Punta Penna Grossa at a glance
Punta Penna Grossa is the northern end of the protected coast and the usual starting point for a visit to Torre Guaceto. The sandy beach lies behind the north entrance, the Porta della riserva. The gate and the car park are outside the protected area. From there a shuttle or a signed path takes you to the beach.
The landscape behind the sand is made of dunes, wetland and olive groves. The sea in front is a different world, with rocky areas under the water that you see only if you swim or snorkel in the permitted zones. If you would rather see the reserve with a guide, look at the guided walks and e-bike rides.
How to get from the car park to the beach
Three ways, all starting at the north entrance.
By car to the car park
Leave the SS379 at the exit for Torre Guaceto and Punta Penna Grossa, then follow the parallel road along the sea. The southern access at Apani has its own exit. Do not expect to drive to the tower or the beach: motor vehicles are not allowed in the reserve.
Directions and parking →By shuttle
The park and ride has around 500 spaces. The shuttle is included for people who park there. The last shuttle is around 19:20. Check that the shuttle is running on your day, and have the walk as a plan B.
On foot or by bike
The signed path is 1.2 to 1.4 km long and takes about 20 minutes. Bring water and a hat.
Tours near Punta Penna Grossa
E-bike rides, olive grove visits and day trips from Ostuni and Brindisi, with live prices and availability.
The beach, the lido and the free sand
What is at the entrance and what is not.
The lido is open from 09:00 to 19:00 in the 2026 season. A package with 1 umbrella and 2 sunbeds costs €35 for a full day and €25 for half a day in June and September, and €40 and €30 in July and August. The lido has toilets and a food point, plus a free solarium and sea access chairs for people with disabilities. People who accompany a guest with a disability are given priority when buying adjacent lido places.
The rest of the beach is free to use. Do not assume showers, a lifeguard or drinking water at every spot. Bring water, shade and your rubbish bag. The beaches page compares the free beach, the lido and the closed zones.
The dunes and the wetland are part of the protected landscape, not a playground. Stay on the signed paths.
Fees and hours at the north entrance
For the 2026 season, which began on 6 June.
| Item | 2026 |
|---|---|
| Gate of the reserve | Daily 08:00 to 19:30 |
| Lido | Daily 09:00 to 19:00 |
| Parking per day | Car €8, motorbike €4, camper €8, coach €32 |
| Lido package, June and September | €35 full day, €25 half day |
| Lido package, July and August | €40 full day, €30 half day |
| Camper rate | Parking only, not permission to stay overnight |
For most visitors the plan is to arrive early: you get a parking space, cooler hours for the walk and time to decide on the lido. The end of the season can vary, so check the current dates before you travel in autumn.
Rules at Punta Penna Grossa
They apply in the 2026 season.
No dogs, drones or loudspeakers
Dogs, drones and music from loudspeakers are not allowed. Do not use fishing nets and do not disturb animals.
No swimming near the tower
Zone A closes the lagoon at the tower and the last 2 coves before it when you walk from north to south. See the snorkeling page for all sea zones.
No food for wildlife
Wolves live in the reserve. Do not feed animals or leave food. Do not walk at night or camp where animals may breed.
More pages for your visit
Beaches, the sea, and how to arrive.
Torre Guaceto beach
Free beach, lido and the zones where swimming is banned.
Snorkeling and sea zones
Zones A, B and C and guided seawatching.
Brindisi Airport and parking
Car, train and bus, and what the airport bus does not do.
Weather and best time
Monthly temperatures and rain for Brindisi.
Punta Penna Grossa: frequently asked questions
Where do I park for Punta Penna Grossa?
At the car park by the north entrance, which lies outside the protected area. In the 2026 season it costs €8 per car per day. Leave the SS379 at the exit for Torre Guaceto and Punta Penna Grossa.
How far is the beach from the car park?
The signed path is 1.2 to 1.4 km, about 20 minutes on foot or by bike. A shuttle is included for people who park at the park and ride.
Can I drive to the beach?
No. Motor vehicles are not allowed in the reserve. You park outside and walk, ride a bike or take the shuttle.
Is the beach free?
The beach itself is free to use. You pay for parking and, if you want one, the lido package. Guided walks and bike tours are paid services.
Can people with reduced mobility use the beach?
The lido offers a free solarium and chairs for getting into the sea, and companions get priority when buying adjacent lido places. Do not count on a continuous wheelchair route to the tower, through the dunes or to every cove, so plan ahead.
Is this the official site of the reserve?
No. This is an independent guide with no link to the reserve's management or the municipality of Carovigno.