Santa Maria Al Bagno

Holidays to Santa Maria Al Bagno set you up for countryside strolls, sunbathing, and days out in Gallipoli.

Fishing village

Santa Maria Al Bagno is ideal for dodging the crowds. You’ll find it on the west coast of Italy’s heel, so bright-blue waters and freshly-netted seafood are guaranteed. Holidaymakers mainly visit for its unspoiled beach, which sits right in the middle of a bustling piazza.

Cove-shaped beach

If you’re looking for a place to relax, look no further than Santa Maria Al Bagno Beach. It’s got an out-of-the-way feel, as it’s perched on the edge of the town. And it’s the golden sands and clear waters that turns heads. Plus, there are a handful of eateries dotted around the edges, where you can tuck into fresh seafood.

Close to Gallipoli

Stay in Santa Maria Al Bagno and you’ll be 20 minutes’ drive from Gallipoli. You’ll get a two-for-one kind of deal here. The centre of the town is a modern hub filled with shops and restaurants. On the water’s edge, meanwhile, the old town is marked by its 14th-century walls, a traditional fishing port and Baroque-style churches.

Back to nature

A 20-minute drive up the coast gets you to one of Puglia’s most prized attractions – the Porto Selvaggio nature reserve. Its rocky coastline stretches out for a whopping five kilometres, taking in caves, thick green forests, and a beach that’s been voted one of the best in Italy.