Puglia, Italy

Ugento Beaches

Overview

Welcome to Ugento, a premier beach destination on Puglia's Ionian coast, celebrated for its long stretches of fine, golden sand and exceptionally clear, shallow waters. The shoreline here often draws comparisons to the Caribbean, offering idyllic conditions for swimming and relaxing. Much of this beautiful coast is protected within the Litorale di Ugento Regional Natural Park, which preserves the pristine landscape of dunes and Mediterranean scrub that backs many of the area's famous beaches.

Among the editor's picks, you'll find a beach for every taste. Spiaggia di Torre San Giovanni is the region's most popular and vibrant hub, perfect for those who enjoy a lively atmosphere. Nearby, the iconic Pescoluse has earned the nickname 'Maldives of Salento' for its brilliant white sand and stunningly clear sea. Families will appreciate the calm, safe waters of Lido Marini, while nature lovers can escape to the wild, scenic coves of Punta Pizzo Beach, set within a gorgeous pine forest.

Beyond these highlights, the coast offers a wonderful variety of experiences, from bustling lidos to quieter retreats like the wild and unspoiled Torre Mozza. Visitors can choose between renting a sunbed at a private beach club or finding their own spot on the extensive stretches of free public beach available all along the coast. To see all the stunning options this area has to offer, be sure to explore our complete guide to the best beaches in Ugento.

FAQ

What are the beaches in Ugento like, are they sandy?

Yes, the coastline of Ugento is famous for its long stretches of fine, white, and golden sandy beaches. The area, which includes the marinas of Torre San Giovanni, Torre Mozza, and Lido Marini, is often compared to the Caribbean. The seabed is generally shallow and slopes gently, making it ideal for families and swimming.
Spiaggia di Torre San Giovanni
Spiaggia di Torre San Giovanni
Spiaggia di Torre Mozza
Spiaggia di Torre Mozza
Lido Marini
Lido Marini

Is it better to stay in Ugento town or in one of the seaside marinas like Torre San Giovanni?

Staying in Ugento town offers a charming, historic atmosphere with its castle and old town, but it is located about 7 km inland from the coast. For direct beach access, staying in one of the marinas like Torre San Giovanni, Lido Marini, or Torre Mozza is better. These coastal towns transform from quiet villages in the off-season to bustling tourist hubs in the summer, offering numerous hotels, holiday homes, restaurants, and beach clubs right by the sea.
Spiaggia di Torre San Giovanni
Spiaggia di Torre San Giovanni
Lido Marini
Lido Marini
Spiaggia di Torre Mozza
Spiaggia di Torre Mozza

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

The beaches along the Ugento coast offer a mix of both private beach clubs (lidos) and extensive free public areas (spiaggia libera). You can easily find large stretches of free beach, particularly in the areas between the main towns like Fontanelle. The lidos provide amenities like umbrellas, sunbeds, bars, and restaurants for a daily fee, while the free beaches allow you to set up your own equipment.

What's the best time of year to visit Ugento for a beach holiday?

The best time for a beach holiday in Ugento is from mid-June to early September. During this period, the weather is hot and sunny, and the sea temperature is warm and pleasant for swimming, often exceeding 23°C (73°F). July and August are the peak months with the most visitors. For fewer crowds and still pleasant weather, consider late May, early June, or September.

How do the beaches of Ugento (Ionian coast) compare to Otranto (Adriatic coast)?

Ugento's Ionian coast is characterized by long, wide, white sandy beaches with shallow, calm, turquoise waters, making it very family-friendly. Otranto, on the Adriatic coast, offers a more varied coastline with beautiful sandy beaches like Alimini and Baia dei Turchi, but also features rocky cliffs, coves, and sea caves. The choice depends on your preference: Ugento for classic, expansive sandy beaches, and Otranto for a mix of sand and dramatic rocky landscapes.
Spiaggia Alimini
Spiaggia Alimini
Baia dei Turchi
Baia dei Turchi

Is Ugento a good destination for families with children?

Yes, Ugento is considered an ideal destination for families with children. Its main marinas, such as Torre San Giovanni, Lido Marini, and Fontanelle, feature long sandy beaches with very shallow, clear, and calm waters. This allows children to play safely in the sea. Many beaches also have lidos with family-friendly services and entertainment.
Spiaggia di Torre San Giovanni
Spiaggia di Torre San Giovanni
Lido Marini
Lido Marini

Do I need a car to get to the beaches in Ugento?

While there are some bus services, particularly the 'Salento in Bus' service in the summer, renting a car is highly recommended for visiting the Ugento area. A car provides the flexibility to explore the different beaches along the coast, travel between the marinas and the historic center of Ugento, and visit nearby towns. Public transport can be limited and not always convenient for reaching more secluded beach spots.

What is the water like for swimming in May?

In May, the sea temperature around Ugento is still quite cool for swimming. The water temperature typically increases from around 16°C (61°F) at the beginning of the month to about 20°C (68°F) by the end. While some may find it refreshing for a quick dip, it's generally not considered comfortable for prolonged swimming until June.

People Also Ask

Which is better for a lively atmosphere, Torre San Giovanni or Torre Mozza?

Torre San Giovanni is the more lively of the two. During the summer, its population swells significantly, and it offers a bustling promenade, numerous restaurants, bars, and some nightlife, including beach parties at certain lidos. Torre Mozza is generally considered quieter and more relaxed, making it ideal for those seeking a more tranquil holiday, though it still has essential services and beach clubs.
Spiaggia di Torre San Giovanni
Spiaggia di Torre San Giovanni
Spiaggia di Torre Mozza
Spiaggia di Torre Mozza

Is parking difficult to find near the beaches?

During the peak season of July and August, finding parking can be challenging, especially close to the most popular beaches and lidos. There are both free street parking spaces and paid parking lots available. It's often easier to find parking if you arrive early in the morning. Some roads leading to the beaches are along the main coastal road, while others go through pine forests to access free beach areas.

Are the Ugento beaches part of a nature reserve?

Yes, a significant portion of the Ugento coastline is part of the 'Litorale di Ugento' Regional Natural Park. This protected area helps preserve the natural landscape of dunes, Mediterranean scrub (macchia mediterranea), and pine forests that back many of the beaches. This means large stretches of the coast are undeveloped, offering a more wild and natural beach experience.

What are the 'Maldives of Salento' and are they near Ugento?

The 'Maldives of Salento' is a nickname given to a specific stretch of beach in the marina of Pescoluse, which is in the neighboring municipality of Salve, just south of Ugento's Lido Marini. While Ugento's own beaches are stunning and often compared to the Caribbean, the official 'Maldives of Salento' beach is a short drive away and famous for its particularly white sand and incredibly clear, shallow water.
Pescoluse
Pescoluse
Lido Marini
Lido Marini

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The fastest way to find the best Ugento Beaches

Ugento Beaches Map

Plan your day with the latest beach weather conditions

Ugento: Weather Today

📅 Saturday, July 26, 2025
Today is an excellent day to visit the beach in Ugento! The air temperature will reach a high of 39.9 °C. With a UV index of 8.1, remember to apply sunscreen. The sea is inviting at 28.7 °C, with gentle waves around 0.2 m. Expect some clouds in the sky, but plenty of sunshine is still on the cards. The breeze will be light.
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Air

Low / High26.8°C/39.9°C
Feels Like (High)41.4°C
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Sea

Sea Temperature28.7 °C
Wave Height0.2 m
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Rain

Rain Chance3%
Rainfall0 mm
Rain Duration0 h
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Sun

Sunrise / Sunset05:40/20:06
Sunshine Hours12.8 hrs
UV Index8.1
Cloud Cover30%
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Wind

Speed14.8 km/h
Gusts26.3 km/h
DirectionSW

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