Porto Cupo: Natural Pools in Puglia
Discover Porto Cupo, a natural paradise with crystal-clear pools and free access, ideal for families and nature lovers.
My wife and I stayed in Martina Franca. It's a beautiful city for art and food. But also for its lively evenings.
The call of the sea is strong for me. So, in the morning, we decided to head to the Ionian coast. Porto Cupo was the right choice because it's close: about 40 kilometers and just over 40 minutes by car from the Murge plateau. It's near Taranto and is a very sheltered bay. You can swim here even when the sea outside is rough. So, a 40-minute drive guarantees a swim because the sea allows it. The presence of sand is another important factor: my wife loves beaches with some sand, which influenced our choice.
The atmosphere is casual and friendly. During the day, a family-like vibe forms easily. While on the beach, a lady next to me offered a cold coffee she brought in a thermos 😎. A simple moment that really shows the spirit of the place. Quite different from my usual life: the subway and people not even glancing at you.
The water is always very clear, and sunsets are truly stunning.
There's also a free beach area at Porto Cupo. This makes it accessible for everyone. Puglia isn't the cheapest place in Italy. It might be one of the most beautiful, but it's not the cheapest.
But there's something to keep in mind: Porto Cupo often gets very crowded. Especially in the free beach area. During peak months, like August and weekends, it can be packed. To enjoy it more, avoid these times. Or arrive early in the morning or late afternoon (after 5 PM).
Another thing to consider is parking. It's not right next to the beach. You'll need a short walk to reach the bay. It's not hard, but good to know, especially on hot days or if you're carrying gear.
Above the bay, on the rocky cliff, are the pool, bar, and showers of the Mon Rêve hotel. There's also a spa with everything you need to relax. The spaces are well-kept, clean, and welcoming. In our experience, the staff was very kind from the start. They welcomed us even in the evening with great courtesy. The massage was amazing, just what we needed after stress and at vacation's end. You could really feel their professionalism and genuine care for the client's well-being.
