
Polignano a Mare: Italy's Puglia region has 800 kilometers of coastline, including several of Italy's most beautiful beaches. Among them is Polignano a Mare, a fjord-like cove surrounded by cliffs.

Bridge view: Polignano's main cove is flanked by a beautiful Bourbon-era bridge which offers great views of the waterfront and passes over a secluded entrance to the beach.

Clifftop escapes: When the beach gets too crowded, locals escape to terraces on the surrounding cliffs, which lead to a warren of tiny streets containing shops and restaurants.

Cave dining: Polignano has numerous great fish restaurants, including some carved into cliffside grottoes.

High adrenaline: Polignano's steep sides make it an ideal venue for cliff diving contests.

Gallipoli: Farther round Italy's heel, Gallipoli offers an attractive crescent of sand overlooked by a historic fortress.

Ionian Pearl: Known as the "Pearl of the Ionian Sea," Gallipoli's beach is famed for its golden sand and fluorescent blue seas.

Torre dell Orso: This crescent-shaped sand beach is known for the its coastal rock formations and his a popular draw for cliff divers.

Torre Guaceto: This beach features the crumbling ruins of a medieval irate lookout tower.

Gargano: With 150 kilometers of largely unspoiled coastline, the Gargano National Park has plenty of hidden beaches and inlets.

Porto Selvaggio: On the west coast of Salento, this protected marine area has a stunning pebble beach surrounded by low cliffs.

Alimini Lakes: A long beach of fine white sand and clear turquoise waters can be found where the saltwater Alimini Grande pours into the sea.