Beaches near Bari 

Some of Italy’s best beaches are situated near Bari along the picturesque coastline of the Adriatic Sea. The Puglia region boasts many of the most buzz-worthy coastal towns in Europe, as evidenced by their popularity on social media. With a mix of cliff-lined shores and stunning sandy beaches, the area around Bari is perfect for taking a dip or lazing in the sun. 

Bari and the surrounding coastal towns are also all over Instagram these days. The classic coastal Italian experience filled with Vespa rides and Aperol spritzes is readily available in Bari, and you'll be able to reach even more picturesque locales if you want to take a quick train ride up the coast. 

There are dozens of beach towns surrounding Bari worthy of a day trip or getaway. And if you need to store your bags while you hit the beach, Bounce has dozens of locations in Bari and nearby travel destinations so you can keep your valuables safe and dry. 

Our picks for the 7 best Bari beaches

Bari’s most famous beaches generally feature well-kept sandy areas perfect for comfortable swimming and sunbathing, but you can expect a pebble beach here and there. In terms of beach facilities, it really depends on which one you choose. A private beach club will offer premium amenities like cabanas or beachside service. Public beaches will be more stripped down, but they tend to be located near restaurants and have basic facilities for washing off. 

During the summer months, you'll enjoy the sunshine and hot temperatures, but the winter or autumn months offer smaller crowds and comfortable conditions for enjoying the beach and even swimming. Conditions of these beautiful beaches vary, but you can expect soft sand at most private beaches. There are a few remote destinations where there will be pebbly or even rocky terrain, but these offer a sort of rugged novelty that's part of the appeal. 

Pane e Pomodoro Beach

“Bread and Tomato Beach” is situated on the Eastern flank of Bari’s waterfront and is the go-to for locals looking for a place to sunbathe and swim. It’s a public beach with a few lidos, but it’s completely sandy and comfortable for lounging for everyone. Keep an eye out for locals selling umbrellas if you don't have one. 

Almost the entire stretch of the waterfront has soft sand, but there are pebbly areas on the periphery where you can find a little more space to spread out. You’ll also find platforms with ladders to skip the stony edge of the water and get straight to swimming and diving. The water is calm throughout the year, so the little ones will be able to splash around. Worried about damage to your electronics or other valuables? Simplify your visit by stopping at a Bounce facility on your way.

Beaches in Polignano a Mare

Perhaps the most famous beach destination for both Italian and foreign tourists, this little hamlet is perched above a limestone cliff. Situated a little over 30 minutes away from Bari by train, Pogliano a Mare is one of the most photogenic places in the world. There are a number of beaches within a short walk of the Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II, so this is a prime candidate for a weekend getaway.

The waters below the cliffs are crystal clear and perfect for cooling off after you explore the city center or bake in the sun for a few hours. You can charter a boat tour to explore the craggy coastline surrounding Polignano a Mare, or simply spend the entire time enjoying one of the beaches. 

Bounce has luggage storage facilities in Polignano a Mare, so you’ll be able to drop the bags off as soon as you get into town and hit the beach. It only takes a few minutes as checking the bags in is seamless and cashless.

• Lido Cala Cerasa: This tiny beach is tucked away between the cliffs and ocean and offers one of the more novel swimming environments. This public beach itself is fairly pebbly, but that comes with the territory when you're situated in such a unique location. There is an area with lounge chairs and umbrellas for more comfortable hangouts, but this beach is perfect for active swimmers who want to explore the grotto and caves along the cliffs. 
• Cala Paura: This pebbly beach is situated right in the center of Polignano a Mare near the historic part of town. It's a public beach that gets very large crowds during peak season, but there is usually enough room to set up a towel and enjoy people-watching for an afternoon. There are plenty of restaurants and cafés within a short walk of the water, but facilities are fairly limited. This beach is perfect if your accommodations are within walking distance. 

Lido San Francesco 

One of the best beaches located in Bari, Lido San Francesco alla Rena is a small sandy beach immediately accessible from the historic center. It’s a private beach club, but the sandy conditions make it popular even with locals. Perfect for swimming and sunbathing, this area along Bari’s waterfront boasts calm waters and a sandy basin for comfortable floating. You’ll find plenty of restaurants and pizzerias along with street food vendors slinging arancini. If you just got into town, you can head straight to the beach if you stop by a Bounce luggage storage facility to drop the bags off first.

Monopoli beaches 

Situated just down the coast from Bari, Monopoli is a larger town with a few of the area’s top beach destinations along with more than a few amazing historical landmarks to hit. Bounce has Monopoli covered! Drop the bags off when you get into town so you can enjoy the beach without having to worry about keeping track of your extra items.

• Cala Porta Vecchia: One of the best sandy beaches near Bari, Cala Porta Vecchia is situated right next to the city’s marina in a tiny crescent-shaped bay. It’s a small beach with few amenities, but the views of the ancient barrier walls provide a unique setting for swimming and sunbathing. 
• Lido Sabbiadoro: Except for a few rocks scattered about, this beach offers pillowy sand perfect for laying a blanket on or having the kids spread out and play. It does have some traditional lidos offering private cabanas and other amenities, but public beach guests can head to the nearby piazzas for refreshments fairly easily. 
• Lido Cala Cerasa: This pebble beach sits below a rocky cliff and a line of historic houses, giving off the quintessential Puglia beach experience. You’ll have a few lidos to rent chairs and umbrellas, but the primary amenities can be found at the beachside bar and pizzeria.  

Italy has amazing beaches, and Bari is no different. But if you’re planning a day at one of the many sandy beaches in this sunkissed corner of the Mediterranean, you’ll want to find a place to store your extra bags and beach gear when you're not using it. That’s where Bounce can help with luggage storage facilities in the best possible locations. You'll also have useful tools like the Bounce mobile app for easy booking and managing reservations.