Porto Selvaggio: useful information
Porto Selvaggio or rather Regional Natural Park Porto Selvaggio and Palude del Capitano is located in the province of Lecce. Since 2007 it has been on the FAI (Fondo per l’Ambiente Italiano) list of “100 places to save”.
The park extends for 1000 hectares between Gallipoli and Porto Cesareo, and divided from Santa Caterina by the Torre dell’Alto. Sea and nature are the two “ingredients” by which you will immediately be surrounded and which blend together, making the scenery that presents itself before your eyes unforgettable.
To reach the bay there are several entrances, following a path full of vegetation for about 20 minutes. Welcoming you will be a stunning view with a blue sea, stones and rocks. This is the most important or rather “famous” part of Porto Selvaggio, a small inlet wedged in the woods and bordered on both sides by a low cliff which gradually becomes higher and where the more adventurous can dive. Furthermore, here there is a small spring of cold, sweet water.
The most beautiful view from the Torre Luzzo side is more difficult to reach, but not for the more sporty who will, among other things, be rewarded by the fantastic panorama. The bay of Luzzo is a Paleolithic site with artefacts and remains of large mammals. From here you can then reach various caves including the Grotta di Capelvenere up to the Torre dell’Alto. The spur on which it stands ends with a precipice called the Dirupo della Damnata.
How to get to Porto Selvaggio: by car
From Brindisi: SS7 for Mesagne; SP74 for San Pancrazio Salentino; SP109 for Torre Lapillo; SP359 for Porto Cesareo. Once you reach Porto Cesareo, take the SP286 towards Sant’Isidoro and go along the characteristic coastal road that leads to Gallipoli and up to Porto Selvaggio.
From Bari: SS16 for Brindisi, exit Mesagne; for Mesagne; SP74 towards San Pancrazio Salentino; SP109 for Torre Lapillo; SP359 for Porto Cesareo. Once in Porto Cesareo follow the directions above.
Torre Vado: crystal clear waters and shallow waters
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Santa Caterina: small tourist center near Porto Selvaggio
On the Ionian coast, this small tourist center has great environmental and naturalistic value with many pine forests, natural caves and a crystal clear sea.
Santa Maria al Bagno: the Four Columns
Santa Maria al Bagno is a charming seaside town in the municipality of Nardò renowned for its sea, the Aquarium and the historical museum in memory of the Jews.