Located just a few kilometers from Capo Vaticano, the Santa Maria beach is easily accessible and offers a unique experience compared to other beaches in the area. Unlike its neighbors, there are no paid parking spaces, but instead, you can park your car along the road or in designated pitches. Due to the numerous residences and holiday homes in the area, parking can be a bit of a challenge, but it's worth it.
The beach itself is narrow but boasts a beautiful sandy shoreline, and the sea is crystal clear and generally calm. This makes it an ideal spot for children to enjoy, as the seabed is shallow up to about ten meters from the shore before it suddenly drops off. However, there are signaling buoys to indicate where the seabed starts to get deep.
With fewer people around, the beach is incredibly peaceful, and you can take advantage of the three restaurants available, including the famous Peppino. You won't have to worry about dinner plans.
Additionally, there are a couple of charter boats available that offer round-trip services to smaller beaches in the coves or hour-long rides for a reasonable price of 15 euros per adult and free for children under the age of ten. The ride is an enjoyable experience that you won't want to miss.
Overall, the Santa Maria beach is a popular destination that offers a unique experience and should be on your list of places to visit.