
Spiaggia di Torre Lapillo
A breathtaking stretch of white sand and shallow turquoise waters, often called the 'Maldives of Salento'.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Paradise before the crowds

Spiaggia di Torre Lapillo
Best Time
Paradise before the crowds

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A breathtaking stretch of white sand and shallow turquoise waters, often called the 'Maldives of Salento'.
"Honestly don’t bother going in August. Hardly any free sand, all space is either taken up by enormous, overpriced beach clubs."

🎯 Arrive Early for Free Beach
Beat the crowds and secure a spot on the free beach by arriving before 9 AM.
📅 Book Beach Clubs Ahead
If you want a spot at a lido, reserve umbrellas and chairs well in advance, especially on weekends.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

White Sand Beaches
Entire stretch of Spiaggia di Torre Lapillo
Miles of soft, white sand meeting crystal-clear, shallow turquoise waters. Pure paradise!

Shallow, Crystal-Clear Waters
Shoreline of Spiaggia di Torre Lapillo
Perfect for families and wading, the water is warm, calm, and incredibly transparent.

Sunset Views
Western facing parts of the beach
As the day winds down, the sky ignites with color over the tranquil sea.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds: Timing is Everything
Embrace the Salento Vibe
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive Early for Free Beach
Beat the crowds and secure a spot on the free beach by arriving before 9 AM.
📅 Book Beach Clubs Ahead
If you want a spot at a lido, reserve umbrellas and chairs well in advance, especially on weekends.
🚗 Parking Tips
Parking can be challenging. Arrive early or consider visiting in the evening for easier parking.
👟 Comfortable Footwear
While the sand is soft, walking between beach clubs or to amenities might require comfortable shoes. :athletic_shoe:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Early for Free Beach
Beat the crowds and secure a spot on the free beach by arriving before 9 AM.
📅 Book Beach Clubs Ahead
If you want a spot at a lido, reserve umbrellas and chairs well in advance, especially on weekends.
🚗 Parking Tips
Parking can be challenging. Arrive early or consider visiting in the evening for easier parking.
👟 Comfortable Footwear
While the sand is soft, walking between beach clubs or to amenities might require comfortable shoes. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Capture the Blue Hour
The water's vibrant blue is stunning. Golden hour and sunset offer magical photo opportunities. :camerawithflash:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Spiaggia di Torre Lapillo is celebrated for its breathtaking white sand and crystal-clear, shallow turquoise waters, often dubbed the 'Maldives of Salento'. While its natural beauty is universally praised, visitors frequently mention it can become extremely crowded, especially on weekends and in peak season, with limited free space. Booking beach clubs in advance is highly recommended for a more comfortable experience.
"Wonderful sea water, a bit too growded for my taste and a bit to fancy the paid area, but the free area is extremely crowded. Maybe because is friday and during the weekend is better. Nevertheless the nature part is wonderful."
Georgiana Nedelea
"Honestly don’t bother going in August. Hardly any free sand, all space is either taken up by enormous, overpriced beach clubs or tiny patches of overcrowded sand between them. Such a shame as out of season it’s probably beautiful. We arrived at 9am to beat the crowds and were so disappointed!"
Lucy Peacock
"Absolute nightmare on weekends. We were at the beach at 9:30 and every umbrella was sold out. We tried at 6 different beach bars and they were all sold out. Apparently you have to reserve in advance but none of the bars mention this in their google profile. After almost 2 hours walking along the beach we found 2 umbrellas at the last line in one of the cafes and barely had space to move around and to walk to the water. Deffinitely not the right beach if you want to relax and breathe."
Virzhinia Kostova
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Spiaggia di Torre Lapillo is located in Porto Cesareo, in the Salento region of Puglia, Italy. The nearest major airport is Brindisi (BDS). From Brindisi, you can rent a car (approx. 1-hour drive) or take a train to Lecce and then a bus or taxi to Porto Cesareo. Many visitors opt for a car to explore the Salento coast.
Parking can be very difficult, especially during peak season and on weekends. Arriving very early in the morning (before 9 AM) or later in the afternoon is advised. Some beach clubs offer parking for their clients.
While buses run to Porto Cesareo, getting directly to the beach might require a local taxi or a walk, depending on your drop-off point. Having a car offers the most flexibility for exploring the area.
Once you're at Torre Lapillo, the beach is the main attraction. If you're staying nearby, walking is easy. For exploring other beaches in the Salento region, a car is highly recommended.
During peak season, some local tourist services might offer shuttles from nearby towns to popular beaches like Torre Lapillo, but this is not always guaranteed and can vary year to year. It's best to check with local tourist information offices.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, the main beach area of Spiaggia di Torre Lapillo is free to access. You can lay your towel on the sand without charge. However, the beach is lined with 'lidos' or beach clubs that offer services like sunbeds, umbrellas, and bars for a fee.
Prices vary significantly between beach clubs and the season. Expect to pay anywhere from €15-€30 for a set of umbrella and two sunbeds for the day, with prices potentially higher in August or at more exclusive lidos.
It is highly recommended, especially if you plan to visit on a weekend or during July/August. Many visitors report that all umbrellas are sold out by 9:30 AM if not reserved.
Beach clubs typically open around 9 AM and stay open until sunset or later, offering food and drinks. The free beach area is accessible from sunrise to sunset.
No, the beach itself is public and free to enter. The costs are associated with renting equipment or using the facilities at the private beach clubs (lidos).
🎫 🏖️ Onsite Experience
The sand is incredibly fine, soft, and white, often compared to powdered sugar or flour. It's a key reason for its 'Maldives of Salento' nickname.
Absolutely! The water is very shallow for a long distance, warm, and calm, making it ideal and safe for children to play and swim.
Beach clubs offer amenities like sunbeds, umbrellas, bars, restaurants, and restrooms. The free beach areas have fewer facilities, so bring your own supplies if you opt for those.
Shade on the free beach is scarce, especially during peak hours. It's advisable to bring your own umbrella or arrive very early to secure a good spot.
Besides swimming and sunbathing, you can enjoy water sports (often available at lidos), snorkeling in the clear waters, and simply relaxing. The sunset is also a major draw.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the beach is lined with numerous beach clubs (lidos) that have restaurants, bars, and cafes serving local specialties, seafood, and drinks.
You'll find a range of options from casual snacks and pizza to more formal seafood dinners. Many places offer fresh local produce and Puglian dishes.
You are generally allowed to bring your own food and drinks to the free beach areas. However, beach clubs may have policies against outside food and beverages.
Yes, there are supermarkets and small shops within walking distance of the beach in the Torre Lapillo area, convenient for stocking up on picnic supplies.
Prices at beach clubs can be on the higher side, typical for tourist areas. Expect to pay more than in town. A meal at a lido restaurant could range from €15-€30 per person.
📸 📸 Photography
Early morning light offers soft, beautiful illumination and fewer crowds. The golden hour before sunset provides warm, dramatic light, and the 'blue hour' just after sunset is also magical.
The striking contrast between the white sand, the incredibly clear turquoise and blue waters, and the vast sky makes it a photographer's dream. The shallow waters create beautiful reflections.
The entire stretch of beach offers great views. For wider shots, try to get to a slightly elevated position if possible, or simply capture the expanse of sand and sea. The Torre Lapillo itself (a tower) can also be a photographic element.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the vastness of the beach. Polarizing filters can enhance the colors of the water and sky. A drone can offer spectacular aerial views, but check local regulations. :camerawithflash:
Drone regulations in Italy can be strict. Always check the latest rules and obtain necessary permits before flying a drone over beaches or populated areas. Local authorities may have specific restrictions. :camerawithflash:
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
📸 Photographers & Content Creators
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The 'Maldives of Salento' Experience
While the natural beauty is undeniable, the experience can be divided. The free beach areas offer a taste of this paradise, but they can become extremely crowded, especially during peak season and weekends. Many visitors opt for the 'lidos' – private beach clubs that offer amenities like sunbeds, umbrellas, and services for a fee. These can provide a more comfortable, albeit more expensive, experience. However, even these can be fully booked if not reserved in advance.
Navigating Crowds and Finding Your Spot
If you prefer the convenience of a beach club, booking your umbrella and sunbeds well in advance is crucial. Many visitors have been disappointed by finding all spots taken, even when arriving early. Research different lidos beforehand and contact them to reserve your spot. For those seeking a quieter experience, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons (May, June, September) when the weather is still pleasant but the crowds are significantly thinner.
Beyond the Beach: Local Charm and Amenities
While the beach itself can feel very developed with its lidos, the nearby town of Porto Cesareo offers a more traditional Italian coastal town experience with its harbor, shops, and local life. The proximity to other famous Salento beaches like Punta Prosciutto also makes Torre Lapillo a great base for exploring the wider coastline.

Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit