The Ionian Coast - Lower Salento

The Ionian coast of Puglia, located along the Salento, is a natural paradise with a variety of enchanting beaches, ranging from rocky cliffs that drop sharply into the deep sea to white sand dunes lapped by turquoise waters. These beaches, among the most beautiful in the region, stretch from Santa Maria di Leuca, where the promontory marks the boundary between the Adriatic and Ionian seas, to the bays near Taranto.

Santa Maria di Leuca

Santa Maria di Leuca, located at the tip of Salento, is easily accessible and strategically positioned to explore both the beaches of the Ionian coast and the coves of the Adriatic. The marina of Leuca offers a sandy beach and rocky coasts with picturesque sandy coves. Visitors can enjoy baths both on the sandy seafront and in the low rocky coves. The seafront is equipped with beach clubs and bathing establishments for renting sunbeds and umbrellas. Leuca is nestled between the promontories of Punta Meliso and Punta Ristola, with sandy coves accessible on foot. Activities in the area include excursions such as the Cipolliane Path and the route from Gagliano del Capo to Ponte del Ciolo, as well as the Fani Trail for hiking enthusiasts. Other routes include the Natural Park of Punta Pizzo and Porto Selvaggio. Historically, Leuca is wrapped in narratives and legends, with archaeological finds like the Porcinara Cave, an ancient pagan sanctuary.

Available Services:

• Equipped beach clubs and bathing establishments.
• Sunbed and umbrella rentals
• Guided tours
• Hiking trails
• Visits to historical and archaeological sites.

Felloniche

The beach of Felloniche, a small sandy stretch protected by cliffs on the shores of the Ionian Sea, is located between Torre Vado and Santa Maria di Leuca. This quiet and welcoming bay is ideal for relaxing baths, being sheltered from currents and winds. It is frequented by pleasure boats and yachts due to its fresh and crystal-clear waters and shallow seabeds. The beach, favored by families for its fine and shallow sand, offers rentals of umbrellas and deck chairs, water inflatables, and snack kiosks. Further on, the coastline becomes rocky and more rugged towards San Gregorio.

To reach Felloniche, take the coastal road towards Santa Maria di Leuca, with parking available nearby. Although small, the Marina of Felloniche is well-equipped. The area comes alive in the evening with seaside walks, restaurants, live music, and a small amusement park for children. Visitors can explore Leuca for coastal caves, sailing lessons, diving, excursions, and inland trekking.

Available Services:

• Umbrella and deck chair rental
• Inflatables and snack kiosks
• Accommodation in holiday homes, hotels, and B&Bs
• Nearby parking
• Excursions, trekking, and marine activities from the port of Leuca

Torre Vado

The beach of Torre Vado, near the Tourist Port along the promenade, is a welcoming stretch of sand, ideal for families and lovers of yoga and water gymnastics. This small gem on the Ionian Sea offers a relaxing atmosphere with wonderful weather and the typical hospitality of Salento. Characterized by white pebbles, a sandy cove near the promenade, and a pool of spring water, it offers easy access on foot to the beautiful beaches of Pescoluse.

The sandy beach is located in a favorable position, with shallow sandy bottoms ideal for children. The area offers numerous services, including places for breakfast or lunch, umbrella and deck chair rentals, excursions to discover the caves of Leuca, and fishing trips. There is also the Circolo della Vela, a Diving Service center for scuba diving, real estate agencies, and shops selling local typical products. For fishing enthusiasts, the docks of the tourist port are ideal spots.

The Springs of Torre Vado, located near the Hotel Albatros and the Pensione Sorgenti, are a point of natural interest, with fresh water at a constant temperature and properties believed to be therapeutic. The beach is also accessible for people with disabilities thanks to a special sea chair (JOB) available at the "Escursioni Nemo" info box.

Available Services:

• Umbrella and deck chair rental
• Yoga and water gymnastics classes
• Circolo della Vela and Diving Service center
• Accessibility for people with disabilities with a JOB sea chair
• Springs of fresh water with therapeutic properties.

Marina di Pescoluse (The Maldives of Salento)

Marina di Pescoluse is a coastal fraction of the municipality of Salve, overlooking the Ionian Sea. Known for its paradisiacal landscape, the beach stretches along the coast between Torre Pali and Torre Vado. The coastline, about 4 km long, is famous for its white and fine sand, sand dunes, and a sea with clear and crystalline waters. The beach combines free areas with equipped stretches, offering numerous services. Visitors can enjoy sun loungers, umbrellas, restaurants, bars, and rental of boats, pedal boats, and jet skis. There are mini clubs and play areas for children, beach volleyball courts for adults, and a VIP area for those seeking privacy. The water is ideal for families, couples, and young people. Additionally, the beach is awarded the Blue Flag for water quality, waste management, and safety.

This area is often referred to as the "Maldives of Salento". This term actually refers only to a privatized portion of the beach. It does not represent the beaches of Pescoluse, Torre Pali, or Torre Vado, nor a specific location in Salento, but is only a commercial name for a specific bathing establishment, certainly among the best in Italy for the quality of the services offered.

Eden Salento, located in Pescoluse in the Marina di Salve, is the only beach on the Ionian coast specifically equipped to accommodate dogs. In this paradise for four-legged friends, you can find comfortable umbrellas, sun loungers, and gazebos both on the beach and in the green area facing the sea. To ensure maximum comfort for dogs, numerous services are available: a dedicated shower, a bucket for fresh water, dog food, an area to run and play freely, hygiene bags, a play area, and even a dog trainer ready to assist and guide the furry friends during their stay.

Available Services:

• Sun lounger and umbrella rental
• Restaurants and bars
• Boat, pedal boat, and jet ski rental
• Mini clubs and play areas for children
• Beach volleyball courts
• VIP area
• Parking along the coast road
• Dog beach

Torre Pali

Torre Pali, a less crowded locality in the province of Lecce, is ideal for a peaceful vacation in Salento, particularly suitable for families with children. Characterized by a low sandy coastline and a crumbling sixteenth-century tower emerging from the water, Torre Pali offers a suggestive scenery. In the village, there is a small harbor that can accommodate up to 150 medium-small boats. The beach, over 3 kilometers long with fine golden sand, is mostly free but also has kiosks and beach resorts.

The area is known for the Isola della Fanciulla, linked to a legend, reachable by swimming and ideal for relaxation. Boat trips are also popular, with various companies organizing excursions along the Salento coast, perfect for appetizers, dives in the blue waters, or enjoying the sunset.

Available Services:

• Kiosks and beach resorts
• Small harbor for boats
• Boat trips (salentonautica.it, salentoescursioni.com, salentoeasy.it, bluservicesalento.business.site)
• Recommended beach resorts: Lido Elite, Lido Tropical, Calòma Beach.

Lido Marini

Lido Marini, located in the lower Salento on the Ionian coast, is part of the municipalities of Ugento and Salve. This seaside resort is renowned for its clear and crystalline waters and shallow seabeds, making it ideal for family vacations. The golden sandy beach of Lido Marini stretches into the azure waters, attracting numerous tourists in search of relaxation away from the hustle and bustle of better-known places like Torre San Giovanni.

Lido Marini offers both free beaches and equipped areas with numerous beach resorts. For lovers of rocky shores, there is also a stretch of rocky coastline with shallow seabeds, known as the "secche di Ugento." This stretch of coast has been the scene of numerous shipwrecks in the past.

In addition to its beaches, Lido Marini has a variety of accommodation and commercial facilities, such as bars, restaurants, supermarkets, and banking services. The resort also offers easy access to nearby places such as Torre San Giovanni, Gallipoli, and Santa Maria di Leuca for livelier evenings.

Services available at Lido Marini include:

• Free beaches and beach resorts (Playa Blanca, Before Beach, Lido Nereide, Lido D'oro, Zona Franca)
• Stretches of rocky coastline for diving and underwater fishing
• Accommodation and commercial facilities (bars, restaurants, supermarkets)
• Access to nearby places for fun-filled evenings.