Punta Penna Grossa, the beach of Torre Guaceto
Between Carovigno and Brindisi, in the Torre Guaceto Nature Reserve, Punta Penna Grossa is one of the most beautiful beaches in Puglia. Find out how to get there, where to park, how the shuttle works and when it's best to visit to make the most of the sea.
Punta Penna Grossa is the most famous beach in the Torre Guaceto Nature Reserve, between Carovigno and Brindisi.
You can't drive directly to the beach. Cars must be parked about 2 kilometers away. From there, you can walk or take the reserve's shuttle. The shuttle, included in the parking fee, stops about 500 meters from the beach. This setup reduces traffic near the beach and helps preserve one of Puglia's best-kept coastal areas.
Parking costs 8 euros per day, including the shuttle. It's available daily from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Free spots are available for vehicles with a disabled badge. Online parking reservations aren't available. Just head to the "Porta della Riserva" entrance at Punta Penna Grossa.
During peak times, especially midday, the shuttle might have delays. It's best to arrive before 9:00 AM to avoid shuttle lines. If you walk, remember the path is mostly sunny. Consider this if you're carrying umbrellas, chairs, or other beach gear.
When you reach the sea, you'll find a long beach with fine, light sand and clear water. The environment is very different from places like Torre Santa Sabina, where the seafront, beaches, and businesses are part of the tourist offer.
At Punta Penna Grossa, the landscape remains almost entirely natural: dunes, Mediterranean scrub, and a protected coastline, with the sea as the main attraction.
Punta Penna Grossa is different from the Torre Guaceto Nature Reserve. The reserve covers a much larger stretch of coast and includes areas with different protection levels. It's the main beach open for swimming and is in Zone B, while other parts have stricter rules or focus on environmental protection.
The beach has very fine sand, shallow waters for several meters, and generally very clear water. On windy days, the sea might be less clear but still pleasant for swimming. On calm days, the beach and water rival those of lower Salento or Sardinia. The beach is nestled between two rocky areas, giving it a natural cove appearance. Despite being the most famous beach in the reserve, it remains quieter than many other coastal spots. On one of the promontories, you'll also find the WWF Marine Turtle Recovery Center.
Being in a protected area, services are limited. So, it's best to bring water, food, and everything you need for the day. The reserve aims to preserve the natural environment by minimizing tourism impact.
Punta Penna Grossa is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful and untouched stretches of coast in Puglia. But it requires some compromises: distant parking, shuttle (or walking), and lack of typical beach services. Spending a whole day there in peak summer can be challenging, especially with young kids. I suggest visiting for half a day, maybe from late afternoon to sunset, or in June and September when it's cooler and less crowded. This way, you can enjoy its beauty without facing the hottest hours' discomfort.
