1. Punta Prosciutto – Porto Cesareo
When we say "the beauty of Salento," we mean Punta Prosciutto. Why? For at least a million reasons! The fine white sand, for example, or the crystal-clear, transparent water, or even the beautiful dunes and patches of lush vegetation that surround the small bay. Not to mention the rocky seabeds just a few strokes away and perfect fordiving worthy of the Caribbean.
Non c’è che dire, a questa spiaggia dal nome curioso, sul confine nord della regione salentina, non manca proprio niente: correte a tuffarvi!
2. Porto Selvaggio – Nardò
Surrounded by a vast natural park overlooking the western coast, Porto Selvaggio Bay is a must-visit stop on your Salento vacation. You can reach it with a lovely twenty-minute walk through the park's pine forest, starting from the entrance near Villa Tafuro. This time you won’t find sand, but rather pebbles and a fascinating cliff from which you can admire the view or dive into the turquoise waters of the small bay (but be careful of the depth!). If you're feeling adventurous, take the path that climbs to the left of the beach up to Torre dell’Alto, an Aragonese fort that is now home to the marine biology museum. And then, of course, head back down to cool off with a swim!
3. Baia di Torre Lapillo – Porto Cesareo
One of the longest beaches in Salento, located in the lively municipality of Porto Cesareo, is Torre Lapillo, a magnificent place that doesn't joke around when it comes to Caribbean landscapes! A stretch of white sand leading to the bright blue sea, which in this area hosts a fantastic coral reef. You don't need to be an expert to marvel at this spectacle: just fins, a mask, and a snorkel will do! In the evening, you can show off your tan in the venues along the beaches, enjoying the rhythms of the true and tireless Salento nightlife.
4. Le Due Sorelle – Torre dell’Orso
Torre dell’Orso Bay, near Melendugno, offers another must-see maritime spectacle. Just under a kilometer of fine sand beach, crystal-clear water, gentle dunes behind, and a lush pine forest for resting in the shade during the hottest hours. The bay is dominated by the 16th-century Torre dell’Orso, which is partially in ruins. Just a few meters from the shore, in the water, stand the two sea stacks that give the beach its name: the "Due Sorelle," or "Two Sisters," named after an ancient legend. The view of this natural wonder is a must during your vacation in Salento!
5. La Poesia – Roca Vecchia – Lecce
Many call it "La Poesia," remembering the story of a beautiful princess who used to come here to refresh herself, and the poets who rushed to watch her and then compose verses in her honor. In reality, the name of this cave, located 20 km from Otranto, means "freshwater spring" in Greek, because once a spring flowed within it. Today, it is filled with seawater and offers a unique spectacle: you can reach it by swimming or by boat along a narrow channel, or be more daring and dive directly off the rocks!
6. Punta della Suina – Gallipoli
Officially called “the Ionian Caribbean,” this beach with an extravagant name appears as a breathtaking mirage at the end of a walk through the vast pine forest that precedes it (one of the largest green lungs in Salento!). Once you recover from the wonder, you’ll be ready to enjoy this paradise: two adjacent coves with shallow sandy bottoms that create a sort of large natural pool—hence the beach's nickname! There is a section equipped with sunbeds and umbrellas, but also a nice stretch of free beach. From the rocky terrace jutting out into the sea, you can see sunsets that are more than romantic. So, ready to set off?
7. Porto Badisco – Otranto
Much more than just a beach, this is a true myth! The place where, according to Virgil, Aeneas landed while fleeing from Troy, is now a wonderful cove between Otranto and Santa Maria di Leuca, near a small fishing village that transforms into a vacation paradise in summer. There’s little sand, but an incredible and clean sea with rocky walls that hide caves and inlets, as well as perfect diving platforms for Olympic jumps and seafloors teeming with fish and marine plants. Come and see it with your own eyes!
8. Acquaviva di Marittima – Lecce
Let’s stay on the east coast to discover this small cove hidden from the view of those passing along the coastal road, accessible via a short downhill walk along the Forest Channel. In just a few minutes, you’ll be breathless! Surrounded by cliffs covered in vegetation but with easy access to the water at the beginning, this cove will capture your heart from the very start. Climb up the rocks on the left side to enjoy the view from a different perspective, or relax at the small bar on the beach: you won’t want to leave!
9. Castro Marina – Lecce
This stretch of coastline is rich in natural caves, and the white village of Castro is no exception! In its lower part (the Marina, to be precise), you will find the Zinzulusa Cave, perhaps the most famous in all of Salento. Its name comes from the stalactites and stalagmites inside, which resemble many clothes hanging out to dry. zinzuli in Salentino. Entering the cave is a fascinating experience, and swimming in its clear waters is even more so! Book your boat excursion and become explorers for a day.
10. Torre Mozza – Ugento – Lecce
On the western coast of the peninsula, there is a very long sandy shoreline, with Torre Mozza (named after the ruined tower just a few meters from the sea) being one of the most pleasant locations. Here, too, we find white sand, shallow waters, Mediterranean scrub, and pristine water, along with a variety of facilities for those seeking relaxation and comfort just steps from the shoreline. If you are looking for peace and quiet, don’t worry: within 10 kilometers of beach, you will surely find an unspoiled corner where you can enjoy the sea in complete tranquility!
