Patù Beaches

Overview

Patù, nestled in Salento, serves as a charming base for exploring Puglia's stunning coastline. While the town itself is a short drive inland, its location provides convenient access to both the Ionian and Adriatic seas. This unique positioning allows visitors to choose their beaches based on daily wind conditions, a local habit. Having a car is highly recommended to fully discover the diverse coastal gems in the area.

From Patù, the nearest coastal access is San Gregorio Beach, offering clear waters and an authentic marina atmosphere, primarily with rocky areas. Just nearby, Felloniche presents a small, sheltered sandy bay, often preferred by families. For those seeking iconic stretches of golden sand, the renowned Pescoluse, famously dubbed the "Maldives of Salento," is a brief drive away, as is the popular Torre Vado. These options provide a taste of Salento's celebrated seaside.

The coastline also features breathtaking natural spots like Cala dell'Acquaviva, a scenic fjord with striking turquoise waters. Patù's surroundings cater to various preferences, from lively shores to more tranquil coves. For a comprehensive selection, explore our longer list of beaches to find your perfect seaside escape in this beautiful part of Italy.

Top Beaches

FAQ

Is Patù a good base for a beach holiday in Salento?

Patù can be an excellent base for a beach holiday if you prefer a quieter, authentic Salento experience and have a car to explore. It's close to its own small marinas, San Gregorio and Felloniche, and provides easy access to both the Ionian and Adriatic coasts, allowing you to choose beaches based on wind conditions. However, Patù itself is a small inland town, not a beachfront resort.

San Gregorio Beach

What are the beaches like in Marina di Patù (San Gregorio and Felloniche)?

Marina di San Gregorio is mainly a rocky cove with some small sandy areas, known for its crystal-clear waters, excellent snorkeling, and beautiful sunsets. Felloniche is a small, sheltered bay with a sandy beach, making it more suitable for families with young children. Both are relatively intimate spots.

San Gregorio Beach

How far is Patù town from the sea, and how do I get to the beaches?

Patù town is approximately 3-4 kilometers (about a 5-10 minute drive) from its coastal areas like Marina di San Gregorio and Felloniche. A car is generally necessary to comfortably reach these beaches and to explore other coastal areas in Salento.

Can you swim easily at San Gregorio and Felloniche? What's the water like?

Yes, swimming is popular at both. San Gregorio offers clear, often deeper water ideal for snorkeling, with access typically from rocks or small platforms. Felloniche has shallower, calmer waters with a sandy entry, making it easier for children and less confident swimmers. The sea in this part of Salento is renowned for its clarity and cleanliness.

San Gregorio Beach

Is it better to stay in Patù town or directly on the coast (e.g., San Gregorio) for beach access?

Staying in Patù town offers an authentic village atmosphere and potentially more budget-friendly options, but requires a short drive to the beaches. Staying in Marina di San Gregorio or near Felloniche provides immediate sea access, ideal for frequent swims, but accommodation choices might be more limited and pricier, especially in summer. It depends on your priority: village life or beachfront convenience.

See the full list of accommodation options here.

San Gregorio Beach

Are the beaches near Patù suitable for families with children?

Felloniche beach is particularly well-suited for families due to its sandy shore, shallow calm waters, and sheltered bay. While San Gregorio is scenic, its predominantly rocky nature might be less ideal for very young children, though older kids may enjoy exploring. Many larger, sandy family-friendly beaches like Pescoluse are a short drive away.

Felloniche Spiaggia

San Gregorio Beach

Pescoluse

When is the best time to visit Patù for a beach holiday?

The prime time for a beach holiday near Patù is from late May to early October. June and September are often considered ideal, offering warm weather, pleasant sea temperatures, and fewer crowds than the peak months of July and August.

Are there beach clubs (lidos) or free public beach areas near Patù?

You'll find a mix. Felloniche typically has sections with lidos offering sunbeds and umbrellas for rent, alongside free public areas. San Gregorio, being rockier, has fewer formal lidos, but there are places to lay a towel and some establishments may offer facilities. Nearby larger beaches like Pescoluse have more extensive lido options.

Pescoluse

Felloniche Spiaggia

San Gregorio Beach

People Also Ask

What's the parking situation like at Marina di San Gregorio and Felloniche?

Parking can be challenging, especially during July and August. Both locations have limited street parking and some small paid parking areas. Arriving early in the day is advisable to secure a spot, particularly at the smaller Felloniche beach.

How does the wind affect the beaches near Patù, and which coast is better?

Patù is on the Ionian coast. When the Scirocco (south/southeast wind) blows, the Ionian Sea can be rough. On such days, it's common to visit the Adriatic coast (a short drive away), which will be calmer. Conversely, with the Tramontana (north wind), the Ionian coast near Patù is usually calm and ideal. Checking the wind is a local habit.

How do Patù's beaches compare to famous Salento beaches like Pescoluse ('Maldives of Salento')?

Patù's immediate beaches (San Gregorio, Felloniche) are generally smaller, more intimate, and can be rockier (especially San Gregorio) compared to the long, wide sandy stretches of Pescoluse. They offer a quieter, perhaps more rugged charm. Pescoluse is very close by if you seek expansive sandy beaches, but it's also more crowded.

Pescoluse

San Gregorio Beach

Are there any less crowded or 'hidden gem' coves near Patù?

While truly 'hidden' spots are rare in peak season, exploring the coastline between San Gregorio and Santa Maria di Leuca, or towards Torre Vado, can reveal smaller coves ('calette') and rocky access points to the sea that are less frequented than the main named beaches. Asking locals can sometimes yield good tips.

Torre Vado

What's the general vibe of the beaches around Patù? Are they party beaches or more relaxed?

The beaches directly associated with Patù, like San Gregorio and Felloniche, generally have a relaxed, family-friendly, and local atmosphere. San Gregorio can be lively in the evenings with people enjoying an aperitivo by the sea, but they are not typically party beaches with loud music all day. For a more vibrant party scene, you'd look towards larger resorts or specific lidos on beaches like Gallipoli or parts of Pescoluse in high season.

San Gregorio Beach

Felloniche Spiaggia

Pescoluse

Are there good snorkeling spots near Patù?

Yes, Marina di San Gregorio is particularly well-regarded for snorkeling. Its clear waters and rocky seabed provide interesting underwater exploration and attract marine life. The generally rocky coastline in this southern part of Salento offers many opportunities for snorkeling.

San Gregorio Beach

What do locals recommend for a beach day near Patù?

Locals in Salento always recommend checking the wind direction: choose the Ionian coast (like San Gregorio, Felloniche, Pescoluse) if the Tramontana (north wind) is blowing, and head to the Adriatic coast (e.g., Castro, Tricase Porto) if the Scirocco (south wind) is active. They also appreciate the smaller coves for a quieter experience and enjoy the sunset views from San Gregorio, often with a simple local snack or drink.

San Gregorio Beach

Pescoluse