Spiagge della Costa Merlata, Ostuni, is a popular beach located in Ostuni, a city in the Salento region of Italy. It is renowned for its scenic beauty, characterized by its wide, fine white sandy expanse interspersed with rocky areas, and the crystal clear turquoise sea. The water remains shallow for several meters, making the beach particularly suitable for children and snorkeling enthusiasts.
The beach is free to access and is supervised by lifeguards, ensuring the safety of all visitors. It is equipped with amenities including public showers, beach sunbed rentals, and cabins, enhancing the comfort and convenience of beachgoers. There are also several dining options in the area, including a beach bar, a kiosk in the parking area, and various restaurants offering local specialties.
The beach is also accessible to disabled individuals, with two wheelchair ramps leading to the sand. In addition, a characteristic rocky cove towards the south of the beach offers visitors the opportunity to dive from a height of a few meters or descend into the water using stairs.
To reach the beach, visitors can take different routes depending on their starting point. From Bari or Brindisi, the SS379 highway leads directly to the Costa Merlata-Ostuni exit. From Ostuni, there are two possible routes, either following the signs for Villanova or Torre Pozzelle.
The beach features a fairly large parking area for visitors arriving by car. However, due to its popularity, Spiagge della Costa Merlata can get crowded, especially during peak seasons. Despite its popularity, the beach maintains its natural beauty, offering both adventurous and tranquil swimming experiences and good snorkeling opportunities.