Sailing in Puglia, Italy: A Guide
Puglia, the sun-drenched heel of Italy’s boot, often flies under the radar for sailors heading to better-known cruising grounds like Croatia or Greece.
But after sailing this stretch from Vieste to Otranto with a baby on board, we discovered that what Puglia lacks in anchorages, it makes up for in authentic charm, affordable marinas, virtually empty seas —and a few logistical curveballs you’ll want to be ready for.
In this guide, we share our real-world experience, including practical tips, route planning advice, and what to know before setting sail.
Whether you’re chartering for a week or passing through on a longer Mediterranean journey, here’s everything you need to know about sailing in Puglia: the good, the challenging, and the truly underrated.
⚓ Our Route: From Vieste to San Foca
After washing ashore in Vieste following a disasterous crossing from Croatia, we found ourselves staring down a coastline we knew little about—but were curious and a little nervous to explore.
Other sailors had warned us: sailing Italy’s Adriatic isn’t exaclty the relaxed island-hopping dream of Greece or Croatia. But we’ve always had a soft spot for Italy—the warmth of the people, the ridiculous deliciousness of the food—so we were ready to roll the dice.
Our voyage took us south from Vieste to Otranto. Along the way, we stopped in Bari, Monopoli, and Brindisi, before wrapping up this leg in Otranto, where we would make the crossing to Greece.
Unlike the idyllic, island-hopping days of Croatia and Greece, sailing this stretch of Italy is all about strategic planning. Protected anchorages are rare, distances between ports are long, and the weather can be unpredictable. It’s undoubtedly a challenge, especially if (like us) you’re sailing with a baby and trying to keep days under four hours.
(Spoiler: we failed.)
Watch the Journey: Sailing Puglia’s Adriatic Coast
⚖️ Sailing Puglia: Pros & Cons at a Glance
| Pros ✅ | Cons ❌ |
|---|---|
| + Affordable, friendly marinas (€30–€35/night for our 30 ft monohull) | – Long passages between ports (often 6+ hours) |
| + Virtually no other boats or crowds | – Very few protected anchorages |
| + Delicious and affordable food, Aperol spritzes, and local charm | – Coastline is mostly exposed and open to swell |
| + Coastline is mostly exposed and open to swell | – Some ports (like Brindisi) are industrial and less scenic |
| + Easy border stop between Croatia and Greece (more anchorages and amenities than Albania) | – Requires patience for safe weather windows |
| + Unique, off-the-beaten-track experience |
⛵ Puglia Marinas We Visited (and Recommend)
Here’s a breakdown of the marinas (and one public quay) we stopped at.
Vieste – La Darsena Marina
- Atmosphere: Small, friendly, functional
- Cost: ~€35/night (30-foot monohull)
- Location: Several pontoons operate in the same basin (Porto di Vieste)
- Facilities: Basic but adequate
- Access to Town: Easy walking distance to the old town
- Vibe: A soft landing after a rough crossing from Croatia. Vieste is a beautiful, walkable town with a relaxed vibe.
- Tip: All pontoons here are similar in price and amenities.
Bari – A Vele Spiegate (Porto Nuovo)
- Bari – A Vele Spiegate (Porto Nuovo)
- Atmosphere: Family-run, laid-back
- Cost: Very affordable
- Location: Situated in an industrial port area
- Facilities: Basic, but includes free shuttle into town
- Access to Town: Free marina shuttle + €1–€2 local buses
- Vibe: A surprising highlight—Bari’s old town is vibrant and worth the detour
- Tip: Don’t be put off by the surroundings; the marina is friendly and functional.
Monopoli – Public Quay (Free!)
- Monopoli – Public Quay
- Atmosphere: Public dock in the heart of town
- Cost: Free
- Location: Directly in the old harbour
- Facilities: No official marina facilities (but close to everything you need)
- Access to Town: Step off the boat and you’re there
- Vibe: One of our favourite stops—beautiful, lively, and full of character
- Tip: Call ahead (+39 080 9303105) and check in with the Guardia Costiera (red building by the port)
Brindisi – Marina di Brindisi
- Brindisi – Marina di Brindisi
- Atmosphere: Large, modern, well-run
- Cost: Moderate
- Location: Outside the city center
- Facilities: Clean, modern bathrooms, professional staff
- Access to Town: Bus no. 5 (unreliable) or taxi
- Vibe: Practical over picturesque, good for a break or provisioning stop
- Tip: Handy marina but plan for extra time getting into town
San Foca – Town Marina
- Atmosphere: Compact and friendly
- Cost: Affordable
- Location: Central in a low-key seaside town
- Facilities: Simple but perfectly functional for short stays
- Access to Town: Easy walk to shops and cafés
- Vibe: Slightly sun-faded charm, very local holiday feel
- Tip: Good last stop before Otranto or turning north again
Otranto
- Atmosphere: Historic and atmospheric harbour
- Cost: Affordable (for both anchoring and marina berths)
- Location: Inside the protected harbour, right by the old town
- Facilities: Fuel dock, repair services, decent marinas, protected anchorage behind seawall
- Access to Town: Steps away from the old city center
- Vibe: One of the nicest harbours we visited, a perfect spot to rest and prepare for a crossing
- Tip: A great place to refuel, restock, and enjoy a final taste of Italy before heading to Greece
🚢 Other Ports Along the Puglian Coast (That We Skipped)
We skipped a few popular ports to prioritize rest days and make the most of weather windows. That said, there are several alternative stops along the way that may suit different itineraries or sailing styles:
Manfredonia
- Why Stop: A convenient first stop after Vieste to break up the long sail to Bari.
- Known For: A large, well-protected harbor with space for transient boats.
- Considerations: The town is more functional than charming; not a must-see unless you need a break.
Trani
- Why Stop: Often considered one of the prettiest harbors on this coast.
- Known For: A gorgeous historic center, photogenic waterfront, and cathedral right on the sea.
- Considerations: Can be busy with local traffic; mooring fees may be higher than average.
Bisceglie
- Why Stop: A smaller, more local port between Trani and Bari.
- Known For: Authentic, off-the-radar Italian atmosphere.
- Considerations: Limited marina facilities and services for visiting yachts.
Gallipoli & Santa Maria di Leuca (Ionian Side)
- Why Stop: If you round the heel of Italy into the Ionian before heading to Greece.
- Known For: Beautiful beaches, Ionian charm, and a change of pace from the Adriatic.
- Considerations: Adds time and miles if your goal is to cross to Greece quickly.
Monasterace / Crotone (Further South)
- Why Stop: Options if you’re doing a full Italian coastal run down to Calabria before crossing.
- Considerations: Long legs and fewer cruiser facilities—best suited for seasoned passage-makers.
Tip: If you’ve got more time and flexibility, consider building in one or two of these ports to break up the longer legs. Trani in particular seems like a gem we might have to go back for.
🛟 Sailing Puglia with a Baby (or Young Kids)
This stretch of coast tested every rule we’d made about sailing with a baby. Our golden rule—no passages over four hours—was impossible to follow. Every leg was longer, sometimes double that, and there were very few appealing options to break things up with an anchorage or swim stop.
The coastline is mostly exposed, meaning protected anchorages are rare and often only comfortable in perfect conditions. With a little one aboard, this meant waiting longer for weather windows and limiting our movement, which, honestly, was probably a good thing.
We found the marinas affordable and welcoming (a massive plus when you’re hauling a stroller down the dock), but the longer days and lack of swim stops made it tougher for everyone onboard.
If you’re sailing with kids, build in extra buffer days for weather delays and plan your legs carefully.
🌤️ Best Time to Sail Puglia
The sailing season in Puglia typically runs from May to October, with June and September offering the best balance of weather and crowd levels.
- June (when we sailed) was already getting hot, especially in port towns where opportunities to cool off are limited.
- High summer (July–August) brings intense heat and local holidaymakers, particularly in places like San Foca and Monopoli.
- September cools down slightly and sees fewer crowds, though strong southerlies can still crop up.
If you’re planning a leisurely cruise with frequent shore stops and calmer weather, late May to early July or early September is ideal.
🌬️ Weather and Wind Conditions
This stretch of the Adriatic is open and exposed, with very few natural bays or protected anchorages. That means wind and sea state matter—a lot.
- In June, we encountered frequent northwesterly winds, often exceeding 20 knots.
- With a baby aboard, we found ourselves waiting several days for calmer weather windows.
- While the water is generally warm and the holding good (mostly sandy), anchoring isn’t practical unless conditions are extremely settled.
Keep a flexible schedule and build in weather buffer days, especially if you’re trying to keep your passages short—or have small crew members onboard.
🗺️ Sample 1-Week Sailing Itinerary in Puglia
If you’re chartering or planning a one-week itinerary, here’s a realistic route based on our experience.
Day 1: Vieste
- Arrive, settle in at La Darsena Marina
- Stroll the old town and enjoy your first seafood dinner
Day 2: Vieste to Bari (~55 NM – long sail)
- Optional: overnight stop in Manfredonia or Trani to break it up
- Marina: A Vele Spiegate
- Explore Bari Vecchia in the evening
Day 3: Bari to Monopoli (~25 NM)
- Shorter sail, moor for free on the public quay
- Enjoy dinner in the old town
Day 4: Monopoli to Brindisi (~35 NM)
- Longish day—depart early to arrive with time to explore
- Stay at Marina di Brindisi
Day 5: Brindisi Layover
- Visit the Roman columns, explore the market
- Rest and resupply
Day 6: Brindisi to San Foca (~20 NM)
- Friendly, no-frills marina in a laid-back local town
Day 7: San Foca to Otranto (~15 NM)
- Enjoy a relaxed final leg
- Explore the old town and prep for onward travel
This itinerary can be easily adjusted north or south, depending on your base port and weather.
⚖️ Final Thoughts: Is Puglia Worth Sailing?
Sailing in Puglia won’t be for everyone. It’s not island-hopping paradise, and the long distances between ports can be exhausting—especially with young kids or limited time.
But if you’re up for the challenge, the rewards are real:
- Affordable and friendly marinas
- Almost zero crowds on the water
- Charming old towns, delicious food, and local character
- A side of Italy most sailors completely miss
We wouldn’t call it easy. But we’re glad we did it.
And as we look ahead to Greece—with its short hops, turquoise bays, and endless anchorages—we’re hopefully bringing a little hard earned patience.