Porto Cesareo, Italy

Porto Cesareo Italy

Porto Cesareo, 28 km from Lecce, lies on the Ionian Sea and is a major holiday spot in the heart of the Terra d’Arneo (Arneo Land), renowned for its golden beaches, stunning sea and easy access. The small town lives to the rhythm of the sea and is centred around its lovely little harbour, with a fish market and its distinctive colourful boats. Porto Cesareo is part of the Protected Marine Area and the “Palude del Conte e Duna Costiera” Regional Nature Reserve, one of the largest in Italy. It’s well worth wandering along the paths that cross the park, immersing yourself in unspoilt nature and visiting the Marine Biology Research Station and the Museum of Oceanography. Atmospheric watchtowers in good condition dot the coastline, including Torre Cesarea, Torre Chianca and Torre Lapillo. These stone towers were originally built to defend the coast from Saracen raids and today stand as silent guardians over the shore. Fortified masserie (farmsteads) and prehistoric dry-stone structures are scattered through the countryside, together with important archaeological sites such as the village of Scalo di Furno, which dates back to the Bronze Age.
Recommended airport
Casale (BDS)
Points of interest
  • Nazario Sauro Square
  • Caesarea Tower
  • Squillace Tower
Nearby destinations
  • Brindisi a 41.70 km
  • Ugento a 42.95 km
  • Gallipoli a 24.00 km