Nardò Beaches

Nardò, a city in the province of Lecce, is known for its enchanting marinas along the Ionian coast, but its history and attractions go far beyond the beaches. Founded in the 7th century BC by the Messapians, Nardò boasts prehistoric artifacts dating back to the Paleolithic, discovered in the Uluzzo caves. The city played a key role in the Roman Empire as a Roman municipium, followed by a period under the Byzantine Empire, during which its coastal location was strategic.

From a cultural standpoint, Nardò offers much to see beyond its marinas. The Basilica Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, built on the site of the historic church of Santa Maria di Nerito, features prestigious frescoes and a 13th-century black cedar wood crucifix. Other notable churches include San Domenico, the Immacolata, and the Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mount Carmel, along with several others, each with unique characteristics. In the field of civil architecture, highlights include the neoclassical Episcopal Seminary, the University Palace, and the Acquaviva Castle.

Nardò's marinas are true jewels of the Ionian coast and offer a variety of landscapes.

Santa Maria al Bagno

Santa Maria al Bagno, a hamlet of the municipality of Nardò in the province of Lecce, owes its name to the Torre del Fiume, part of the defensive system wanted by Charles V in the 16th century.

The coastline is characterized by low coasts, alternating rocky stretches with sandy areas, ideal for families with children. Beach resorts and bathing establishments offer complete services for days at the beach. Diving enthusiasts appreciate the seabeds, and guided tours along the coast are available. Just 9 km away are the beautiful beaches of Gallipoli.

An example of a beach resort is Salsedine Beach, located near the Quattro Colonne. This resort offers a wooden platform on the cliff, with direct access to the sea via stairs and small pools with hydromassage. Visitors can enjoy drinks at the bar, live music, and spectacular sunsets, ensuring relaxation, taste, and elegance.

Available services :

• Equipped bathing establishments
• Guided tours
• Scuba diving
• Hydromassage pools
• Bar with drinks and live music

Santa Caterina

Santa Caterina in Salento is a beautiful seaside resort on the Ionian coast, nestled between Porto Selvaggio and Santa Maria al Bagno. This small gem of the Municipality of Nardò is renowned for its natural beauty and a wild, unspoiled environment. The locality stands out for its intimate beach and rocky areas that sink into the deep blue of the Ionian Sea. In addition to the crystal-clear sea, Santa Caterina boasts historic noble villas and a lively marina.

The beach of Santa Caterina, at the foot of the village, is a small bay with clear sand and azure, transparent water. The coast is appreciated for its cliffs and gently sloping seabeds, ideal for those seeking a more adventurous marine experience. Beach resorts offer comfortable terraces with wooden platforms.

The "bathrooms" of Santa Caterina are a fascinating site, once reserved for high-ranking ladies for discreet baths in natural covered pools. This historic place, accessible from the sea, testifies to the luxury and privilege of the past.

The sea of Santa Caterina is known for its rich marine life and the coastal landscape includes breathtaking sea caves, such as the Grotta di Capelvenere and the Grotta del Cavallo. These caves have been the subject of significant archaeological studies.

Available services:

• Equipped beach resorts
• Terraces with wooden platforms
• Access to sea caves and historic sites
• Tourist marina
• Various beach and resort options (Spiaggia della Rotonda Il Chiapparo, Lido Beija Flor, Santa Caterina Beach, I salotti, Il Porticciolo, Il Circolo Nautico La Vela, Frescura)

Porto Selvaggio

Porto Selvaggio, located on the Ionian coast of Salento in Puglia, is a corner of paradise known for its crystal-clear waters, majestic cliffs, and lush Mediterranean vegetation. Part of the Regional Natural Park, this locality offers a unique experience of unspoiled nature.

The Regional Natural Park of Porto Selvaggio, covering about 1,000 hectares, includes three Sites of Community Importance (SCI): Torre Uluzzo, Torre Inserraglio, and Palude del Capitano.

The beach of Porto Selvaggio, accessible on foot through the pine forest or by sea, is a pebble bay nestled in the park, with refreshing waters and a low cliff. We suggest bringing water shoes. Additionally, there are no beach resorts or bars, only a few kiosks. For convenience, an electric shuttle is available at the entrance of the pine forest.

Sant’Isidoro

The beach of Sant’Isidoro is famous for its white, fine sand, surrounded by the Mediterranean scrubland. Part of the Marine Protected Area of Porto Cesareo and the Municipality of Nardò, this beach stretches along a sinuous bay, delimited by historical towers, including the 15th-century Torre Squillace.

The bay of Sant’Isidoro, with its wedge-shaped form, offers a delightful view of a nearby island, reachable by boat or pedal. The sea here is clean, turquoise, with shallow sandy bottoms, ideal for family holidays. Visitors can choose between free beaches and equipped lidos, many of which have excellent restaurants.

The coast of Sant’Isidoro, characterized by small islets and coastal towers, is particularly suitable for families, the elderly, and those who prefer calm and shallow waters.

The locality is also distinguished by its proximity to the Reserve of Porto Selvaggio and the Palude del Capitano, natural areas rich in birdlife and marsh vegetation.

Available services:

• Free beaches and equipped lidos
• Rental of boats and pedalos
• Beachfront restaurants
• Walks and trekking routes
• Excursions to coastal towers and nature reserves