cliffs and sandy beaches. Gallipoli, famous for its rich historical past from the Messapians to various dominations, has become a renowned tourist destination, although controversial for the excesses of summer entertainment. Its beach stretches along the Gulf of Gallipoli, from Punta Pizzo to Lido Conchiglie, offering services, recreational activities, and water sports.

Punta Pizzo

Located halfway between Gallipoli and Marina di Mancaversa, Punta Pizzo is an oasis of peace and natural beauty immersed in the Mediterranean scrub. With its crystal-clear turquoise waters and scents of myrtle, orchids, marigolds, thyme, and rosemary, it offers a unique sensory experience. The beach is divided into an equipped part, Lido Pizzo, and a free area, with a low coast alternated with rocky stretches. A sixteenth-century tower and a masseria oversee this magnificent bay, which is also close to the entertainment venues along the coast of Gallipoli.

Punta Pizzo remains pristine thanks to its dense vegetation consisting of aromatic pine forests and arboreal plants like broom, mastic, thyme, and rosemary. The area is part of the Isola di Sant'Andrea Natural Reserve and boasts rich biodiversity.

Available services:

• Equipped beach (Lido Pizzo)
• Free beach
• Sixteenth-century tower and historic masseria

For information and reservations click here

Punta della Suina

Punta della Suina, near Gallipoli, offers a unique combination of crystal-clear sea, golden sand, and lush nature in the Regional Natural Park of Isola di Sant'Andrea. Just 7 kilometers from the city, this beach, which extends over one and a half kilometers, features both areas with bathing establishments and free, wild stretches. It is an area still little affected by mass tourism, promising a serene atmosphere. Far from urban chaos, Punta della Suina is ideal for those seeking tranquility. Be careful where you park to avoid fines.

Lovers' Beach

Lovers' Beach, located in the Li Foggi area within the Salento Natural Park, is an untouched oasis rich in biodiversity, including ten species of oak trees, shrubs, orchids, marigolds, and aromatic plants. A sandy path immersed in the scents of the Mediterranean scrub leads to this beach of fine cream sand, overlooking turquoise waters. It is the ideal place to spend romantic moments away from the hustle and bustle, offering tranquility and an environment to restore personal balance. Suitable for families due to its shallow waters, the beach is also a paradise for nature lovers, photographers, and sports enthusiasts, with activities such as snorkeling and SUP. The beach is free, without facilities, so it is advisable to bring accessories such as a beach towel and an umbrella.

Baia Verde

Baia Verde beach is a popular destination for thousands of young people spending their holidays in Salento. Stretching for about 4 km up to Punta Pizzo, it boasts a picturesque coastline with fine sand and emerald green sea. It is famous not only for its natural beauty but also for the renowned beach clubs and bathing establishments that offer services, dining, and music.

Baia Verde beach, formed by a long white stretch with dunes and a dense pine forest, is characterized by a brilliant green sea that turns cobalt blue further offshore. The shallow sandy seabed with scattered rocks and the typical scent of Mediterranean scrub make the setting idyllic. Ideal for families due to its shallow sandy bottom, the beach has been awarded the Green Flag, a symbol of safety and suitability for children.

Baia Verde also attracts young people for its nightlife, with beach clubs transforming into nightclubs and venues for concerts and live shows. Located about 4 km from the center of Gallipoli, it is easily accessible, with parking and wooden walkways leading to the shore. The area also has a railway station.

Available services:

• Beach facilities with sun loungers and umbrellas
• Changing rooms and hot showers
• Toilets
• Play areas for children
• Bars and restaurants
• Nighttime entertainment activities (nightclubs, concerts)
• Parking

Beach of Purity

The Beach of Purity, or "Puritate" as it is locally known, is one of the few free beaches in Gallipoli, located in a historic area of the city and surrounded by legends and history. Its name derives from legends related to the Virgin of Sant'Agata, the patron saint of Gallipoli. One such legend tells of a mother who found her son suckling from a breast of the Virgin that mysteriously appeared on the coast. This beach was already popular among the people of Gallipoli from the nineteenth century as a meeting place, especially on Sundays.

In the 1960s, the beach began to gain tourist significance, with the construction of stilts with stairs leading directly to the sea, for the exclusive use of foreign tourists. Additionally, during those years, the first group of sailors formed, which later became the Sailing Club of Gallipoli, making the beach a meeting point for sailing enthusiasts.

Despite the lack of equipped areas, there are bars and restaurants nearby for a break from the summer heat.

Available services:

• Bars and restaurants nearby
• Access to the sea via stilts
• Sailing activities through the Sailing Club of Gallipoli

Padula Bianca

The beach of Padula Bianca, also known as Lido Le Canne, stretches for 3 km from Lido Conchiglie to Rivabella near Gallipoli. This area, characterized by wild dunes and golden sand, offers a Caribbean atmosphere. It is ideal for families, especially due to the safety offered by the shallow sea. The natural beauty of the beach, combined with the crystal-clear sea, creates a calm and relaxing atmosphere. A lush pine forest provides shade and relief during the hottest hours. The beach, popular with both adults and children, is perfect for activities such as building sandcastles or swimming safely. Although less crowded than other Ionian locations, Padula Bianca offers an unforgettable experience. To get there, follow SP108 from Gallipoli to via delle Acacie in Padula Bianca, then continue on foot through the pine forest to the beach.

List of available services:

• Bars and equipped beach clubs
• Free beach
• Pine forest for shade and rest
• Parking nearby

For information and reservations click here