Punta della Suina
A pine-backed stretch of coves near Gallipoli, once named one of Europe's most beautiful beaches.
Overview
Punta della Suina lies just south of Gallipoli on Salento's Ionian coast, a series of small coves among the rocks reached through a pine forest, with crystal-clear water throughout. It's been ranked among Europe's most beautiful beaches by international press, known for its scenery as much as its swimming. Facilities are present but modest, making it a good middle ground between a wild cove and a fully developed lido.
Good for
Public access
Free public access to the coves, reached by crossing the pine forest from the parking areas - a walk rather than a direct roadside entrance.
Beach clubs available: Limited or seasonal — sunbeds and umbrellas may be available in summer.
Umbrella and sunbed rental is available (typically €20-40 per day for two sunbeds and an umbrella), alongside bars, but this is a more modest setup than Gallipoli's larger lidos.
How to get there
By train: Gallipoli has its own station on the Ferrovie del Sud Est network, but Punta della Suina is a few kilometres south of town, so a bus, taxi or bike is needed for the final stretch.
By bus: The Salento in Bus network connects Lecce with Gallipoli, from where a local shuttle serves Punta della Suina in season.
Parking: By car: From Lecce, follow the SS101 towards Gallipoli, then the SP239 south past Baia Verde to Punta della Suina. Several paid parking areas serve the beach, generally charged at a flat daily rate (around €7); arriving early improves the chance of a free spot in some areas.
On foot: From the parking areas, a path through the pine forest leads to the coves - a short but genuine walk rather than a direct beach entrance.
Facilities
Practical tips
More about Punta della Suina
Punta della Suina sits just past Baia Verde, a short drive south of Gallipoli, and its reputation extends well beyond Salento: The Guardian has named it among the 40 most beautiful beaches in Europe and in the top five in Italy. The coastline here is broken into small coves among low rocks, backed by a pine forest that you cross to reach the water, with the sea staying clear and calm across most of the coves. Unlike some of Salento's more remote reserves, Punta della Suina does have facilities: umbrella and sunbed rental, bars for refreshments, and restrooms and showers, though it's a more modest, understated setup than the big lidos further along the coast. Prices for two sunbeds and an umbrella typically run from €20 to €40 a day in season. Parking includes several paid areas, generally charged at a flat daily rate, though arriving early can still turn up a free spot in some areas. From the car parks, the walk in crosses the pine forest before opening onto the coves. Punta della Suina works well for anyone who wants Salento's classic pine-and-rock coastline with a bit of comfort layered on top - not as wild as Porto Selvaggio, not as built-up as Gallipoli's main lidos, and consistently one of the most photogenic stops on this stretch of coast.
Location
Other beaches in Liguria are shown on the map — tap a pin to open its page.
Some links may be affiliate links, meaning we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Read our affiliate disclosure.