Holiday apartment in Porto Cesareo: coast, nature and culture

Porto Cesareo brings together coast, nature, water-based experiences and archaeological discoveries. The Porto Cesareo Marine Protected Area covers 16,654 hectares and 32 km of coastline, extending along the coasts of Porto Cesareo and Nardò. In Porto Cesareo, protected coastlines, the island beach accessible at low tide and archaeological sites come together.

Protected Coast and Special Habitats

The Marine Protected Area encompasses three ecologically valuable and conservation-worthy underwater habitats: Posidonia oceanica, coralligenous formations and submerged caves. The Palude del Conte e Duna Costiera - Porto Cesareo regional nature reserve extends along the coastal area of the municipality of the same name and covers almost 900 hectares. The natural area therefore extends well beyond individual beach sections.

Island Beach and Experiences on the Water

The Isola dei Conigli particularly attracts visitors with its white beach, crystal-clear water and appealing seabeds. At low tide, the island can also be reached on foot. The possibility of walking to the Isola dei Conigli therefore depends on the low tide.

The Porto Cesareo Submerged and Coastal Park offers kayaking and SUP excursions as part of its weekly activity program. Guided activities in the park are led by archaeologists from the Department of Cultural Heritage of the University of Salento. The activities therefore offer different focuses, ranging from active time on the water to a professionally guided perspective on the coastal area.

In the Marine Protected Area, coastal caves can be visited as part of boat excursions. The Porto Cesareo Submerged and Coastal Park also offers a walk through the archaeological area of Torre Chianca. The area is characterized by a coastal tower and traces of a past dating back to the Roman period.

Archaeology by the Sea

Scalo di Furno can be reached by car, on foot, by bicycle or on horseback. The archaeological site contains the remains of a sanctuary dedicated to Thalna, the Messapian goddess of childbirth. The sanctuary forms part of the religious history of the Messapian period in Porto Cesareo. This also makes it possible to explore the coast through its historical traces.

Marine Biology and a Fixed August Date

The “Parenzan” Museum of Marine Biology displays 900 exhibits, including fish, turtles, birds and mammals. Educational exhibitions focus on shellfish farming, fouling and the formation of Posidonia detritus balls. The Festa di Santa Cesarèa takes place in Porto Cesareo every year from August 21 to August 24.

Nature, scientific education and history come together in Porto Cesareo at the Marine Protected Area, the “Parenzan” Museum of Marine Biology and Scalo di Furno.

More Travel Ideas

For more travel ideas, you can also discover Melpignano, Galatina, Vernole, Giurdignano, Neviano, Torre Chianca, Villaggio Resta and Capilungo.

For the main travel overview: Lecce.