Costa  Merlata​

Latest page update: 20 May 2025
By: Dion Protani

  Where to Stay

Where to Stay in Costa Merlata
Accommodation in Costa Merlata is mainly limited to holiday residences and small B&Bs, with very few established hotels in the immediate area. For hotel-standard stays, the wider Province of Brindisi offers stronger choices, particularly in nearby Ostuni and Brindisi.
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In Ostuni, Hotel Monte Sarago provides modern rooms, a rooftop terrace with views of the old town and consistently positive guest feedback (€€). Also in Ostuni, La Sommità Relais & Chateaux is an upmarket property housed in a historic palace, noted for its refined interiors, fine dining and excellent ratings (€€€). In Brindisi, Hotel Orientale offers centrally located accommodation with comfortable rooms, a restaurant and reliable reviews from both business and leisure travellers (€€).

Where is

Where is Costa Merlata?
The beach at Costa Merlata is situated within the Salento region of Puglia, in the Province of Brindisi. It belongs to the Comune of Ostuni which is a distance of 12 kilometres away.

​Nearby places of interest include Torre Guaceto, Locorotondo, Martina Franca and Brindisi, while Brindisi Salento Airport is 32 kilometres away and reachable by car in 25 minutes.
Comune: Ostuni

Province: Brindisi

Region: Puglia

Close by: Torre Guaceto, Locorotondo, Martina Franca, Brindisi

Fly to: Brindisi Salento Airport - 25 minutes by car (32 km)​

Recommended stay: Ostuni Palace Hotel Bistro & Spa (13 km)

What People Ask About Costa Merlata, Puglia

Is Costa Merlata worth visiting?
Yes, Costa Merlata is worth visiting for its rocky coves, sandy inlets, and clear Adriatic waters. It is a popular summer destination near Ostuni, offering natural swimming spots and small family-friendly beaches.
How do I get to Costa Merlata?
Costa Merlata is about 9 kilometres from Ostuni and can be reached by car along the coastal SP21 road. The nearest train station is in Ostuni, with regional services from Brindisi and Bari. Brindisi Airport is roughly 30 minutes away.
What is Costa Merlata known for?
The coastline is characterised by alternating rocky stretches and sandy coves, creating a jagged “merlata” appearance that gives the area its name. It is known for calm waters, family resorts, and easy access to the Ostuni coast.
Are there facilities at Costa Merlata beaches?
Yes, several coves have lidos with sunbeds, umbrellas, and small cafés. Other stretches remain natural, where visitors bring their own beach gear. Parking is available close to many of the access points.
Which towns are close to Costa Merlata?
Ostuni is the nearest major town, known as the “White City” for its whitewashed old centre. Carovigno and Brindisi are also nearby, offering additional services, historic attractions, and further coastal access.
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Discover

Discover Costa Merlata
Costa Merlata is a stretch of coastline in the province of Brindisi, located a few kilometres south of Ostuni along the Adriatic Sea. The area takes its name from the jagged, “battlement-like” shape of its shoreline, where rocky coves alternate with small sandy beaches. Low cliffs, clear waters, and Mediterranean vegetation define the landscape, while a series of holiday residences and small resorts line the coast, giving it a relaxed seaside atmosphere.
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This coastal area forms part of the Marina di Ostuni, known for its clean beaches and family-friendly swimming spots. The nearby Torre Pozzelle and Rosa Marina are among the most visited stretches of the Ostuni coastline, offering calm bays protected from the wind. Costa Merlata lies within easy reach of Brindisi, Fasano, and the Itria Valley, making it a convenient base for visitors combining beach holidays with excursions into inland Apulia.

Things to Do

Things to Do in Costa Merlata
  • Costa Merlata stretches along the Adriatic near Ostuni, its coastline unfolding in a series of rocky coves, sandy inlets, and turquoise waters. The area radiates coastal tranquillity, with pale cliffs and small beaches framed by clear horizons. Hidden paths lead to secluded swimming spots. Walking here offers a journey into a place where rugged beauty meets the sea’s gentle rhythm.
  • Spiaggia di Costa Merlata is one of the area’s most beloved beaches, a crescent of soft sand embraced by rocky outcrops. Its shallow waters shine in brilliant shades of blue and green. Families and snorkellers alike find it a perfect haven. The beach embodies the natural charm of the Adriatic coast.
  • Scogliera di Costa Merlata features jagged limestone rocks creating dramatic shapes along the shore. Waves crash into crevices, carving out small pools and caves. The area is a paradise for explorers and photographers. It remains a striking contrast to the softer sandy stretches nearby.
  • Piazzetta di Costa Merlata serves as the small social centre, edged by holiday homes, beach bars, and cafés with shaded terraces. The piazzetta hosts summer gatherings, music nights, and relaxed conversations under starry skies. Sea breezes and the sound of waves add to its charm. It’s the perfect place to savour evenings by the coast.
  • Guided coastal and boat tours in Costa Merlata lead visitors along hidden coves, snorkelling spots, and marine caves accessible only by sea. Local guides share tales of fishermen, coastal legends, and marine life. Tours often include tastings of fresh seafood and chilled local wines. Exploring reveals Costa Merlata’s blend of natural beauty, adventure, and authentic seaside spirit.

Tours and Activities

Costa Merlata Tours and Activities

Photo Gallery

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2. Alberobello
3. Otranto
4. ​Gallipoli
5. Polignano a Mare
6. Monopoli
7. ​Vieste 
8. ​Trani
9. Giovinazzo
10. Castel del Monte

​👉 Explore the Top 10 Places to Visit in Puglia

How to Get to [Place Name]

How to Get to Costa Merlata
By Rail: Costa Merlata does not have its own train station. The nearest station is Ostuni, around 12 kilometres inland, served by Trenitalia’s regional services on the Adriatic line between Bari and Brindisi. From Ostuni, visitors can reach the coast by taxi or local bus, with a journey time of about 15–20 minutes.

By Road: Costa Merlata is located along the Adriatic coast, approximately 35 kilometres northwest of Brindisi and about 9 kilometres from Ostuni. The area is easily accessible by car via the SS379, with exits clearly marked for the various seaside resorts. On-site parking is available near the beaches and holiday complexes.

Nearest International Airports:
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  • Brindisi – Salento Airport: Located roughly 35 kilometres to the southeast, this airport offers regular flights to Italian and European destinations. The drive to Costa Merlata takes about 30–35 minutes.
  • Bari Karol Wojtyła Airport: Situated approximately 100 kilometres to the northwest, Bari’s airport provides wider international connections. Travel time by car is around 1 hour and 15 minutes, mainly along the SS16.

Private Transfers

Costa Merlata Private Transfers
A private transfer provides a comfortable and flexible way to travel to or from Costa Merlata, allowing you to be collected from your chosen location and driven directly to your destination by a professional local driver. It’s an easy and stress-free option for those who prefer not to drive or rely on public transport.

Both Brindisi Airport and Bari Karol Wojtyła Airport are within easy reach by road, making private transfers a convenient option for arrivals and departures. Transfers can also be arranged to nearby destinations such as Ostuni, Cisternino, and Monopoli, as well as to other coastal resorts and towns across Puglia.
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To request a quote or check availability for a private transfer, just fill out the short form below and we’ll get back to you with all the details.

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