Torre Guaceto / Puglia / Italy

 This beach is located in Brindisi on Italy's south eastern Puglia coast and it's spot within a nature reserve makes a refeshing change from some of the other overcrowded beach resorts. It is actually one of Puglia's top kitesurfing locations and there is a surfing school here which offers lessons at all levels from the age of 10 upwards. You will also find windsurfers here and, if the wind is in the right direction and the waves are large, board surfers. The season runs from April to November although off season is possible.  

The beach here is medium sized with fine, golden sand. It has a relative lack of amenities and so is only popular with Italian families who are happy to bring hampers and beach furniture with them.

The main wind directions are southerly and variations thereof and all these directions tend to work well. Wind speed can be around 5-15 knots and is fairly constant during the summer. The water quality is crystal clear and conditions are flat to choppy pretty much all of the time although you can get some good waves when the wind is in the right direction. The spot is tide independent. The summers are warm as is the water and you can get by with just a pair of shorts or a shorty. Come the winter months and you will need to suit up accordingly.

Because of its nature reserve the beach is lacking in amenities although there is a snackbar serving drinks and sandwiches that is open every day. Also at the nearby visitor center there is an informal barbeque restaurant serving meat and salads. There are additional eateries along the coast at Specchiola and Apani. Brindisi itself has a good selection of shops, bars, restaurants and accommodation and some reasonable nightlife.

This is a very safe spot just watch out for other surfers in the water and swimmers in the busier months.