Mattinata Beaches

Overview

Mattinata, nestled in Italy's stunning Puglia region, offers a unique coastal experience. It's known for dramatic white cliffs and crystal-clear waters, making it ideal for nature lovers and those seeking tranquility. While you won't find wide sandy stretches, its beautiful pebble beaches are set against the breathtaking scenery of the Gargano National Park.

Discover stunning shores like Vignanotica, famed for its high cliffs and sea caves. The town's largest and most accessible beach is Spiaggia di Piana di Mattinata, offering convenience for all. For adventure, Baia di Mattinatella is a great starting point for boat tours. The distinctive reddish cliffs of Spiaggia di Punta Rossa offer another beautiful option. Many also admire the famous Baia delle Zagare, often seen during coastal explorations by sea.

Mattinata's coastline reveals many other coves, often best reached by boat, and our guide details more of these hidden gems. The beaches here offer a relaxed atmosphere, perfect for unwinding amidst spectacular natural beauty. It’s a place to connect with the serene charm of the Gargano shores.

Top Beaches

FAQ

Is Mattinata a good choice if I'm looking for a classic sandy beach holiday?

Mattinata is renowned for its stunning pebble and gravel beaches set against dramatic cliffs, rather than wide expanses of fine sand. If your priority is a classic soft sandy beach, especially for young children, Mattinata might not be the primary fit, though its clear waters and natural beauty are major draws.

Do I need water shoes for the beaches in Mattinata?

Yes, it's highly recommended to bring water shoes. The pebble beaches can be uncomfortable to walk on barefoot, and water shoes make entering and exiting the water much easier and safer.

How clear is the water typically at Mattinata's beaches and is it good for swimming?

Generally, yes. The waters around Mattinata are known for their clarity and beautiful blue and green hues, making them excellent for swimming and snorkeling, especially in the coves. The pebble seabed contributes to the water's transparency.

Is Mattinata a good destination for a family beach holiday?

Mattinata can be enjoyable for families who appreciate natural beauty and don't mind pebble beaches. Some lidos offer amenities suitable for children. However, families specifically seeking wide, soft sandy beaches for very young children to play on might find other destinations in Puglia more tailored to their needs.

Are there accommodations in Mattinata with private beach access or very close to the main beaches?

Yes, several hotels, resorts, and holiday villages, particularly along the Piana di Mattinata (the main coastal plain), offer direct beach access or are located just a short walk from the sea. Some may have their own private beach sections.

See the full list of accommodation options here.

Spiaggia di Piana di Mattinata

What type of traveller is Mattinata best suited for regarding its beaches (e.g., families, couples, adventure)?

Mattinata's beaches are ideal for couples, nature lovers, and those seeking a relaxing holiday amidst stunning scenery. It's great for exploring coves by boat and enjoying clear waters. While families can enjoy it, it's less of a party destination and more about tranquility and natural beauty.

What's the best month to visit Mattinata for beaches if I want to avoid big crowds but still have good weather?

Late May, June, and September are often considered the best times. The weather is typically warm and sunny, the sea is pleasant for swimming, and the beaches are significantly less crowded than in the peak Italian holiday months of July and August.

Are there free public beaches in Mattinata, or do you have to pay for a lido?

Yes, Mattinata offers both. You can find sections of 'spiaggia libera' (free public beach) where you can set up your own umbrella and towel, as well as organised 'lidi' (beach clubs) where you can rent sunbeds, umbrellas, and access facilities like bars and restrooms.

People Also Ask

How do you get to the more secluded beaches and sea caves around Mattinata?

Many of the most beautiful and secluded coves (calette) and sea caves (grotte marine) around Mattinata are best accessed by boat. Numerous boat tours depart from the main Mattinata beach (Piana di Mattinata) or its small port. Some smaller coves might be reachable via hiking trails, but a boat offers the easiest and most comprehensive access.

Spiaggia di Piana di Mattinata

What are the beach facilities like in Mattinata (showers, toilets, rentals)?

Organised lidos (beach clubs) on beaches like Piana di Mattinata typically offer sunbed and umbrella rentals, showers, toilets, changing cabins, and often a bar or restaurant. Free beach areas usually have limited or no facilities, so it's best to come prepared if you choose those sections.

Spiaggia di Piana di Mattinata

How do Mattinata's beaches compare to those in Vieste?

Mattinata's beaches are predominantly pebbly, often set in dramatic coves with white cliffs, offering a rugged, natural feel. Vieste, a larger town, has some longer, sandier beaches (like Pizzomunno) and more extensive tourist infrastructure. Both boast clear waters, but Mattinata is generally quieter, while Vieste offers more services and a livelier atmosphere.

I've heard Baia delle Zagare (Faraglioni beach) is beautiful but hard to access. What's the real situation?

Baia delle Zagare is exceptionally beautiful with its iconic sea stacks. Access to the main beach sections is primarily reserved for guests of the overlying hotels. Limited public access passes (around 20-30 per day in season) are sometimes available from the Mattinata tourist information office, often requiring early arrival or booking. Alternatively, the bay can be admired and accessed by sea via boat tours.

How far are the main beaches from Mattinata town, and is it easy to get to them?

Mattinata town is situated on a hill, approximately 1-2 kilometers above its main beach area, Piana di Mattinata. To reach the beaches, you'll typically need to drive, take a taxi, or use a local shuttle service if available during peak season. Parking is available near the main beaches but can be limited and paid during busy periods.

Spiaggia di Piana di Mattinata

Are there any lesser-known coves or smaller beaches near Mattinata worth exploring?

Yes, the coastline around Mattinata, part of the Gargano National Park, is dotted with numerous smaller coves (calette) and inlets beyond the main beaches. Examples include Mattinatella (which has both equipped and more secluded parts), Cala della Pipa, and others often best reached by boat or sometimes via scenic footpaths. Exploring these is part of the charm of the area.

Baia di Mattinatella

What is the general vibe of the beaches in Mattinata?

The beaches in Mattinata generally offer a relaxed and natural vibe, set against the stunning backdrop of the Gargano National Park's white cliffs and lush Mediterranean vegetation. It's more about enjoying the dramatic scenery and clear waters than a bustling party scene. Even the equipped lidos tend to maintain a fairly laid-back atmosphere, suitable for unwinding.