Visiting Spiaggia Di Porto Miggiano: Swimming, Snorkelling & Sunbathing

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Discover the magical cove of Spiaggia di Porto Miggiano, a hidden gem beach in the Salento peninsula of Puglia.

The extraordinary bay of Spiaggia di Porto Miggiano can be discovered on the southern coast of Italy. It remains under the radar for most non-Italian tourists, which makes it one of the most charming beaches in the region.

Even after visiting several nearby beaches, the bay of Porto Miggiano tops the list with its turquoise waters and picturesque vista. The rocky cove is a haven for snorkel enthusiasts and even boasts a number of caves to explore.

By every definition, it is easily one of the most perfect beaches in Italy and a destination not to be missed.

In this guide, you’ll find all the details needed to plan your own enjoyable trip to the stunning Spiaggia di Porto Miggiano in Puglia.

Where Is Spiaggia Di Porto Miggiano Located in Italy?

Also known as Porto Miggiano Beach or Baia di Porto Miggiano, this slice of paradise is located in Italy’s southern region of Puglia. To quickly identify where Puglia is, you’ll simply need to reference the heel section which makes up the boot-shaped country of Italy.

More specifically, Spiaggia di Porto Miggiano is found on the Salento peninsula of Puglia which is the southernmost area of the region. 

Santa Cesarea Terme is the nearest small town in proximity to the beach. The slightly larger town of Castro is located only 5 km away.

From the prominent city of Lecce, it’s a 45 minute drive to reach Porto Miggiano Beach and less than 30 minutes if you’re driving from Otranto.

How to Get To Spiaggia Di Porto Miggiano

No matter how you are arriving at the beach, it’s crucial to be aware of the number of stairs you’ll face to get down to the beach. There is a reason why Spiaggia di Porto Miggiano is also known as La Spiaggia Dei 100 Scalini, or The 100 Steps Beach.

The entrance to the beach is at the top of a cliff which you’ll need to descend to reach the sea. For accessibility reasons, this means the beach may not be suitable for just anyone.

Driving

Without question, the most direct way to reach Spiaggia di Porto Miggiano is by car. The more popular Puglia destinations near Otranto, Gallipoli, and Monopoli are more often accessible without a car, but that isn’t always the case when you travel further south.

Particularly for exploring the coastline between Otranto and Santa Maria di Leuca, driving allows you to stop at the many incredible beaches and swim spots without complications.

The journey to reach Spiaggia di Porto Miggiano from any direction is incredibly easy, as all the roads are paved and directions are well-marked. It is not a beach that is difficult to get to by car, nor one that requires any intricate navigation.

Public Transportation

Although it requires a tad more logistical planning, it is possible to reach Porto Miggiano Beach by public transportation. For those staying in Lecce, it’s a brief 1-hour bus ride from the city to Santa Cesarea Terme with just one transfer.

For bus travel from and throughout neighbouring small towns, you can reference the SalentoInBus for timetables and a map.

This seasonal solution is only available from June through early September but impressively covers the Salento coastlines very well. Utilising the bus in Puglia is exceptionally economical with one-way tickets costing just a few euros.

Similar most of Italy, you can purchase bus tickets at a tabaccheria or online and directly with the bus operator here. 

Boat Tour

If you’re short on time or looking to spend the least amount of effort on visiting Spiaggia di Porto Miggiano, guided tours are the best alternative. By booking a boat tour that makes a stop in Baia di Porto Miggiano, you’re still able to relish in the bay’s beauty without lifting a finger.

Additionally, you won’t have to worry about transportation or the minute details of how to get there.

There are so many boat charter tours to choose from, you can even opt for one that includes drinks, snacks, and activities. Boat tours are also fantastic for exploring many other gorgeous beaches along the same coast.

For booking a chartered boat rental, search for options in the nearby town of Castro.

Practical Information for Visiting Spiaggia di Porto Miggiano

Parking at Spiaggia di Porto Miggiano

Some reviews regarding parking may indicate that there is only paid parking available. However, we have personally visited this beach more than once and have never come across paid parking.

There is a large car park lot just above the beach with no signs indicating the need to pay. Furthermore, we have never witnessed any parking tickets being issued, so we can confidently say that the parking is free.

Considering the size of the parking lot, it is unlikely to ever be completely full. In the rare instance that it is, there is additional street parking available nearby.

Get There Early

Unless you are one of the first ones to arrive at the beach, you should not expect to sit on the sand. Although the entire swimming area is quite large, the sandy portion of it is not, and it can only accommodate a handful of groups and umbrellas.

If you’re traveling with young children, this is important to keep in mind if you absolutely need an easy entrance into the sea. Whether you’re adamant about sitting on the beach or not, you’ll still want to claim a spot regardless.

Spiaggia di Porto Miggiano isn’t necessarily a hidden gem and will get packed during peak season. To our surprise, during one visit in October, we were still surrounded by a decent-sized crowd.

Anyone who has spent any time at Italian beaches, you may notice where and how Italians like to lay out. They are keen on setting up beach blankets, chairs, and umbrellas on flat rock surfaces – they do not need a sandy beach.

Perhaps this is why Porto Miggiano Beach tends to get busy because there are numerous ideal places along the bay to sprawl out on.

Bring Enough, but Not Too Much

Part of the reason why Spiaggia di Porto Miggiano is so dreamy is because it has been kept as it is. This means it is not serviced and there are no beach umbrellas for rent, bars, or vendors on-site.

At its core, it is still a classic Italian swimming hole frequented by locals looking to get their vitamin D and vitamin sea intake for the day.

You must come prepared if you plan on staying at the beach for a couple of hours. Since you won’t be able to purchase any drinks or food directly at the beach, pack enough of your own water and snacks.

Shade is also nearly impossible to find at Porto Miggiano Beach, so come equipped with plenty of sunscreen or some sort of shade (an umbrella or beach tent). As you’re packing for your beach day, do not forget the number of stairs you’ll have to climb down and back up.

Do your best to not overpack so you do not have a miserable time hauling everything.

Facilities at Spiaggia di Porto Miggiano

Despite its popularity, Porto Miggiano Beach is essentially a wild beach with no facilities. There are no bathrooms, showers, or changing cabins that you might find at a traditional Italian lido.

For anyone seeking these types of services, there is an option to visit the Augustus Resort just above the beach.

The resort conveniently has a pool which is open to anyone, even if you aren’t staying at the resort.

Although the entrance fee is not cheap (€20 per person/day), it does give you access to everything you may want after a salty beach day.

Where to Stay Near Spiaggia di Porto Miggiano

Villa Cesarea Dimora di Charme (Budget) – CHECK PRICES

Villa La Torre (Best for Families) – CHECK PRICES

Est Hotel (Luxury) – CHECK PRICES

Camping Porto Miggiano (Camping) – CHECK PRICES

More Puglia Travel Posts:

• Best Beaches in Puglia
• Best Free Beaches in Monopoli
• Visiting the Cave of Poetry
• How to Visit the Marina Serra Natural Pools
• Where to Stay in Puglia
• How to Drive in Puglia

Spiaggia di Porto Miggiano 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