Staying in the Quaint Seaside Town of Savelletri in Puglia

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Looking for the perfect relaxed coastal town in Puglia? Savelletri is the place! Discover all the reasons to love staying in Savelletri for your next trip to Puglia.

Through the parade of tourists that embody what Puglia is like in peak summer, we were lucky enough to stumble upon an unspoiled seaside town. Savelletri was the glimmer of hope we found to prove that not all beach towns in Puglia are made equal.

Neighborhood streets were peaceful, tidy, and pop songs weren’t being blasted at every restaurant. The sweet town of Savelletri has everything it should – an al fresco lined promenade, a marina filled with fishing boats, and picturesque balconies overflowing with flowers.

Still, it remains off the map for people visiting Puglia, which in our opinion, is by far its best quality.

In this guide, you’ll find our tips on exploring the quiet town of Savelletri in Puglia.

Where Is Savelletri in Puglia?

Concealed in the shadows of one of Puglia’s most popular cities, you’ll find the seaside town of Savelletri, just 17 km south of Monopoli. The town is situated on the Adriatic coastline and belongs to the province of Bari, which means it’s located in the northern section of Puglia.

Savelletri also happens to be the halfway point along the coast between the two port cities, Bari and Brindisi.

Savelletri is also known for its proper and full name of Savelletri di Fasano. The alternative name directly translates to Savelletri of Fasano. Fasano is a larger town located inland, 7 km from the sea and comune of Savelletri.

Why You Should Visit Savelletri

After visiting the widely known town of Polignano a Mare, it was a breath of fresh air to come across Savelletri. The town streets are calm, the main boardwalk is delightfully lively without being crowded, and it simply feels genuine without trying too hard.

For travellers looking to escape the overrun Instagram locations and hide away in a quaint seaside town in Puglia, Savelletri is the answer. We always love an underdog and Savelletri is that hidden gem of a beach town in Puglia we’ve been looking for.

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Although a small town, it has no shortage of stunning hotels and beachfront apartments. Travel a bit offshore, and you’ll find some of the most magnificent masserias (farmhouse estates) to stay in.

Overall, exploring Savelletri is manageable enough because everything is within a short walking distance, including the long list of incredible restaurants and bars with a view.

For those planning to explore, Savelletri is one of the best (yet overlooked) places to stay as a base in Puglia. It is less than 20 minutes from Monopoli and its many fantastic beaches, and less than an hour from Bari’s airport.

Travellers interested in visiting the cute towns of the Itria Valley (Valle d’Itria) are 30 minutes from Alberobello, Locorotondo, and Cisternino. Savelletri’s seaside location is certainly intriguing enough, but when combined with the possibilities of so many nearby attractions, it deserves more credit.

⭐️ THE VERDICT: Savelletri is recommended for couples, dining enthusiasts and anyone seeking a laidback vacation.

8 Lovely Things to Do in Savelletri di Fasano

1. Discover the Beaches

It wouldn’t be one of the best seaside towns in Puglia without a few beautiful beaches. From the heart of Savelletri, it’s possible to reach two convenient beaches on foot within a short walk. Since we were traveling with a young child, our preferred place to take a dip was this small inlet.

If you do as the locals do and don’t mind laying out along the rocky coves, there is no shortage of options near centre. One of the most notable characteristics of the shoreline near Savelletri are grassy areas. We truly don’t remember seeing lawns near any other beaches in all of Puglia except near Savelletri.

In the mood to splurge? Head to one of the many beach clubs like Coccaro Beach Club for a cold cocktail, comfy sunbed, and seafood lunch at your service. More beaches within five minutes of Savelletri include:

• Lido Ottagono
• Cala Pescatore
• Spiagge di Savelletri
• Lido Nenetta
• Cala Masciola

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2. Rent a Boat

Porto di Savelletri is one of Savelletri’s most prominent attractions, so why not take advantage of it? You’ll find plenty of boat rental agencies at the marina, offering options that include a skipper and boat tours.

Personally, we’re huge fans of boat rentals! It’s one of the few things we don’t mind spending on because it always ends up being well worth it. The port itself is also a lovely place for a stroll along the dock (Passeggio sul Molo di Ponente).

Along the southern side of the marina is where you’ll find a wonderful pedestrian promenade. It’s filled with outstanding seafood and outdoor seating to complete the whole ambiance.

3. Swim in 16th-Century Ruins

The fact that we stumbled upon Calette di Torre Cintola simply by driving along the coast is even more reason to embark on a road trip through Puglia

Just 10 minutes north of Savelletri is where you’ll find the opportunity to swim in natural pools created by ancient ruins. Hands down, it is one of the most unique swimming spots in all of southern Italy and a must-see.

On one end of the site, you’ll find Piscine Romane, a swimming pool carved into the rocks with crystal clear waters. Among the 16th-century ruins, you’ll even find small sections of sandy beaches. Unlike the few conventional lidos nearby, Calette di Torre Cintola is public and free to enjoy.

4. Spend the Morning at the Golf Course

Savelletri is home to one of the few golf courses in Puglia, particularly right near the coast. In fact, it wouldn’t be surprising to find out if certain visitors head to Savelletri just for this reason.

San Domenico Golf is a beloved course for anyone who enjoys the game, including families. With a view of the sea, a great restaurant, and no shortage of nearby luxury hotels, it’s one of the best options for when you need a break from the beach.

Not a golfer yourself? Head out to one of the regularly scheduled tournaments throughout the season hosted at the gorgeous course. Reference the San Domenico website directly for their latest tariffs and start planning your golf trip early!

5. Try Sea Urchin Pasta

One of the most iconic traditional meals found in seaside towns in Puglia is sea urchin pasta. The dish is simple yet decadent without being pretentious. It combines and highlights two ingredients without trying too hard – fresh sea urchin and pasta.

It is found in nearly any seafood restaurant you visit, especially in and near Savelletri. The first time we ever heard about urchin pasta was from an episode of Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown.

For years, we had pinned the exact restaurant (Ricciolandia) he went to, and when we finally visited, it felt surreal to imagine Bourdain sitting right there, enjoying a hearty plate.

6. Visit an Archaeological Museum

Being surrounded by one marvelous beach after another, it may be easy to forget that historic sites are just as celebrated attractions in Puglia. Museo Archeologico Di Egnazia is situated just five minutes from Savelletri di Fasano and is sure to impress any visitor, history fanatic or not.

Whether you’re gazing at the remains of an ancient Roman city or artefacts from lifetimes ago, it’s impossible to not find the exhibits interesting. The museum has multiple areas, including an indoor/covered section, preserved necropolis and the ruins of Egnazia – Città Romana visible from outside.

Travellers can visit on a whim as reservations are not required. It’s recommended to check the official website for ticket prices and opening hours.

7. Indulge in a Traditional Meal at a Beautiful Masseria

Travelling because you want to stay at a specific hotel, apartment or villa is nothing new. For us, it’s something we’ve actually increasingly begun to do more of as our experiences have grown (or perhaps due to getting older).

If you’re visiting Puglia and seeking the type of accommodation to make your entire trip, you must stay at or visit a masseria. A masseria is a type of estate built on the foundations of an old farmhouse. It is Puglia’s take on the rustic yet sophisticated hospitality experience that we travellers can’t get enough of.

The outskirts of Savelletri are packed with one stunning masseria after another. Owners who have completed full renovations implement their unique taste and design. An important feature to prioritize when seeking out a masseria is their dining options.

Since masserias are first and foremost built on the fundamentals of a farm, genuine ingredients and quality food should be emphasized. One travel rule you won’t ever regret following is this: Having an extraordinary meal in a splendid setting is always memorable and always worth it.

8. Take the Kids to Aquapark Egnazia

It’s unlikely that your trip to Savelletri will revolve around a water park, but nonetheless, it’s nice for parents to have the option close by. Aquapark Egnazia is an enjoyable and fun-filled place to take the kids and the entire family when, quite frankly, everyone has had enough of being salty all the time.

There’s a great variety of different sizes in pools, slides, and other activities. It’s certainly a crowd favorite for all ages. Prices are relatively affordable, and tickets are under €30 for adults with discounted tariffs for children.

Aquapark Egnazia is seasonal and only available to visit during the summer months. 

The Best Time to Visit Savelletri

It is certainly possible to visit a beach town outside of beach season, but doing so would mean that Savelletri loses some of its magic. Although staying in Savelletri outside of the hot months would guarantee you excellent deals on accommodation, it’s still recommended to visit from June – August

One of the things we found most beautiful about Savelletri is that even though we went there in July, it wasn’t overcrowded. So even though you definitely shouldn’t expect the same outcome for Alberobello or Lama Monachile, you don’t have to worry nearly as much about a swarm of tourists in Savelletri during peak season.

It’s no secret that travelling in September is always the sweet spot. Pleasant weather, affordable hotels, and fewer families to bump elbows with. If you are a shoulder-season sightseer, the only thing to be aware of is not to come too late in September.

The reason being, many restaurants in beach towns of Puglia are seasonal and may not be open, even during the second half of September.

Where to Stay In Savelletri

Masseria Cimino – CHECK PRICES

Masseria Sottomasi – CHECK PRICES

Masseria San Francesco – CHECK PRICES

Borgo Egnazia – CHECK PRICES

How to Reach Savelletri

Driving & Parking

Not only is getting to Savelletri by car a beautiful drive, but it’s also the most direct and convenient option when touring Puglia. Overall, the region of Puglia is best explored by driving, especially if you’re planning on visiting multiple places.

If you want to make stops on the way to Savelletri and enjoy the coastline, it’s recommended that you take the local road along the water. Departing from Bari to Savelletri will give you the chance to see Polignano a Mare, Monopoli, and Calette di Torre Cintola during the route.

For drivers seeking to get from point A to point B as quickly as possible, taking the E55 along the eastern part of Puglia is the best option. Anyone who may be uncertain about driving in Puglia can rest assured that it’s not difficult.

While it may get busy at times, this is mostly true when driving through larger towns and cities. As a good rule of thumb driving anywhere new, avoid city centres. 

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Not having to struggle with finding parking is yet another reason to love Savelletri. There is an abundance of street parking and small designated car parks. The best part is, they’re mostly free.

There is one thing to be mindful of when driving in Savelletri, and that is the huge number of one-way streets. We will admit, this made driving around the small town feel silly because it was taking way longer than it needed to due to the one-ways.

By Train & Bus

Despite the myth that train travel is super accessible everywhere in Europe, it’s not always the case. Most major cities or towns in Puglia are fairly well connected, but if you plan on venturing to lesser-known ones, it requires some extra steps.

To reach Savelletri by public transportation, one can take the train to the station in Fasano. Train routes to Fasano are common and as an example, a one-way from Bari to Fasano takes 30 minutes and costs under €5.

Afterwards, there is a local bus that makes a loop to Savelletri di Fasano and back a few times per day.

Savelletri Travel Resources

☔️ TRAVEL INSURANCE: EKTA or VisitorsCoverage

✈️ FLIGHTS: Skyscanner, CheapOair or Kiwi.com

🚙 CAR RENTALS: Discover Cars or Rentalcars.com

🚊 TRAINS & BUSES: Busbud, Trainline or Omio

🛳 FERRIES: Direct Ferries

🛌 ACCOMMODATION: Booking.com, Agoda or Trivago

☎️ ESIM / CELL PHONE DATA: Airalo

📸 TOURS & ACTIVITIES: GetYourGuide or Viator

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