Torre Gavetone in Molfetta: Free Beach, Rocky Shore and Seafront Dining
Just 4 km from the centre of Molfetta, Torre Gavetone is one of the few public beaches in the area: rocky shoreline, sea views, a coastal walk and seafront venues for a summer evening.
Torre Gavetone is about 4 kilometers south of Molfetta's center. It's along the coastal road to Giovinazzo. If you're visiting for the first time, know this: you won't find a long sandy beach.
This part of the coast is mostly rocky. In several spots, rocks form natural platforms for sunbathing. Access to the sea is through small openings or lower cliff areas. So, water shoes are highly recommended, especially if you're unfamiliar with the area or traveling with kids.
You can easily reach it from Molfetta's center in a few minutes by car. Many locals also bike there using the coastal path connecting different parts of the shoreline. Once you arrive, the environment is very different from the equipped beaches in other Puglian coastal towns. Here, there are no big resorts, rows of umbrellas, or organized tourist services.
One of the most appreciated aspects is the ability to walk close to the sea for a relatively long stretch without interruptions. For coastal walk lovers, it's one of the nicest spots around.
For many Molfetta residents, it's one of the few alternatives to private beaches along the coast. On summer days, you'll easily find families, groups of friends, and people just spending a few hours by the sea without much fuss.
What to see around Torre Gavetone
For a tourist, Torre Gavetone makes more sense as part of a day in Molfetta, not as the main attraction.
Many start their visit in the historic center, strolling between the Duomo di San Corrado, the port, and the old town's narrow streets.
After exploring the center, you can drive a few minutes to the coastal road towards Giovinazzo. Stop at Torre Gavetone for a seaside walk or some relaxing time on the rocks.
In the evening, the area attracts locals and visitors with cocktail bars, a pizzeria, and music events during summer. The pizzeria menu features pizzas named after local coastal towers, priced around 8-10 euros. That's quite affordable for a place right by the sea.
So, a day in Molfetta might include visiting the historic center, a walk by the port, some time at Torre Gavetone, and finally, a seaside dinner before heading back. It might not be Puglia's most famous beach, but for those wanting to experience a spot popular with locals, it's an interesting part of the Molfetta coastline.
