Episode #277: Favorite Beaches of Puglia – Adriatic and Ionian Coasts

Listen to “277. Favorite Beaches of Puglia: Adriatic and Ionian Coasts” on Spreaker.

Summary

We are joined once again by Nikki Taylor, Aussie expat, real estate consultant, and Puglia local. We dive into the stunning coastlines and hidden beach gems of Puglia, Italy’s sun-soaked heel. Nikki, who’s called Puglia home since 2017, brings her insider expertise to uncover the best sandy stretches and rocky coves, the differences between the Adriatic and Ionian coasts, and what makes this often-overlooked region a haven for both families and adventure seekers.

What you’ll learn in this episode

• Nikki’s journey from Australia to Italy, her career change, and life in Martina Franca
• Why Puglia is growing in popularity with international tourists while retaining its local charm
• The differences between Puglia’s Adriatic and Ionian coastlines
• How Puglia compares to the Amalfi Coast for ease, atmosphere, and swimming
• Highlights of Adriatic towns like Monopoli, Otranto, and Castro Marina
• Beautiful Ionian beaches, including Torre Lapillo, Porto Cesareo, and Pescolose
• What to expect from Italian beach culture and how it differs from other countries
• The best towns to base yourself in for exploring Puglia’s beaches
• Transportation tips, including car rental, train options, and driving experiences
• Practical advice on sunbed rentals, reservations, and parking
• Exploring the scenic Gargano Peninsula – a more challenging area to access
• Tips on local life, real estate trends, and staying connected with Nikki

Timeline Overview

• 05:07 Puglia’s perfect family beaches
• 08:49 Exploring coastal gems around Santa Cesarea and Otranto
• 11:13 The hidden gem of Lido di Gandoli
• 13:53 Pescolose: Italy’s beach paradise
• 17:19 Rising tourism and infrastructure challenges
• 19:44 Santa Caterina beach
• 23:08 Join Nikki on Insta to follow her Italian journey

About our guest – Nikki Taylor from Italy Property Consulting

Follow Nikki here

• Website
• Instagram and La Dolce Vita Lifestyle Magazine Instagram
• Purchase your Dream Home – Membership
• Facebook
• La Dolce Vita Lifestyle Magazine
• Books

Italian places, foods and concepts mentioned

Places

• Maratea – town on the Tyrrhenian coast in the Southern Basilicata region
• Terrasini – Sicilian town on the north coast of Sicily near Castellammare del Golf and Mondello
• Martina Franca – a town in Puglia, with a charming old quarter full of winding alleys and white-washed houses
• Locorotondo – town in Puglia, listed as one of the most beautiful villages in Italy
• Polignano a Mare – beautiful old town with dramatic cliffside – wonderful in the summertime but very quiet offseason
• Monopoli – a coastal town in Puglia, home to the Baroque Monopoli Cathedral
• Lecce – beautiful city in southern Puglia
• Farmacia Balboa – enoteca/ cocktail bar in Tricase
• Grotta Della Poesia – a natural pool surrounded by limestone cliffs, with caves and a tunnel accessing the sea (recently having accessibility issues)
• Ostuni – gorgeous town in Puglia, so famous for its white-washed houses that it is known as the white city – la Città Bianca
• Valle de Itria – area in Puglia where you’ll find the towns of Martina Franca, Locorotondo, Cisternino and Ceglie Messapica (and lot’s of Trulli)
• Taranto – port town in Puglia, famous for its mussels
• Salento – province encompassing the heel of the boot
• Bari – capital city of Puglia, with airport
• Brindisi – on the coast of the Adriatic Sea with another airport
• Gargano – in northern Puglia. It is said to be in the spur of the boot

Adriatic side beaches

• Cala Verde, Cala Bianco, Capitolo – beaches around Monopoli
• Cala Porta Vecchia – inlet in Monopoli with crystal clear, turquoise waters
• Lama Monachile – famous beach in Polignano a Mare you will see on Instagram
• Castro Marina – little bay surrounded by cliffs to protect it
• Tricase Porto – quaint coastal town
• Santa Cesarea Terme – costal spa town
• Otranto – a coastal and harbour town south of Lecce

Ionian side beaches

• Lido Gandoli – beach with a beach club near Taranto
• Torre Lapillo – gorgeous beach 
• Porto Cesareo – along from Lido Gandoli is this other lovely coastal spot – with Bahia beach
• Marina di Pescoluse – considered the Maldives of Italy, with beach club Tropical Elite
• Santa Maria di Leuca – where the Adriatic and Ionian seas meet
• Santa Maria al Bagno and Santa Caterina – stunning beaches near Nardò

Words / Concepts

• House Hunters International – US TV show, available on many channels across the globe, following house hunters finding properties in foreign countries. You can see Nikki appear in this Sicily episode and this Maratea episode
• Maestrale – the wind that goes across the Adriatic 
• Scirocco – the wind on the Ionian Sea

Related content on Untold Italy

Podcasts

• Ep 266 – Murgia – Bread, burrata and Bond!
• Ep 262 – Road tripping Puglia and Basilicata
• Ep 233 – A taste of Puglia – Local flavors and dishes to try
• Ep 229 – How Puglia is redefining its wine culture
• Ep 224 – Brilliant Bari
• Ep 194 – Lovely Lecce – Italy’s southern beauty
• Ep 135 – Ancient connections along Puglia’s pilgrim trails
• Ep 046 – Foodie adventures in Puglia

• Ep 249 – Italy’s Unique Interior Styles and Where to Find Treasures
• Ep 080 – Picturesque towns of Puglia
• Ep 056 – Realizing the dream of buying property in Italy

Articles

• Puglia travel guide
• Things to do in Puglia
• Perfect Puglia towns to discover
• Best agriturismo in Puglia
• Best places to stay in Puglia
• Things to do in Lecce
• Things to do in Bari
• Puglia food guide

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