Lecce Beaches

Lecce is considered one of the most architecturally interesting cities in Southern Italy. Despite its distance from the sea, in summer and in the heart of winter, thousands of tourists from all over come to admire its beauties, which have rightly earned it the nickname "Florence of the South." Sea lovers, who are there to discover the typical Lecce stone baroque of the provincial capital, will not be disappointed, as the area is rich in charming and unspoiled locations where they can spend their holidays in the heart of the beautiful season on a memorable coast. The marinas of Lecce are internationally renowned and typically attract thousands of vacationers each summer, a 20-kilometer-long seafront where it is possible to admire every kind of habitat.

Gallipoli Beach (Gallipoli)

The pearl of Salento, Gallipoli is one of the most frequented and appreciated beaches on the coast. It features a several kilometers long stretch of fine, light sand, bordered by a turquoise sea.

Suggested Hotels: Masseria Li Foggi and Relais Corte Palmieri

Porto Cesareo Beach (Frigole)

The first impression is that of having arrived at a tropical beach, such is the transparency of the water and the whiteness of the sand. Porto Cesareo Beach has a very shallow seabed, allowing one to walk to Rabbit Island, which it faces. Named a protected marine area, the island can be reached on foot by walking the approximately 200 meters that separate it from the beach, with water about one and a half meters deep. It's possible to spend beautiful moments in tranquility and perhaps even have a picnic, but always with full respect for the rightly imposed behavioral rules.

Suggested Hotel: Le Dune Suite Hotel

 

Santa Cesarea Terme (near Otranto)

The beach takes name from the sulphurous waters that characterize the many surrounding caves. Santa Cesarea Terme is mainly rocky, suitable for those who love rocks, small pools created by the rocks which surround the blue and turquoise sea.

 

Suggested Hotel: Le Capase Resort

Spiaggia di Alimini (Otranto)

At about 28 Km from the main city, Alimini beach faces the homonymus lakes, which is part of the marine protected area. The long beach is characterized by white sand dunes separating the beach from the promenade, and a rich Mediterranean vegetation which hosts, among others, endangered species.

 

Suggested Hotels: Masseria Prosperi and Tenuta Centoporte (Otranto)

Torre Mozza (Ugento, Lecce)

Situated in a small village of the Salento area, this beach takes its name from the ruins of a watch tower. Easy to reach and with plentiful parking.

 

Castro Marina (Lecce)

A trip here could include a visit to the nearby Grotta Zinzulusa. The beach has high rock shelves. The locals have built stairs to reach the water.

 

Cala dell'Acquaviva (Marittima, Lecce)

A small bay you can reach along a pathway in about 7 minutes. The beach is free and has many points for diving. There is a kiosk from which to hire sun beds or take a drink.

 

Porto Badisco (Otranto)

An inlet with a sandy beach and rocks by the side. According to the Roman writer Virgil, it was here that Aeneas fleeing from the city of Troy landed. We suggest you rent a paddle boat to explore the coast and nearby bays.

 

La Poesia (Melendugno, Lecce at 20 km from Otranto)

A spectacular spot marked by a cave some 5 m high looking out to sea. You can either swim as far as the cave or reach it by boat. Have a great adventure!

 

Le Due Sorelle (Melendugno, Lecce)

This beach takes its name from the two stone pillars which emerge from the sea, and offers both sand and rocks.

 

Baia di Torre Lapillo (Porto Cesareo)

One of the longest beaches in the Salento area (southern Puglia). The sea is crystal azure.

 

Porto Selvaggio (Nardò, Gallipoli)

You can access this beach after a 15-minute walk from the entrance near Villa Tafuro. The area is very small and it’s difficult to enter the water without beach shoes. Ideal for the adventurous – we don’t recommend it for families with kids. The sea is teeming with fish.

 

Punta Prosciutto (Porto Cesareo)

When they come here, many Italians maintain that Italy has beaches to rival the Caribbean. The waters are clean and clear with colours running the gamut from blue to green.

 

The best beaches in the Province of Lecce and the Salento:

1. Spiaggia di Gallipoli (Gallipoli)

2. Spiaggia di Porto Cesareo (Frigole)

3. Santa Cesarea Terme (near Otranto)

4. Spiaggia di Alimini (Otranto)

5. Le Maldive del Salento (Santa Maria di Leuca)

6. Torre Mozza (Ugento, Lecce)

7. Castro Marina (Lecce)

8. Cala dell'Acquaviva (Marittima, Lecce)

9. Porto Badisco (Otranto)

10. La Poesia (Melendugno, Lecce 20 km from Otranto)

11. Le Due Sorelle (Melendugno, Lecce)

12. Baia di Torre Lapillo (Porto Cesareo)

13. Porto Selvaggio (Nardò, Gallipoli)

14. Punta Prosciutto (Porto Cesareo)