#183 European Rank
Baia delle Zagare
Mattinata, Gargano, Italy•Adriatic Sea• Best Season: June, July, August, September
Photo: Jules Verne Times Two (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Wikimedia Commons source
Day-of-Visit Snapshot
3-Second Operational AnswersEDITORIAL SCORE
4.63/ 5.0
SEA TEMPERATURE
26.3°C
August 30-year average
DAILY BUDGET
€46/day
SAND & SHORELINE
Pebbles / Shingle
Gradual Drop
Live Open-Meteo European Feed
Morning Beach Pulse & Marine Telemetry
Wind-Exposed
Gentle Wave Action
Exposed to Onshore Surf & ChopCove aspect: Faces SW (220°) · Wind: W (270°)
Onshore wind (12 km/h) is pushing open-sea swell directly into the bay, creating active breaking waves and reduced visibility.
Significant Wave Height
...
Good Swimming
Swell Profile
...
Reading buoy...
Live Surface Wind
...
W (270°) · ONSHORE
UV & Air Temperature
...
UV 5 · Moderate (SPF 30)
Cove Aspect & Shelter Compass
Seaward Orientation vs. Live Wind DirectionCove Faces SW (220°)
Onshore Wind • Waves and surface chop pushed into the beach
Shoreline Facing (θ_aspect)
SW (220°)
Open Sea Exposure
Surface Wind Vector
W (270°)
12 km/h · Δθ = 50°
Spatial Geometry: Wind from W pushes unobstructed over the open sea directly onto the SW-facing coast, generating breaking chop.
Morning Coastal Brief for Baia delle Zagare: Light coastal break; family friendly with standard water awareness. Onshore wind (12 km/h) is pushing open-sea swell directly into the bay, creating active breaking waves and reduced visibility. Models update sub-daily via Open-Meteo European marine models.
Interactive Oceanographic Climatology
Seasonal Sea Warmth & Bathing Climatology
30-Year NOAA OISST v2.1 Monthly Normals (1991–2020) · Mattinata, Gargano, Italy
Warm Bathwater
Early August
26.3°C
Air ~34°C
Optimal thermal comfort; zero cold shock
Water temperature is well above the 20.0°C bathing threshold. Prolonged leisure swimming, snorkeling, and family wading are comfortable with zero thermal shock.
Drag to scrub 12-month temperature curveEarly August · 26.3°C
| Month | Sea Surface Temp | Air Temp | Thermal Category |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 12.5°C | 20°C | Crisp & Bracing |
| February | 12.1°C | 21°C | Crisp & Bracing |
| March | 12.4°C | 23°C | Crisp & Bracing |
| April | 14.3°C | 26°C | Crisp & Bracing |
| May | 18.1°C | 29°C | Crisp & Bracing |
| June | 22.3°C | 32°C | Ideal Swimming |
| July | 25.2°C | 34°C | Ideal Swimming |
| August | 26.3°C | 34°C | Warm Bathwater |
| September | 24.1°C | 32°C | Ideal Swimming |
| October | 20.7°C | 29°C | Refreshing |
| November | 17.1°C | 25°C | Crisp & Bracing |
| December | 14.2°C | 22°C | Crisp & Bracing |
NOAA OISST v2.1 30-year climatological normal (1991–2020).Explore all Italy Sea Temperatures
Swimmability Window · NOAA Climatology
Swimmable 5 Jun – 12 Oct (>21°C) · 129 days
Planning around peak water warmth (26.3°C)?
Lock in coastal villas and boutique stays near Baia delle Zagare for the optimal June–July–August–September swimming window.
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Quick Summary
Preview
🏖️ Baia delle Zagare (Mattinata, Gargano, Italy)
🌊 Water temperature: 26.3°C
⛱️ Beach access: 100% free public sand • Sunbeds: €0–€0
🧭 Wind & shelter: Faces SW (sheltered from NE winds)
📍 Guide: https://shores.cc/beach/baia-delle-zagare-it/Tip: Add this beach to your home screen to quickly check morning wind and water conditions before heading out.
EEA Bathing Water Directive 2006/7/EC
Bathing Water Purity & Statutory Standards
Status: Good
Microbial Water Purity
95th-Percentile Compliant
Escherichia coli & intestinal enterococci within statutory limits.
Bathing Directive Tier
Tier 1: Sufficient & Safe
Monitored across the official European bathing season.
Official European Environment Agency (EEA) water monitoring verifies recreational cleanliness, sewage absence, and safety standards across all 31 member and partner coastal nations.
Score Breakdown
Scenery & Setting4.8 / 5
Water Clarity & Cleanliness4.5 / 5
Sand & Shoreline Quality4.2 / 5
Atmosphere & Safety4.6 / 5
Accessibility & Entry Ease4.5 / 5
Affordability & Fair Pricing4.2 / 5
About Baia delle Zagare
A dazzling white cove on the Gargano cliffs, guarded by two towering limestone sea-stack arches rising from the water.
Key Beach Facts
Official Records•Access: Accessible via SS89 / SP53 coastal road near Mattinata through cliff lifts/stairs or by private boat/canoe.
•Protected Status / Environment: Located within the Gargano National Park, enveloped by Mediterranean pine forests and white limestone cliffs.
•Notable Feature: Two dramatic limestone sea stacks (Faraglioni di Baia delle Zagare, including the Arco di Diomede) rising from crystal-clear waters.
Sand Transparency & Sunbed Index
Public sand quota, private lido density, and legal towel placement rights
Wide Open Public Sand
Free Public Sand (100%)Private Concessions (0%)
2-Sunbed + Umbrella Set Rate
Free (100% Public)
No commercial loungers; bring your own parasol and beach mat.
Towel Bather Guidance
Abundant unencumbered shoreline. Free towel placement everywhere with minimal commercial footprint.
Legal Shoreline Rights: 100% open public coastline. No commercial sunbed concessions or umbrella installations permitted.
Arrival Logistics, Parking & Sun Exposure
Micro-logistics, parking payment taxonomy, and topographic shadow schedules.
Parking Payment & Rates
Free Parking
Free Verge / Unpaved Roadside
Follow local municipal parking signage to avoid fines during summer peak hours.
Sun Exposure & Cliff Shadows
Full-Day Unobstructed Sunlight
Open shoreline with full solar exposure from mid-morning through evening twilight.
Footwear & Karst Protection
Recommended for Shingle / Pebbles
Pebbles and dark sand become scorching hot by midday and challenging under barefoot tread.
Amenities & Facilities
Bathrooms
NoShowers
NoFree Parking
YesFood / Tavernas
YesGood for Kids
NoDog Friendly
YesLifeguard on Duty
NoSunbed & Umbrella Rentals
NoNatural Cliff/Pine Shade
YesWheelchair Accessible
NoSnorkeling & Watersports
YesNudist / FKK Friendly
NoGetting There & Local Notes
Getting there:
Located near Mattinata, Gargano. Accessible via regional coastal roads (41.702°N, 16.095°E).
Discreet Utility: Rough Road & Trail Access
Reaching Baia delle Zagare involves dirt tracks or steep trails. Booking a rental SUV or 4x4 provides higher clearance for unpaved coastal roads.
•Deep and clear beneath the cliffs.
•A cliff-backed bay with towering rock arches on the Gargano promontory.
Nearest Airport & Transit Gateway
INTL · 40m driveConvenient highway or local transit access across Mattinata, Gargano, Italy.
Are you a Venue Owner or Promoter at Baia delle Zagare?
Promote your beach club, summer residency, or submit photo & data updates to Shores.
Frequently Asked Questions about Baia delle Zagare
What is the water temperature at Baia delle Zagare?
The peak summer sea surface temperature at Baia delle Zagare averages 26.3°C (79°F), based on 30-year NOAA satellite climatology.
What type of coast or sand is Baia delle Zagare?
Baia delle Zagare is classified as a pebbles / shingle shoreline located in Mattinata, Gargano, Italy.
Is Baia delle Zagare good for families with kids?
Baia delle Zagare has steeper entry or natural coastal features better suited for confident swimmers.
Are there parking and facilities at Baia delle Zagare?
Free parking is available. No public restrooms directly on-site.
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