½ûÂþÌìÌÃ

We were wondering the same, on our visit in March didn't come accross what I would call a decent clean beach.

There seems to be quite a few beaches that you have to pay to go on and dont know how much that would have cost a family like myself with 4 children.

We were told there was a nature reserve with a beach that was clean and free but couldn't remember the name. We are back to Ostuni next weekend for a week to sign for our villa and we shall ask our contact again, take a look, and let you know on our return.

I think Pilone beach just north of Ostuni might be what you are looking for. It's free and has miles of clean white sand, you only pay to park your car which costs about 5 euros for the day.

Thanks for that SoniaM,

We will have a look and report back.

Paula

We went to Pilone a few weeks ago - sandy beach with dunes at back. Not commercialised, just one ice cream cabin. Parking was free.

The nature reserve you are thinking of is at Torre Guaceto. We went there on our earlier visit. Again, the parking was free. Sandy beach with dunes behind. Parking is at one end and then the further you walk the further you probably get away from the crowds. They have a website where you can see various organised walks, snorkels, etc.

We were recommended an excellent Greek taverna just above Torre Canne. Lovely setting with its own beach facilities. However, the cost of using their beach seemed extortionate to us even though we ate there so we drove a little further along the coast and parked on the dunes. This was immediately before taking the evening Brindisi flight home and was a good end to a few days away. Not had the bill yet from Herz to see if they charged extra to clean the sand out of the car!

Let us know if you find a dream beach.

We have purchased a Villa in a place called Pantanagianni, about 400m from some very pretty 'half moon' type beaches where the sand is great. I must say that when we were looking early in the year the beaches were very messy and full of rubbish but it was explained that as the season there for the ½ûÂþÌìÌà tourists doesn't start until July, and because they still make up 90% of the visitors, no-one cleans the beaches until they are in use.

Wow love this chit chat about the beaches especially as I am trying to get my own little bit of Italy in San Vito near Brindisi. I'm definately going to the Greek bar, nice to be cheered up and have nice last memories, before you come back to blighty.

My wife and I are both divers and are wondering if anyone knows of any good dive centres around the Puglia region. Either sea will do, somewhere interesting and a good center where they speak English until we learn enough ½ûÂþÌìÌÃ.:D

I'd be interested also - BSAC DL qualified, have dived off Tremeti Islands, but nowhere else in Puglia. We're buying near Ostuni and likewise I would appreciate any recommendations of clubs or dive sites. We also speak no ½ûÂþÌìÌà yet!

Can't say if they are any good or not as haven't tried them yet, but there is an outfit in Villa Nova. Dive puglia or something like that. I did do a google search for diving in puglia and came up with a really long list and filed it somewhere safe... when I find it I'll let you know.

Hi,

For sandy beaches why not try Torre Guaceto, it has a car park and its a protected area. so no boats ot motors by the beach. It is very clean and free. It also has a small fresh spring water lake by the entrance near the old Tower and full of fish. Or try Apani, it is quite clean and free. Basically if you go to Torre Guaceto any zone a b and c is great and free all the way down Apani; as it is a protected area and not even fishing is allowed you wil literally swim with the fish. When I went there last I encountered two sting rays and many more "unknown" to me fish.
At the entrance there is also an Information desk, where they will give you all info in english and activities like scuba diving and conservation activities.

Or for best sandy beaches go on the west side of Puglia; from Porto Cesario all the way down to Gallipoli or Otranto is one stretch of sandy beaches all free and clean.

Yesterday took visiting son to Bosco Verde beach near Pilone .....really nice...particularly now as most italians have returned to work, so plenty of room on beach ! :) There is a bar and also what looks like pedalo hire ( although must admit haven't ever seen any in water !!! ) . There is a bar and so far we haven't ever paid for car park, although we noticed a chap near the entrance sitting outside an old caravan ( permanent fixture !!) but he didn't ask us for any money.
We have been told about another beach nearer to San Vito but have yet to check it out...will let you know.

Re Diving,

I visited the marina at Brindisi last year to inquire about mooring charges.

I noticed a diving outfit advertising their services, and were based at the marina.

The marina is situated at the outer harbour entrance and is signed as Maritime Touristicke or somthing similar.

ciao
Steve

[QUOTE=SteveW]Re Diving,

I visited the marina at Brindisi last year to inquire about mooring charges.

I noticed a diving outfit advertising their services, and were based at the marina.

The marina is situated at the outer harbour entrance and is signed as Maritime Touristicke or somthing similar.

ciao
Steve[/QUOTE]

Thanks Steve, really helpful, take it you didn't dive so you have no idea what the diving was like.

Anyone tips on good dive sites around Puglia would be great. Thanks

You should check out the beaches in the Gargano region of Puglia. The beaches there are clean with white sand not pebbles. They are also very safe. No quick drops. Great for kids.

Checked out this area on Sunday....really nice beaches in a curved bay in both directions...

Going south toward Brindisi we think it becomes a National Park as only small dirt track road which says No Entry to unauthorised vehicles....we went back on main road and it was a long way ( almost Alpani) before the next turn off. That's 'cos we're law abiding citizens ( haven't paid taxes yet ! :eek: ) ..or wimps..whichever way you want to look at it ;)

Reckon you must have to walk thru National park to get to some of the little bays...bet they're pretty empty if you don't mind the walk ( except for August of course). :cool:

Dogs not allowed on beach here either but lots of dunes with paths through them leading to cliffy bits ....dog decided to drop her ball over cliff..thanks Cassie !!!...Alex refused to climb down and get it !!! :eek: great for walking the dog and a nice ramble .