Baia delle Zagare
An upscale resort set against dramatic white cliffs, offering access to secluded beaches via unique glass elevators.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Baia delle Zagare
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
An upscale resort set against dramatic white cliffs, offering access to secluded beaches via unique glass elevators.
"The property, beach and surroundings are as beautiful as the photos online, so we got what we came for."
Pack bug repellent! :bug:
Ants and wasps are common. Bring spray and consider indoor dining if sensitive to insects.
Beach chair tiers exist :chair:
Sunbed allocation can vary by room type. Inquire about your beach access when booking.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Iconic White Cliffs
Along the coastline
Dramatic white limestone stacks rise from the turquoise Adriatic Sea, creating a breathtaking natural spectacle.
Secluded Beaches
Baia delle Zagare & Baia dei Mergoli
Two pristine beaches with crystal-clear waters, perfect for swimming and sunbathing in a serene setting.
Cliffside Glass Elevators
Access points to the beaches
Unique glass elevators offer a scenic and convenient descent down the dramatic cliffs to reach the shore.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Natural Beauty (and Bugs!)
Beach Access & Hierarchy
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Pack bug repellent! :bug:
Ants and wasps are common. Bring spray and consider indoor dining if sensitive to insects.
Beach chair tiers exist :chair:
Sunbed allocation can vary by room type. Inquire about your beach access when booking.
Enjoy the cliffside views :camera:
The dramatic white cliffs and sea stacks are a photographer's dream. Capture them at different times of day.
Consider half-board :fork_and_knife:
Dinner is often praised, especially pasta and grilled options. Eating on the beach is a plus.
Tips
from all over the internet
Pack bug repellent! :bug:
Ants and wasps are common. Bring spray and consider indoor dining if sensitive to insects.
Beach chair tiers exist :chair:
Sunbed allocation can vary by room type. Inquire about your beach access when booking.
Enjoy the cliffside views :camera:
The dramatic white cliffs and sea stacks are a photographer's dream. Capture them at different times of day.
Consider half-board :fork_and_knife:
Dinner is often praised, especially pasta and grilled options. Eating on the beach is a plus.
Glass elevators are key :elevator:
These unique elevators provide stunning views on your way down to the beaches.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Baia delle Zagare boasts breathtaking natural beauty with its iconic white cliffs and pristine beaches, offering a serene escape. While many praise the stunning scenery, comfortable rooms, and enjoyable dining, some guests point to issues with inconsistent service, dated facilities outside rooms, and a noticeable hierarchy in beach access. The presence of insects is also a recurring concern for some visitors.
"The property, beach and surroundings are as beautiful as the photos online, so we got what we came for in the sense that we got to relax and log some time on a gorgeous beach to unwind a bit towards the end of our vacation. Rooms are very comfortable, appear newly renovated and are very beach chic overall, so nothing to complain about on location or accomodation. Breakfast is a huge resort style buffet with lots of options. Not the best, not the worst but also nothing to complain about. We were nervous about dinner based on other reviews, but we did not want to make the effort to leave the resort and come back. We ended up being pleasantly surprised, though we stuck with pastas, grilled meats and whole grilled fish. In room amenities are minimal at best and beds are not really comfortable or uncomfortable, just hard. Common grounds, while beautiful, are not maintained well in terms of general upkeep or cleanliness. Outside of rooms, facilities look dated and are not on par with what you expect to receive in terms of cost when it comes to things like beach chairs, towels, etc. Service, for the most part, was not very good. Most staff moved at a slow pace and didn't seem to care about offering any semblance of hospitality at all. However, the staff on the whole appears to be highly overworked. Overall this is a big, poorly managed, mediocre resort that has a very beautiful beach/scenery. The premium cost to stay here is not worth it."
Dee Lawrence
"⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
We absolutely loved our stay here! From the moment we arrived, the staff made us feel welcome and well taken care of. Everything was smooth and easy, and we honestly don’t understand why anyone would complain — our experience was wonderful.
Half board dinner was a real highlight — so many great options and everything we tried was fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented. At lunch, we loved being able to eat right on the beach. The service was impressively fast, and the food was simple but absolutely delicious — exactly what you want in between swims and relaxation. Breakfast was generous and satisfying every single morning, with plenty of choices that set us up perfectly for the day.
We’ve stayed at other so-called 5-star beach hotels, but this one has been by far the best. Between the food, the service, and the relaxing atmosphere, it exceeded our expectations and made our trip unforgettable.
We’re already looking forward to coming back!"
Agnes Hermann
"Bugs were the theme of our stay here. That alongside the oft-repeated quote "we are in the nature". Amongst many other unnecessary issues.
Indeed, being in the middle of nature does result in certain wildlife being present, but using that as an excuse to do nothing about it is, in my opinion, unacceptable.
Our room had an active ant nest on the exit to the balcony, and on the roof. The entire balcony was swarmed with ants every day. Complained to reception: "we are in the nature" and gave us some bug spray. The photo attached is a small fraction of what we had to do every single day to merely reduce the ant problem. No dealing with the literal ants nests no, just give the guests some spray and let them deal with it. The room had a nice view, though, when it was not over-run by ants.
Dinner was the other bug-related problem. Swarms of wasps attacking everyone at dinner. Many people, including us, could simply not enjoy our dinner while being surrounded by half a dozen wasps. We ended up foregoing out beautiful view to sit inside to mitigate the problem. We complain to reception: "we are in the nature". No bug-repellent torches, no citronella lamps, none of the other multitude of solutions for it, just let the guests deal with it. There is also only one person taking orders for the entire area, meaning just to take the order can sometimes take upwards of an hour. These issues was not nearly as problematic in the "premium" seating section, which brings me to my next point.
Then we reach the beach, where the hierarchy of the hotel really makes for an unnecessary experience. We were in a penthouse sea-view room. One of the more expensive categories of room available, but as its for some unexplainable reason called "comfort" it places us in the lowest category of room. With this, we get access to only one of the two beaches with sunbeds. We negotiated a front row (which honestly should have been the default minimum expectation) which despite the stones was nice. The absolutely absurd part is that the sunbeds on the other beach for more "premium" guests were precisely the same, but had cushions on top. This may seem petty, but its such a ridiculous thing to exclude from the other beach, and is very representative of the two-tier system clear at the hotel.
We enjoyed our stay despite the hotels best efforts. It is in a beautiful location, but that does not mean that no effort needs to be applied to the hotel part of the stay."
Peter Barrow
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most common way to reach Baia delle Zagare from Bari is by car, taking approximately 2.5 to 3 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train to Foggia or San Severo and then arrange for a taxi or bus transfer to the resort. Renting a car offers the most flexibility for exploring the Puglia region.
Public transport to Baia delle Zagare can be challenging. While trains connect to nearby towns like Foggia, reaching the resort directly often requires a taxi or pre-arranged transfer. Renting a car is highly recommended for ease of access and exploring the surrounding areas.
Baia delle Zagare is located about 35 minutes south of Vieste. Driving is the most convenient option. Taxis are also available, but can be more expensive.
While not always explicitly advertised, many upscale hotels like Baia delle Zagare can arrange airport transfers upon request. It's best to contact the hotel directly in advance to inquire about availability and pricing for transfers from airports like Bari or Brindisi.
The closest major airports to Baia delle Zagare are Bari Karol Wojtyła Airport (BRI) and Brindisi Airport (BDS). Both are roughly a 2-3 hour drive away. Consider checking flights to Naples International Airport (NAP) as well, though it's a longer drive.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Baia delle Zagare is primarily an upscale resort, and access to its beaches is generally for hotel guests. If you are not staying at the hotel, it may be difficult to access the main beaches. There might be public access points nearby, but they are not as well-equipped.
As a resort, Baia delle Zagare operates year-round, but the peak season for beach access and amenities is typically from late spring to early autumn. Specific restaurant and bar hours may vary seasonally.
There is no general entrance fee for the resort itself if you are a guest. However, if you are not staying at the hotel, accessing the private beaches and facilities will likely not be possible or will incur significant charges.
Day passes are generally not offered at Baia delle Zagare, as it is an exclusive resort. Access is typically reserved for guests staying at the hotel.
Yes, beach access is primarily for hotel guests. Furthermore, sunbed allocation can be tiered based on room category, meaning not all guests have access to the same amenities or prime spots.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Relax on the stunning beaches, swim in the clear waters, and enjoy the unique glass elevators down the cliffs. Kayaking and SUP are often included. Many guests also enjoy the resort's dining options and the breathtaking views.
While the resort offers a beautiful natural setting, specific organized children's activities might be limited. The beaches and pools provide ample space for kids to play. Families often find the natural beauty and swimming opportunities engaging.
The beaches are a major highlight, featuring fine pebbles and crystal-clear turquoise waters. There are two main beaches, often with sunbeds and umbrellas available for guests. The dramatic white cliffs provide a stunning backdrop.
Absolutely. The stunning scenery, secluded beaches, and upscale amenities make Baia delle Zagare a popular choice for couples seeking a romantic escape. The panoramic views are particularly captivating.
Many rooms offer spectacular sea views, with some boasting panoramic vistas of the iconic white cliffs and the Adriatic Sea. The design is often described as 'beach chic' and recently renovated.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Dining at Baia delle Zagare receives mixed reviews. Breakfast is typically a large buffet with many options. Dinner is often praised for its fresh ingredients, especially pastas and grilled meats/fish. Some guests found lunch on the beach simple but delicious.
Yes, there are dining options available on the beach, particularly for lunch. This allows guests to enjoy meals with a view of the sea and sand, offering a convenient and pleasant experience between swims.
As an upscale resort, dining prices at Baia delle Zagare are on the higher side. While specific menu prices fluctuate, expect to pay premium rates for dinner, especially if not opting for a half-board package.
While specific menus can vary, upscale Italian resorts often offer vegetarian options. For vegan choices, it's advisable to inform the restaurant staff in advance or upon arrival, as they can often accommodate special dietary requests.
Many guests found half-board (breakfast and dinner) to be a good value and a highlight of their stay, enjoying the quality and variety of the evening meals. It simplifies dining arrangements and allows for a more relaxed experience.
📸 📸 Photography
The iconic white sea stacks against the blue Adriatic are a must-capture. The views from the cliffside, the unique glass elevators, and the pristine beaches themselves offer endless photographic opportunities.
Golden hour, during sunrise and sunset, offers the most dramatic and beautiful lighting for the cliffs and sea. Midday provides bright, clear light for capturing the vibrant turquoise waters.
Drone usage is often restricted in protected natural areas and around private resorts. It's essential to check local regulations and the resort's specific policies before attempting to fly a drone for photography.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive coastal scenery. A telephoto lens can be useful for isolating the sea stacks. Don't forget a polarizing filter to enhance the blues of the sea and sky.
Absolutely! The natural beauty of Baia delle Zagare is so striking that even smartphone photos can be stunning. Focus on composition and capturing the unique light and colors.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Be mindful of the insect situation, especially during warmer months. Packing extra bug spray and having a plan for indoor dining if needed can make the stay more comfortable for younger travelers. The resort's spacious grounds also offer room to roam.
💖 Couples Seeking Romance
Consider booking a room with a sea view for the most immersive experience. The resort's upscale nature and the natural beauty of the location lend themselves perfectly to a memorable getaway for two.
💰 Budget-Conscious Travelers
If you're looking for a similar natural beauty experience in Puglia on a tighter budget, consider exploring other coastal towns and beaches in the Gargano Peninsula that offer more affordable accommodation and dining options. Public beaches with fewer amenities might be a more cost-effective alternative.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Beaches: Access and Amenities
However, it's important to be aware of the resort's tiered system regarding beach amenities. While sunbeds and umbrellas are provided, their availability and quality can differ based on your room category. Some guests have noted that 'premium' guests receive cushioned sunbeds on one beach, while others on a different beach have standard ones. This can lead to a feeling of a two-tier system, which might be a point of contention for some visitors.
Despite these nuances, the beaches themselves are undeniably beautiful and offer a serene environment for relaxation and swimming. Kayaks and Stand-Up Paddleboards (SUPs) are often included, providing opportunities for water-based activities.
The Natural Environment: Beauty and Challenges
However, being immersed in nature also means coexisting with its inhabitants. Several guests have reported issues with insects, particularly ants and wasps, which can be prevalent, especially during dining hours. While the resort acknowledges being 'in nature,' some visitors felt that more proactive measures could be taken to mitigate these issues, beyond simply providing bug spray.
This natural aspect, while beautiful, requires a certain level of preparedness. Packing insect repellent is highly recommended, and guests sensitive to bugs might prefer to dine indoors during peak insect activity times. Understanding and accepting this aspect of the natural environment is key to enjoying the full beauty of Baia delle Zagare.
Dining Experiences: From Buffets to Beachside Bites
Dinner often receives positive remarks, with many guests highlighting the freshness and quality of the ingredients. Popular choices include well-prepared pastas and a selection of grilled meats and whole fish. For those who prefer a more casual midday meal, the option to dine right on the beach is a distinct advantage, offering simple yet delicious fare perfect for a break from swimming.
While the food is generally well-regarded, some reviews mention that service can be slow, and the overall experience might not always align with the premium price point. However, many guests find the half-board option to be a convenient and satisfying choice, allowing them to fully immerse themselves in the resort's dining atmosphere without the hassle of frequent external excursions.
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