The south-east coast of Puglia from Riserva Le Cesine to Otranto

Le Cesine to Otranto

The coastline that runs from the Nature Reserve of Le Cesine to Otranto is characterized by beautiful beaches and some small seaside villages. Towards the end of this part of the coast, just before reaching the town of Otranto, there are two interesting small seaside basins the Alimini lakes, part of an enchanting nature protected area with, along the coast, a beautiful and wide beach with a crystal clear sea. Going further south the coast becomes more jagged and high with breathtaking views over the Adriatic sea.

Le Cesine

This nature area, managed and protected by the WWF, is one of the last stretches of marshes that once extended between Brindisi and Otranto. It is an area with different natural habitats, dunes, wetlands, drainage canals, mixed forest and Mediterranean vegetation. There are also two ponds, Salapi and Pantano Grande, fed by the rains and separated from the sea by a strip of sand dunes.

Type of coast: 10% sand - 90% reefs
Services: yes
Facilities for the disabled: can access but no particular service
City hall: Lecce
Coordinates Lat-Long: 40.350720 - 18.340297 (40°21'2.5''N 18°20'25''E)

Torre Specchia Ruggeri

Just south of Le Cesine is this coastal village inhabited mostly during the summer months. The place takes its name from the tower built in 1568. The coast is formed by low cliffs, rich in Mediterranean vegetation, among which small sandy bays.

Type of coast: 30% sand - 70% reefs
Services: yes
Facilities for the disabled: can access but no particular service
City hall: Melendugno/Vernole
Coordinates Lat-Long: 40.323154 - 18.378411 (40°19'23''N 18°22'42''E)

San Foca

San Foca is a coastal town with a small coastline and a fishing village that comes alive especially during the summer. This coastline is formed by small sandy inlets found both in the north and in the south of the port of San Foca.

Type of coast: 20% sand - 80% reefs
Services: yes
Facilities for the disabled: can access but no particular service
City hall: Melendugno
Coordinates Lat-Long: 40.303149 - 18.403509 (40°18'11''N 18°24'12''E)

Roca Vecchia

Roca Vecchia, which takes its name from its tower located on the coast, is a beautiful coastal town already inhabited in ancient times. There are here, in fact, traces of the populations of the Bronze Age, as well as of later periods, from the Messapi to the Romans and to the Greeks. The coastline consists of small inlets with crystal clear waters. There are here two caves of extraordinary beauty called Grotte di Poesia. In the smaller one of the two were found inscriptions on the walls, especially from the Messapian period. These inscriptions revealed that the cave was once used as a place of worship of the god Taotor.

Type of coast: reefs
Services: yes
Facilities for the disabled: can access but no particular service
City hall: Melendugno
Coordinates Lat-Long: 40.293706 - 18.420482 (40°17'37''N 18°25'13''E)

Torre dell'Orso

This beautiful beach is located on the Adriatic coast of Salento, near the town of Melendugno. The sandy beach is 800 metres long and bordered by high cliffs. Off the coast, in front of the beach, there is a pair of large rocks poking out of the sea that have been given the name of 'Le due sorelle', the Two sisters.

Type of coast: 40% sand - 60% reefs
Services: yes
Facilities for the disabled: can access but no particular service
City hall: Melendugno
Coordinates Lat-Long: 40.270920 - 18.431276 (40°16'15''N 18°25'52''E)

Alimini

The beach of Laghi Alimini is located about 8 km north of Otranto, on the Adriatic coast of Salento, and it is part of the protected reserve of the Alimini Lakes. This long beach of fine white sand is located next to the Lago Alimini Grande. Along its entire length are various commercial lidos, although there are many areas that are free to access.

Type of coast: 80% sand - 20% reefs
Services: yes
Facilities for the disabled: can access but no particular service
City hall: Otranto
Coordinates Lat-Long: 40.183054, 18.471016 (40°10'59.0"N 18°28'15.7"E)

Baia dei Turchi

Baia dei Turchi is located on the Adriatic coast of Puglia, north of the town of Otranto. It is a lovely beach, enclosed within a bay that is accessible only on foot. The whole area around the beach is full of wild and unspoiled vegetation. The usual beach services are available.

Type of coast: 80% sand - 20% reefs
Services: yes
Facilities for the disabled: access difficult
City hall: Otranto
Coordinates Lat-Long: 40.200843 - 18.459385 (40°12'3''N 18°27'33''E)

Otranto

Otranto, situated on the Adriatic coast of Salento peninsula, is an ancient town that recently became part of the World Heritage as a Site Messenger of Peace. It also is a member of the club 'The most beautiful villages in Italy'. Of great interest is the Cathedral of the Annunciation with a beautiful mosaic, made between 1163 and 1165 by the monk Pantaleon. Here, you can find a nice beach located just along its coast easily reachable on foot.