4. The Ionian Coast – from Torre San Giovanni to Porto Cesareo

The Ionian coast is marked by inlets snuggled among sandy stretches and jagged cliffs. More than the Adriatic, all along the Ionian coast names of sites give evidence of the presence of XIV century military settlements (torre means watch tower): Torre Vado, Torre Pali, Torre Mozza.

Torre San Giovanni. Another very remarkable tourist site, where beaches, villages, camping and hotels are big attractions.

Alliste, Torre Suda, Marina di Mancaversa, Torre di Pizzo. Less famous but still very charming sites. When in summer the strong south-east wind blows, these are sheltered and delightful sites where to stay. Lido Pizzo is a protected area where many birds species can be watched during their migration season.

Gallipoli. The most important town on the Ionian coast, which stretches along a promontory to include a small island in its embrace. With a number of clubs, bars, discos and young people, this is considered the capital of amusement and nightlife in Salento.

Santa Maria al Bagno, Santa Caterina. These are called “sister” beaches, true pearls in this area. In Santa Maria al Bagno, take a look to the wonderful mansions, one of these, maybe the most beautiful, reminds the arrival in Salento of a Jewish community during World War II.

Porto Selvaggio. A protected area with rich vegetation and some 30,000 year old pre-historical sites (the caves of Grotta Cavallo and Uluzzo). The panorama is beautiful, emerald green water and a sight of the whole shore up to the island of Gallipoli.

Porto Cesareo. Among the major tourist centers of Salento, a fishermen village thriving on a charming bay of unforgettable white sand beaches. The origins of this village date back at least to the Messapic age; it was king Carlo V to order the building of a watch tower, Torre Cesarea, still in the old village. Very close to the coast you can see a singular island, Isola Grande, that can be visited if you negotiate a lift by boat with a local fisherman. Sunsets are heavenly and the crystalline water beckons a refreshing dive.