Puglia Beaches vs. Greek Isles
 

Hello all,
Looking for experiences and perspectives to help decide between Puglia beaches or the Greek Isles. I'll be in Italy in July- beginning in Rome and then heading to Puglia for a professional opportunity there. I'll have an additional week afterwards that I am hoping to add in a beach destination or two. I'm tempted to try to add a Greek isle (Santorini, Milos or such) but I also know that being July and peak season these places will be very crowded. Would it even be worth the cost/crowds/travel time? Or better to focus on closer beaches in Puglia such as Salento or Gargano coasts? Thanks in advance!

FYI: Santorini does not have good beaches. Mykonos' are superior.

If you don't like crowds, the beach season for Puglia isn't really until August. If you really, really, really don't like crowds, check out the beaches of Basilicata in July, except for Marea, or check out Calabria.

For Puglia, personally would probably pick Salento over Gargano.

Greek islands & Greece offer a wholly different experience from Puglia & southern Italy, which only recently has begun to develop its assets for international tourism. If you are looking to relax at the beach and enjoy Italian hospitality, southern Italy is charming. If you are looking for the mystique of European travel, with iconic and unforgettable sights & atmosphere, you might want to head off to Greece, and look for ways to dodge the tourist crowds.