Santa Maria Al Bagno Holidays

Santa Maria Al Bagno's 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 close to a bustling piazza.

If you’re looking for a place to relax, Santa Maria Al Bagno Beach is just the ticket. It’s got an out-of-the-way feel, and the golden sands and clear waters are real attention-grabbers. There are a handful of eateries dotted around the edges, where you can tuck into fresh seafood.

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's a modern hub filled with shops and restaurants. On the water’s edge, meanwhile, the old town's marked by 14th-century walls, a traditional fishing port and Baroque-style churches.

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.