To say it is the National Geographic: the Bay of Zagare, jewel of the Puglia, is among the most beautiful beaches in the world. Located in Mattinata, in the Gargano, it is also known as Bay of Mergoli. And it conquers everyone, with its white cliffs and the stacks "Arco di Diomede" and "Le scici" (it is said that swimming to the Arch of Diomede brings luck).

Baia delle Zagare, the magic of a unique place

The sand meets the pebbles in the Baia delle Zagare. The water is transparent, the beauty breathtaking. The result? A unique place that needs to be protected and that looks like a postcard. Or perhaps to a painting. His "second". name, Baia dei Mergoli, derives from the battlements of which the area is full. But, to enchant, it is especially the stacks not far from the shore. And then the caves, the coves, the Mediterranean scrub and the citrus scent that envelops everything. Here, then, is that, the recognition of the National Geographic, it's no surprise. Especially since already the New York Times had cited it, describing it as "one of the places to visit at least once in a lifetime".

Ipractical information

Protruding rocks divide Baia delle Zagare into three beaches, two of which can be reached by land. The northernmost beach can be reached through a rather steep gully, the southern beach can be reached from the hotel that overlooks it. However, the Baia delle Zagare can only be admired and enjoyed in a limited way (to protect its beauty). They are in fact available every day 20 passes to access the bathing: they are not bookable, and it is necessary to collect them at the tourist info point. In addition, they are available 45 day passes to access the beach and to photograph it. In this case it is necessary to book at least 48 hours in advance at the info point (each booked tourist can access the bay for 30 minutes by choosing the day, from Monday to Friday, and the time slot: 9.00 - 9.30, 17.30 - 18.00 or 18.30 - 19.00).

Baia delle Zagare - Faraglione of Baia dei Mergoli in Mattinata (Foggia)
Faraglione of Baia dei Mergoli in Mattinata, photo taken from Wikipedia (credit PaoloLatino - CC BY-SA 3.0)

What are the most beautiful beaches in Italy?

Baia delle Zagare is a unique place, and it is certainly among the least accessible beaches in Italy, but our country is full of extraordinary beaches. Travel365 asked the 20 thousand members of its community to participate in a survey to elect the most beautiful beach in Italy, expressing five preferences among the hundred candidates. It was there that triumphed Bay of the Saracens of Finale Ligure (Liguria), followed by the Cala Violina di Scarlino (Tuscany) and from Caletta Rovaglioso of Palmi (Calabria). The ranking closes:

  • San Vito beach, San Vito Lo Capo (Sicily)
  • Scala dei Turchi, Realmonte (Sicily)
  • Su Giudeu, Domus de Maria (Sardinia)
  • Tonnarella dell'Uzzo, Trapani (Sicily)
  • Cala Feola, Latina (Lazio)
  • Marine Protected Area of ​​Plemmirio, Syracuse (Sicily)
  • Torre Sant'Andrea, Lecce (Apulia)
  • Cala Luna, Nuoro (Sardinia)
  • Is Aruttas, Oristano (Sardinia)
  • Tropea, Vibo Valentia (Calabria)
  • Marina di Camerota, Salerno (Campania)
  • Bay of Silence, Genoa (Liguria)
  • Porto Giunco, Cagliari (Sardinia)
  • La Pelosa, Sassari (Sardinia)
  • Egadi, Cala Rossa, Favignana (Sicily)
  • Cala Goloritzè, Ogliastra (Sardinia)
  • Cala Mariolu, Ogliastra (Sardinia)
  • Rabbit Beach, Agrigento (Sicily)

Featured photo from Flicker (credit Photowolves)

Baia delle Zagare is among the most beautiful beaches in the world last edit: 2021-08-13T12:30:00+02:00 da Laura Alberti

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