Alezio Beaches

Overview

Alezio offers a unique take on a Puglian beach holiday. While this charming town is located just inland, it serves as a perfect, often quieter base for exploring the celebrated Ionian coast. The region's famous golden sand beaches are just a short drive away, placing you in an ideal spot to experience the best of Salento's coastline without the constant bustle of the seaside resorts. This proximity makes Alezio a strategic choice for visitors with a car looking to discover the area's renowned turquoise waters.

From Alezio, you have easy access to some of the most spectacular shores in Italy. For ultimate convenience, Lido San Giovanni is the classic Gallipoli beach, while Spiaggia della Purità offers a unique swimming spot right inside the old town's historic walls. A short drive south leads to the breathtaking landscape of Spiaggia di Punta della Suina, famous for its stunning views. Nearby, the lively shores of Baia Verde are known for their vibrant beach clubs. For a different experience, head north to the pine-forested cove at Spiaggia di Porto Selvaggio, a true nature escape.

The Ionian coast near Alezio is celebrated for its calm, sandy shores, but locals know the real secret is to check the wind direction to find the most pristine water conditions each day. Whether you seek the iconic views, a quiet natural cove, or a lively atmosphere, the coastline has a spot for every mood. For even more inspiration and hidden gems, be sure to explore our complete guide to the best beaches in the area.

Top Beaches

FAQ

How do I get to the beaches from Alezio?

The best way to get to the beaches from Alezio is by car, which offers the most flexibility for exploring the various coastal spots. The drive to the nearest beaches around Gallipoli, like Baia Verde, takes only about 10-15 minutes. While some local buses connect Alezio to Gallipoli, services can be infrequent, especially outside of the peak summer months. From Gallipoli, you can then find more regular local buses that serve the different beaches along the coast. Renting a car is highly recommended for convenience.

Baia Verde

Which coast is better for beaches near Alezio, the Ionian or the Adriatic?

Alezio is located much closer to the Ionian (west) coast, which is famous for its long stretches of fine golden sand and generally calm, shallow, turquoise waters. Beaches like Baia Verde, Punta della Suina, and Torre San Giovanni are on this side. The Adriatic (east) coast, near Otranto, is about a 40-50 minute drive away and is characterized by more dramatic rocky cliffs, coves, and deeper blue waters. For a classic sandy beach day, the Ionian coast is your best and closest bet from Alezio.

Spiaggia di Baia Verde

Spiaggia di Punta della Suina

Spiaggia di Torre San Giovanni

What are the beaches like near Gallipoli? Are they sandy?

Yes, the beaches on the Ionian coast near Gallipoli are renowned for being predominantly sandy with fine, often golden, sand. The water is typically crystal-clear, shallow, and calm, making it ideal for families and swimming. Popular spots include the lively Baia Verde, known for its beach clubs, and the more scenic Punta della Suina, which features a mix of sand and low rocks set in a nature reserve.

Spiaggia di Baia Verde

Spiaggia di Punta della Suina

Are the beaches near Alezio free, or do I have to pay for a lido?

You will find both options. The Salento coast offers a mix of free public beaches (spiaggia libera) and private beach clubs (lidos). At a lido, you pay for amenities like sunbeds, umbrellas, restrooms, and often have access to a bar or restaurant. Most popular beaches, like Baia Verde, have sections dedicated to lidos as well as open areas of free beach where you can set up your own towel and umbrella.

Baia Verde

Is Alezio a good place to stay for a beach holiday?

Alezio is a charming inland town, not directly on the coast, but it serves as an excellent and often more affordable base for a beach holiday. It is located just a few kilometers from the famous beaches of Gallipoli and the Ionian coast, such as Baia Verde and Punta della Suina, which are typically a 10-15 minute drive away. While you will need a car to get to the sea, staying in Alezio offers a more authentic, quieter experience away from the bustling coastal crowds, along with access to local restaurants and its own historic center.

See the full list of accommodation options here.

Spiaggia di Baia Verde

Spiaggia di Punta della Suina

Which beach is best for families with children near Alezio?

Many beaches on the Ionian coast near Alezio are great for families. Lido San Giovanni and the beaches at Torre San Giovanni are excellent choices because they have long stretches of fine sand and very shallow, calm waters, allowing children to play safely. These areas also have lidos with family-friendly amenities, including playgrounds and entertainment.

Lido San Giovanni

Spiaggia di Torre San Giovanni

What is the best time of year to visit the beaches near Alezio?

The best time for a beach holiday is from late May to September when the weather is warm and the sea is pleasant for swimming. June and September are often considered ideal as they offer beautiful weather, warm water, and fewer crowds than the peak months of July and August. August, in particular, can be extremely crowded and more expensive as it is the main holiday month for Italians.

How do locals choose which beach to go to each day?

Locals in Salento famously choose their beach based on the wind. A local saying is "go where the wind takes you." When the Tramontana (a cool north wind) is blowing, the Ionian coast (near Alezio and Gallipoli) will be calm and clear. When the Scirocco (a warm southeast wind) blows, the Ionian sea can become choppy, and locals will head to the Adriatic coast (near Otranto) where the water will be glassy and calm. Checking the wind forecast can be the secret to finding perfect sea conditions.

People Also Ask

Is it better to stay in Alezio or Gallipoli for a beach holiday?

The choice depends on your travel style. Stay in Gallipoli if you want to be directly on the coast, with immediate access to beaches, restaurants, and a vibrant nightlife scene, especially in the old town. Stay in Alezio if you prefer a quieter, more authentic Italian town experience, lower accommodation costs, and don't mind a short 10-15 minute drive to the beaches. Alezio offers a peaceful retreat from the summer crowds of Gallipoli.

Are there lively beaches with music and bars near Alezio?

Yes, the Baia Verde area, just south of Gallipoli and a short drive from Alezio, is famous for its lively beach clubs and party atmosphere. During the day, many lidos play music, and in the late afternoon, they transform into popular spots for sunset aperitifs with DJs and dancing, attracting a younger crowd. Samsara Beach is one of the most famous for its beach parties.

Baia Verde

What is Punta della Suina and why is it so famous?

Punta della Suina is a stunning beach located south of Gallipoli, known for its unique natural beauty. It's not just a simple sandy stretch but a picturesque bay where two small sandy coves are separated by a rocky outcrop, all surrounded by a pine forest. The water is exceptionally clear and turquoise. Its scenic beauty has made it a filming location and one of the most photographed and beloved beaches in Salento.

Spiaggia di Punta della Suina

Are there any less crowded, hidden gem beaches I can visit from Alezio?

While the main beaches near Gallipoli get very busy, you can find quieter spots. Consider driving a bit further south to the beaches of the Ugento marina (like Torre Mozza or Lido Marini), which are long and sandy and can feel less crowded than Baia Verde. Another option is Porto Selvaggio, a protected nature reserve north of Gallipoli. It requires a 20-minute walk through a pine forest to reach a beautiful pebble and rock cove with pristine water, offering a more wild and natural experience.

Spiaggia di Baia Verde

Spiaggia di Porto Selvaggio