Punta della Suina - a small plant sticking out of the sand
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Punta della Suina

4.2
·12k reviews·, Italy

A breathtaking natural paradise on the Ionian coast, famed for its crystal-clear turquoise waters and stunning sunsets.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, better spots

CrowdLow
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Punta della Suina - a small plant sticking out of the sand

Punta della Suina

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, better spots

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A breathtaking natural paradise on the Ionian coast, famed for its crystal-clear turquoise waters and stunning sunsets.

4.2
(12k reviews)

"Spectacular place, a true paradise on earth with amazing water color!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Parking Fees

Expect to pay €5-€8 for parking. Arrive early to secure a spot closer to the beach.

💰 Sunbed & Umbrella Costs

Prices vary greatly (€28-€100+). Consider bringing your own towel to sit on the sand.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Caribbean-like Waters

Caribbean-like Waters

Ionian Sea coast

Experience incredibly clear, turquoise waters that rival the Caribbean. Perfect for swimming and soaking up the sun.

Spectacular Sunsets

Spectacular Sunsets

Western-facing coast

Witness breathtaking sunsets painting the sky with vibrant colors over the Ionian Sea. A truly magical end to a beach day.

Natural Park Setting

Natural Park Setting

Parco Naturale Regionale di Punta della Suina e Isola di Sant'Andrea

Nestled within a protected natural park, enjoy the rugged coastline, low rocks, and small sandy coves surrounded by nature.

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Planning Your Visit

Beat the Crowds & Heat

Punta della Suina is stunning but gets packed, especially in July/August. Aim for early mornings or late afternoons to snag a good spot and enjoy the best light for photos. Consider visiting on a weekday if possible to avoid weekend crowds.

Budgeting for Your Beach Day

While the natural beauty is free, amenities like sunbeds and umbrellas can be pricey, especially during peak season. Reviews suggest prices can range from €28 to €100 for a set. Bringing your own snacks and drinks is highly recommended to avoid expensive and potentially disappointing food options at the beach bar.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, better spots
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Golden hour for photos
Crowd
Medium
When
Shoulder season (June/September)
Why
Pleasant weather, fewer people
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Tour di 1 giorno nel cuore del Salento, zona Gallipoli 🇮🇹☀️
1️⃣ Spiaggia Punta della Suina: una delle spiagge più spettacolari dello Ionio, acqua cristallina e sabbia bianchissima (consigliabile con tramontana)
 2️⃣ Gallipoli: tra vicoli storici, mare e tradizione è la perla dello Ionio
Ho parcheggiato qui (40.0574, 17.9759)
 3️⃣ Baia di Porto Selvaggio: 30 min (A/R) di trekking tra pineta e scogl...
@manfredi_rf
64.3K likes • 841.5K views

🚗 Parking Fees

Expect to pay €5-€8 for parking. Arrive early to secure a spot closer to the beach. TikTokReddit

💰 Sunbed & Umbrella Costs

Prices vary greatly (€28-€100+). Consider bringing your own towel to sit on the sand. Reddit

Ragazzi, oggi vi consiglio cinque spiagge da vedere nel Salento sulla costa ionica. 🤩 1️⃣ Partiamo dalla spiaggia di Punta della Suina, colori meravigliosi quando soffia scirocco. 2️⃣ La spiaggetta di Santa Maria al Bagno, stupenda quando soffia scirocco. 3️⃣ Le due spiaggette di Santa Caterina, ideali quando soffia tramontana. Qui, c’è anche la Stanza dei Bagni. 4️⃣ La spiaggia Le Dune di Porto C...
@antonio.rotundo
10.9K likes • 588.9K views
Ragazzi, oggi vi porto alla scoperta della Punta della Suina, una delle poche spiagge sullo Ionio perfetta anche quando soffia vento di scirocco. 📍 Siamo nel territorio di Gallipoli, poco più a sud, accanto alla riserva di Punta Pizzo. Qui il mare è caraibico, con un azzurro acceso che incanta. E quando arriva il tramonto… lo spettacolo è assicurato. ☀️ La zona è attrezzata, con bar, lido e parc...
antoniorotundo81
370 likes • 21.5K views

🥪 Bring Your Own Snacks

The beach bar has limited, often disappointing options and high prices. Pack your own food and drinks! InstagramReddit

🚿 Shower Fees

Showers are not included and cost extra (€1 for 45 seconds). Plan accordingly. Reddit

Punta della Suina si trova a pochi chilometri da Gallipoli, nel Parco Naturale Regionale Isola di Sant’Andrea e litorale di Punta Pizzo. La spiaggia fa parte del litorale ionico ed è una delle località più amate da turisti e dai locali! #puntadellasuina #salento #puglia #apulia #summer #estate2024 #spiaggia #mare #italia #vacanze #holiday #sud #italia #drone #mini3pro
uccioandrisani
73 likes • 2.8K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Parking Fees

Expect to pay €5-€8 for parking. Arrive early to secure a spot closer to the beach. TikTokReddit

💰 Sunbed & Umbrella Costs

Prices vary greatly (€28-€100+). Consider bringing your own towel to sit on the sand. Reddit

🥪 Bring Your Own Snacks

The beach bar has limited, often disappointing options and high prices. Pack your own food and drinks! InstagramReddit

🚿 Shower Fees

Showers are not included and cost extra (€1 for 45 seconds). Plan accordingly. Reddit

💨 Wind Considerations

Best enjoyed with 'tramontana' (north wind), but can also be beautiful with 'scirocco' (south wind). TikTok+1

⏰ Beat the Crowds

Arrive early, especially in high season, to get the best spots and avoid the biggest crowds. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Explore the Coves

Beyond the main beach, discover smaller, more secluded coves along the coastline. TikTok

What Travellers Say

4.2
(12k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Punta della Suina is lauded for its spectacular, Caribbean-like turquoise waters and beautiful natural setting, making it a true paradise for many. However, visitors frequently point out the high costs for amenities like parking, sunbeds, and food, alongside mixed experiences with staff and limited dining options. The beach can also become extremely crowded during peak season.

"Spectacular place , a true paradise on earth 🌴✨
Because of the reviews about the bar, we decided to bring our own food and drinks. You pay for the sunbed, but the guy who helps with the sunbeds deserves a special mention. In our case, due to the wind, he moved them twice for us—always with a smile and great attitude. A nice touch that we really appreciated!"

Adrian A.B.

"The beach itself is naturally beautiful, and the sea has an amazing color. However, the management is really poor. From the moment we entered, we faced problems and very high prices. Parking costs €8. Entrance for 2 people with 2 sunbeds was €50, and despite that, even the showers are not included. You have to pay €1 for every 45-second shower.
All the staff are unfriendly and constantly rude. They don’t speak English, so ordering anything turns into a frustrating experience. They misunderstood all of our orders and overcharged us.The café menu is also terrible — only 2 or 3 food options, and those are either stale or tasteless. I ended up paying €24 for a very, very bad sandwich.
You should be very careful about theft. There are too many vendors inside the beach area, and they feel unsafe. The only reason this place has good reviews is because of the sea nothing else deserves a good rating."

Yigit Guler

"Very nice beach with reazonable prices, parking 5 euros, beach chairs and uimbrella 28 euros. Beware of the beach bar, 2 san pellegrino tonic cans 8 euros."

silvio Lopez

What People Like

Stunning turquoise waters
Beautiful natural scenery
Spectacular sunsets

What People Dislike

High prices for amenities
Crowded during peak season
Limited/expensive food options

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Punta della Suina is located a few kilometers south of Gallipoli along the Ionian coast. You can reach it by car, following the coastal road. Parking is available nearby, though it comes with a fee. Some TikTok videos mention specific parking coordinates. TikTok+1

While public transport options might be limited, it's worth checking local bus schedules from Gallipoli. Renting a car or scooter offers the most flexibility for exploring the Salento region, including Punta della Suina. Reddit

Driving is the most convenient way to reach Punta della Suina, offering flexibility to explore the surrounding Salento area. If you don't have a car, consider renting one or a scooter for easier access. Instagram

Yes, parking is available near the beach and typically costs between €5-€8 for the day. One TikTok video provided specific coordinates for parking. TikTokReddit

Walking from Gallipoli to Punta della Suina is possible but quite a distance. It's more practical to drive or take local transport to save time and energy for enjoying the beach. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The beach itself is within a natural park and generally free to access. However, you will pay for parking and any amenities like sunbeds and umbrellas. Reddit

Prices for sunbeds and umbrellas can be quite high, ranging from €28 to over €100, especially during peak season. It's advisable to check current prices upon arrival or consider bringing your own towel. Reddit

Be aware of additional costs for services like showers (€1 for 45 seconds) and potentially for the beach bar. Bringing your own food and drinks is a good way to manage expenses. Reddit

During peak season, it's a good idea to arrive early to secure sunbeds, as they can fill up quickly. Booking in advance might be an option, but it's not always explicitly advertised. Reddit

Punta della Suina is a natural beach area, so it doesn't have strict opening hours like a resort. You can visit from sunrise to sunset, but amenities like the bar and sunbed rentals will have their own operating times. TikTok

🎫 🏖️ Onsite Experience

Punta della Suina features fine, white sand, contributing to its picturesque beauty. The coastline also includes low rocks and small coves, offering varied beach experiences. TikTok+1

Absolutely! The water at Punta della Suina is renowned for its crystal-clear, turquoise color, making it ideal for swimming and enjoying the sea. TikTokInstagram

There is a beach bar offering limited food and drink options. Sunbeds and umbrellas are available for rent at a significant cost. Showers are also available but are metered. Reddit

Yes, Punta della Suina can get very crowded, especially during the peak summer months of July and August. Arriving early is recommended to find a good spot. Reddit

The water temperature is typical for the Ionian Sea during summer, generally warm and pleasant for swimming from late spring through early autumn. Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

The beach bar at Punta della Suina has a very limited menu, with reviews suggesting it's often stale or tasteless. It's highly recommended to bring your own food and drinks. Reddit

While the immediate beach area has limited options, you can find more dining choices in nearby Gallipoli or other towns along the Salento coast. TikTok

Food and drinks at the beach bar are reportedly very expensive. For example, two cans of tonic water were priced at €8 in one review. Reddit

Yes, bringing your own food and drinks is strongly advised due to the limited and overpriced options at the beach bar. InstagramReddit

Reviews indicate very few food options, often described as stale or tasteless. It's best not to rely on the beach bar for a satisfying meal. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The 'golden hour' during late afternoons and evenings offers spectacular light for photography, especially for capturing the vibrant sunset. Early mornings also provide beautiful light with fewer crowds. TikTokInstagram

The crystal-clear turquoise waters, the rugged coastline with its coves, and the dramatic sunsets are the most photogenic elements. The natural park setting also offers beautiful backdrops. TikTokInstagram

As Punta della Suina is part of a regional natural park, drone usage may be restricted. It's advisable to check local regulations before flying a drone to avoid any issues. TikTok

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive sea and coastline. A polarizing filter can help enhance the vibrant blues of the water. A tripod is useful for sunset shots. Instagram

Yes, even with crowds, you can find beautiful compositions by focusing on details, the water, or waiting for moments of relative calm. Early mornings or late afternoons are your best bet for clearer shots. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Punta della Suina's shallow, clear waters make it a good choice for families with children, offering a safe environment for splashing and playing. The fine sand is also great for building sandcastles. However, be prepared for the costs associated with amenities like sunbeds and umbrellas, which can add up quickly for a family. It's highly recommended to bring plenty of snacks and drinks, as the beach bar has limited and expensive options. Arriving early is key to securing a good spot and managing the crowds, which can be challenging with young children. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

For budget-conscious travelers, Punta della Suina requires some strategic planning. While the beach itself is free to access, parking fees (€5-€8) and the high cost of sunbeds/umbrellas (€28-€100+) are significant considerations. The best approach is to bring your own towels, umbrella, and a generous supply of food and drinks to avoid the expensive beach bar. Visiting during the shoulder season (June or September) might offer slightly lower prices for rentals. Reddit

📸 Photographers & Content Creators

Punta della Suina is a dream destination for photographers, especially during the golden hours of early morning and late afternoon. The vibrant turquoise waters, rugged coastline, and dramatic sunsets provide endless opportunities for stunning shots. While crowds can be a challenge, focusing on details, water textures, or finding quieter coves can yield excellent results. Consider a wide-angle lens and a polarizing filter to capture the essence of this beautiful location. TikTokInstagram+1

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Allure of Punta della Suina's Waters

Punta della Suina is celebrated for its stunningly clear, turquoise waters, often compared to the Caribbean. This vibrant hue is a result of the Ionian Sea's clarity and the sandy seabed. The water is shallow near the shore, making it ideal for swimming and wading, and it remains relatively warm throughout the summer months. Many visitors highlight the water's beauty as the primary reason for their visit, describing it as a true paradise. TikTokInstagram+1

The coastline itself is a mix of fine sand and low, rocky outcrops, creating picturesque coves. This varied landscape adds to the visual appeal and offers different areas to explore. The natural park setting further enhances the pristine environment, making the water appear even more inviting against the backdrop of Mediterranean vegetation. TikTok+1

Whether you're looking for a place to relax, swim, or simply admire the natural beauty, the exceptional quality of the water at Punta della Suina is an unforgettable feature that draws visitors from all over.

Navigating Costs and Amenities

While Punta della Suina offers breathtaking natural beauty, visitors should be prepared for associated costs. Parking fees typically range from €5 to €8 for the day. The rental of sunbeds and umbrellas can be a significant expense, with prices varying widely from around €28 to upwards of €100, particularly during peak season. This has led many visitors to recommend bringing their own towels and finding a spot on the sand to save money. Reddit

Beyond sunbeds, other amenities also come with a price tag. Showers, for instance, are metered, costing around €1 for a short 45-second use. The beach bar is another point of contention; reviews frequently mention limited food options, poor quality, and high prices, with one instance citing €8 for two tonic waters. Consequently, a common piece of advice from travelers is to pack your own food and drinks to avoid disappointment and manage your budget effectively. InstagramReddit

Despite these costs, some visitors have noted positive interactions with staff, particularly those assisting with sunbeds, who are described as helpful and friendly. However, the overall sentiment regarding staff and service at the bar can be mixed, with some reporting unfriendly encounters and language barriers. It's wise to manage expectations regarding the convenience and cost of on-site services.

The Magic of Salento Sunsets

Punta della Suina is perfectly positioned on the Ionian coast, offering visitors a front-row seat to some of the most spectacular sunsets in the Salento region. As the sun begins to dip below the horizon, the sky transforms into a canvas of vibrant oranges, pinks, and purples, reflecting beautifully on the calm sea. This daily spectacle is a major draw for both locals and tourists, creating a truly magical atmosphere. TikTokInstagram

Many visitors highlight the sunset as a peak experience, often describing it as a moment of pure bliss and a perfect end to a day at the beach. The changing light also offers incredible opportunities for photographers, with the golden hour casting a warm glow over the landscape. Capturing these moments can be a highlight of any trip to Punta della Suina. Instagram

To make the most of the sunset, consider staying at the beach until dusk. The atmosphere becomes more serene as the day-trippers depart, allowing for a more intimate experience with nature's grand finale. The combination of the beautiful coastline and the breathtaking sunset makes Punta della Suina a truly unforgettable destination.

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