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Discover the wonders of Puglia: the 5 most beautiful beaches and 10 unmissable cities

Santa Cesarea Terme: A Hidden Paradise

Santa Cesarea Terme, the birthplace of the Panorama Festival 2024, is located on the Adriatic coast of Apulia and is famous for its thermal waters and fascinating architecture, but it is also an excellent starting point for exploring some of the region's most enchanting beaches. Here we present five beaches that you absolutely cannot miss during your music and entertainment holiday in Puglia.

1. Bay of Turks

A few kilometres from Santa Cesarea Terme, the Baia dei Turchi offers an almost Caribbean experience with its fine white sand and crystal-clear waters. Nestled in a pine forest that provides shade on hot days, this beach is perfect for those seeking tranquillity and natural beauty.

2. Porto Badisco

Porto Badisco, famous for being the first landing place of Aeneas in Italy, according to legend, is a small inlet with calm, protected waters, ideal for swimming and snorkelling. Its tranquil atmosphere and breathtaking landscape make it a magical place.

3. Acquaviva Cove

This small bay is located near the village of Marittima. The water here is deep blue and crystal clear, and the rocks surrounding the bay create an almost surreal ambience. It is an ideal place for those who like to dive and swim in open water.

4. Alimini Beach

The Alimini beaches near Otranto are among the widest in the area, with fine sand dunes and a sea ranging from turquoise to deep blue. This is a perfect destination for families, thanks also to the many services available.

5. Bear Tower

The Torre dell'Orso beach, with its iconic rock formation called 'The Two Sisters', offers a wide beach of golden sand stretching for more than a kilometre. The sea here is particularly suitable for all kinds of water activities.

The 10 città to visit in Apulia

Puglia is not only sea. Here is an itinerary through 10 cities that tell the story, culture and gastronomy of this wonderful region.

  1. Lecce Known as the 'Florence of the South' for its magnificent Baroque, Lecce is a city of art rich in history, culture and culinary art.
  2. Bari Puglia's capital is famous for its lively waterfront, intriguing old town and the basilica of San Nicola, a landmark for pilgrims.
  3. Ostuni The 'White City', famous for its whitewashed houses that glow in the sun.
  4. Alberobello Known for its unique trulli, Alberobello is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most photographed destinations in the region.
  5. Polignano a Mare This coastal city is known for its spectacular sea views and for being the birthplace of Domenico Modugno.
  6. Gallipoli Overlooking the Ionian Sea, Gallipoli is famous for its beautiful beaches and lively nightlife.
  7. Martina Franca Located in the heart of the Itria Valley, this town is famous for its Baroque architecture and the Itria Valley Festival.
  8. Taranto Known as the 'City of the Two Seas', Taranto boasts an important archaeological and historical heritage.
  9. Monopoly This charming coastal city offers beautiful beaches, a charming old town and a lively fishing harbour.
  10. Brindisi Once an important Roman port, Brindisi is today a dynamic city with a rich historical heritage.

In conclusion, Apulia offers an incredible mix of natural beauty, historical cities and diverse cultures. Whether you are looking for dreamy beaches or cities rich in history, Apulia has something to offer all its visitors. Enjoy your holiday.