The Best Beaches in Salento for Infants and Toddlers

The dazzling white of Pescoluse, the emerald green of the Ionian Sea at Porto Cesareo, the crystal-clear turquoise of Baia dei Turchi: Salento isn’t just one of Italy’s most beautiful destinations—it’s a place children will never forget.
But not all of Salento’s beaches are the same, and when traveling with little ones, your choice really makes a difference. Gently sloping seabeds, soft sand to play on, and beaches with changing tables and shade: these are the things that really matter.
In this guide, we’ll take you to the Salento beaches best suited for young children and infants, from the Adriatic to the Ionian coast, starting with those awarded the Green Flag—the recognition given annually by Italian pediatricians to the safest and most family-friendly beaches.

Salento’s Green Flag Beaches 2026

The Green Flag is the award given annually by Italian pediatricians to the beaches best suited for children: shallow, gradually sloping waters, soft sand, space to play, family-friendly amenities, and lifeguards on the shore.
In 2026, there are 164 certified beaches throughout Italy, 153 of which are along the Italian coastline.
Puglia remains among the most highly awarded regions with 13 Green Flags, ranking fourth nationally, tied with the Marche region—a result that confirms just how family-friendly this region is.
In Salento, the award-winning locations are:
(list)

Pescoluse in particular, also known as "the Maldives of Salento", is among the beaches in Italy that have received this award for the most consecutive years: in 2026, it will mark its seventeenth consecutive year of recognition, a record that speaks volumes about the consistent quality it offers families.

Beaches on the Adriatic Sea

Among the countless beaches in Salento along the Adriatic, here are two that are truly perfect for young children: Torre dell'Orso and Baia dei Turchi.

Torre dell’Orso, San Foca, and Marine di Meledugno

The Marine di Melendugno beaches have been awarded both the Green Flag and Blue Flag certifications. Characterized by long stretches of golden sand and jagged cliffs overlooking the turquoise sea, this stretch of coastline offers a natural and picturesque setting.

Among these, the beaches of Torre dell’Orso and San Foca are particularly well-suited for young children thanks to their wide, inviting sandy areas, where they can play safely and build sandcastles under their parents’ watchful eyes.
The shallow, sandy seabed makes the water safe for children, who can swim peacefully under their parents’ watchful eyes. In addition, there are numerous equipped beaches along the coast that offer family-friendly amenities, such as umbrellas, lounge chairs, and children’s toys, ensuring comfort and convenience during a day at the beach.

TIP: If you’re in the area, don’t miss the stunning Grotta della Poesia, famous for its natural beauty and crystal-clear waters that reflect the turquoise and green hues of the sea. It’s a fascinating place, surrounded by cliffs and overlooking the Adriatic Sea, which attracts tourists and visitors from all over the world.

The name “Grotta della Poesia” comes from the legend that ancient poets would gather here to find inspiration from its clear waters and natural formations. Today, the cave is a popular spot for swimming and snorkeling, thanks to its transparent waters and abundant marine life. Furthermore, the Grotta della Poesia is also an important archaeological site, with artifacts dating back to Roman times that attest to ancient human presence in this area.

Boat tours depart from San Foca to explore the coast and the Grotta della Poesia.
Click here for more information Boat Tours in San Foca, Salento

Credits: Photo by Mariachiara Minoia from Pixabay Torre dell'Orso Beach

Baia dei Turchi in Otranto

Among the many breathtaking beaches, there is a hidden gem that stands out for its beauty and its suitability for families: Baia dei Turchi.
This enchanting beach, a 10-minute drive from Otranto, is an ideal choice for families with young children.
The Baia dei Turchi is a small cove located within the “Costa Otranto – Santa Maria di Leuca and Bosco di Tricase” Regional Nature Park.
The water here is notoriously calm and shallow, making it perfect for children. Parents can relax on the golden sand while the little ones explore the crystal-clear waters. In addition, the beach is often supervised by professional lifeguards who keep an eye on young swimmers.

To reach Baia dei Turchi from Lecce, take the SP366 toward Otranto. Once you arrive in Otranto, follow the signs for Baia dei Turchi. You can park your car nearby and walk to the beach through the pine forest.
Given this beach’s great popularity, we recommend that families arrive very early; during the tourist season, the area gets quite crowded.

The Beaches of the Ionian Coast

San Pietro in Bevagna

On the Ionian side of the Taranto area, we find a gem perfect for the whole family: San Pietro in Bevagna.
The sea is a breathtaking shade of turquoise, and the seabed is sandy, with a few smooth rocks perfect for diving off. Long stretches of soft sand let you spend the day in comfort, and the various beach clubs in the area offer amenities ranging from restrooms to shower stalls.
San Pietro in Bevagna is a beach suitable for infants and young children because the shore is shallow, and you have to walk a few meters before the water gets deep. The town overlooking the beach has all the amenities you need, from supermarkets to pharmacies.
Furthermore, for those who wish to spend the evening in San Pietro in Bevagna, during the summer months, carnival rides are set up at the town entrance—perfect for creating special memories with your children.

San Pietro in Bevagna is very accessible; there are several paid parking lots, as well as free parking near the beach clubs, not far from the beaches. Just venture into the town’s narrow streets and look for the parking spot closest to the sea.

Punta Prosciutto and Torre Lapillo

The prestigious British newspaper The Guardian has brought these two little-known but spectacular beaches to its readers’ attention: Punta Prosciutto and Torre Lapillo.
Both are located in the Porto Cesareo marina, with Punta Prosciutto included in the Palude del Conte and Duna Costiera Nature Reserve.

Let’s start with the beach at Punta Prosciutto, which is perhaps the lesser-known of the two. Among the various beaches in Salento, this one is perhaps the favorite among families with very young children.
Easy to reach even with a stroller, it offers plenty of free stretches of beach, so be sure to bring your own beach umbrellas and towels. There are also a few beach clubs—not too many—that provide services even to those who haven’t rented an umbrella.
As with all beaches on the Ionian Sea, Punta Prosciutto is at its best on days when the tramontana wind blows, when the sea is as flat as a board—perfect for playing with children in the water.

Torre Lapillo takes its name from the watchtower located there, also known as Torre di San Tommaso.
Here, the sea shimmers in shades ranging from green to sky blue, and the sand is pure white. The water is shallow here as well, making it ideal for swimming with young children. For those looking for fully equipped beach clubs, Stella Maris is the top recommendation. It features attentive lifeguards and facilities for infants.

Before or after a lovely day at the beach, we recommend visiting the interior of the tower, which houses the Torre Lapillo Museum of Marine Biology.
Inside the museum, visitors can admire a vast collection of shells from all over the world; the exhibition allows you to explore marine biodiversity and gain a better understanding of the region’s coastal ecosystems.
The museum is a great destination for families, as children can have fun discovering the wonders of the sea while learning at the same time.
One of the museum’s main attractions is the opportunity to climb to the top of the tower to enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of the coast and the crystal-clear waters of the Ionian Sea.
⚠️Warning! The stairs leading up to the tower are not suitable for strollers.

Porto Cesareo

The beaches of Porto Cesareo have become very famous thanks to their wonderful blue sea.
Green Flag since 2016, the beach at Porto Cesareo is teeming with children playing peacefully at the water’s edge, building sandcastles or dipping their toes in the water. The water remains very shallow for many meters, which is why Porto Cesareo is an excellent place to teach children to swim or to take a refreshing stroll in the water.

Along the beach, there are many beach clubs designed to make the stay enjoyable for families with even very young children. The Tabù and Le Dune beach clubs offer paid parking, child-friendly amenities such as changing tables in the restrooms, menus for little ones, and recreational activities.
In addition to the child-friendly beach, Porto Cesareo also offers an immersive experience at the Porto Cesareo Museum of Marine Biology. Here, children can discover the wildlife that inhabits this part of Salento, such as seabirds and fish.

Given its great popularity, Porto Cesareo tends to get very crowded as soon as the weather starts to warm up. It’s therefore a good idea to arrive early or visit in the afternoon to avoid the crowds.

Gallipoli

Gallipoli, also known as “the beautiful city,” is a jewel of the Ionian coast of Salento, in Puglia. This charming town offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and entertainment. The medieval part of Gallipoli, with its narrow streets and ancient walls, tells stories of a glorious past.
The lively and picturesque marina is the beating heart of the city, where local fishermen sell the day’s fresh catch and restaurants serve delicacies made with freshly caught seafood.
Gallipoli’s nightlife is renowned for its bars and clubs, which offer music and entertainment late into the night.

Gallipoli’s beaches, awarded the Green Flag, are a true paradise for families; among them, Padula Bianca and Baia Verde stand out.
Padula Bianca is a quiet, well-equipped beach, ideal for young children thanks to its shallow, safe waters. Baia Verde, famous for its golden sand and crystal-clear waters, offers numerous amenities, including playgrounds and children’s entertainment, making it a perfect destination for a family vacation.

Marina di Pescoluse

Awarded the Green Flag—the recognition granted by Italian pediatricians—for many years, Marina di Pescoluse is known as “the Maldives of Salento” both for the beach of the same name and for its crystal-clear waters, which are very reminiscent of the stunning Maldives, islands in the Indian Ocean.
The stretch of soft, white sand is perfect for little ones, ideal for taking lovely walks or playing with buckets and spades. There are convenient walkways leading down to the water’s edge, making it easy to navigate with a stroller. The area features both public beaches and well-equipped private beaches.
The water is shallow at the shore, making it ideal for families with very young children. The best times to visit these beaches are June and early July. From then until the first half of August, it gets very crowded, especially on weekends.

Marina di Pescoluse is located on the Ionian coast of Salento and is a hamlet of the municipality of Salve, in the province of Lecce.

It is easily accessible by car from both Otranto and Gallipoli.
If you decide to park at the “Maldive del Salento” beach club, parking is subject to a fee. Alternatively, there is a paid municipal parking lot nearby, as well as several free parking lots, though these require a short walk to reach the beach.
For those who prefer to use public transportation, the Salento bus service Salento by Bus service is active, connecting Marina di Pescoluse to other cities.
Those wishing to take the train to Marina di Pescoluse should travel to the Ruggiano-Salve station and take a bus from there.

Practical Information for a Vacation in Salento with Kids

Are you planning a vacation in Salento with kids?
Discover the best family-friendly accommodations in Salento: hotels, resorts, farmhouses, and campgrounds handpicked for families.

In addition to the beaches, Salento has plenty to offer families.
Explore all the activities and experiences to enjoy in Puglia with kids: caves, villages, hikes, and much more.