Torre San Giovanni

Torre San Giovanni in Salento is a town in the Ugento marina overlooking the Ionian Sea.

Among the most popular in the summer months, it owes its name to the tower built in the 16th century by Charles V to monitor the coast. Its appearance today is very particular, as it is covered with black and white checkered tiling, therefore easy to remember for tourists and to identify for sailors.

The lighthouse of the tower itself divides the coasts into two: towards the north with low cliffs and rather shallow waters in which real natural pools are created; on the southern side, however, long white beaches extend similar to earthly paradises with an immaculate turquoise sea, pine forests and dunes. Furthermore, Messapian walls were discovered around the tower.

Torre San Giovanni territory is very large and varied: there are areas of historical-archaeological interest (Contrada Pozze) and naturalistic interest (Pineta Comunale).

The sea and the beaches

The crystal clear waters of Torre San Giovanni have received the Blue Flag recognition several times: the shallow sandy seabed makes this place pleasant for family holidays but also for having fun with friends. Coves are wonderful to discover during snorkeling sessions or boat excursions but you can practice numerous other water sports to admire the breathtaking beauty of the seabed.

In addition to fun and sports, the Torre San Giovanni beach is perfect for relaxing and having fun in one of the many beaches equipped with sunbeds and umbrellas. Often in many establishments there are also excellent restaurants where you can enjoy delicious seafood specialties or fresh fruit and, for anyone who wants to keep fit, it is possible to try your hand at football or beach volleyball matches on one of the numerous pitches.

And in the afternoon and evening, the beaches are transformed into real open-air discos with live DJ sets where you can dance, have fun and socialize between one cocktail and another.

What to do in Torre San Giovanni

• There is not only the sea in Torre San Giovanni: in fact, for all walking lovers, there are trekking routes in uncontaminated nature to enjoy a bit of tranquility away from the confusion of the beaches. During the walks you will be able to admire the typical vegetation of the Mediterranean scrub, with olive trees and vineyards, such as that of the Valle degli Armeculi and the Gravine di Ugento.

• The city street is populated and cheerful: here there is no shortage of clubs and bars offering evening entertainment with live music and aperitifs but also foam parties and themed evenings.

• In Torre San Giovanni there is also a wide choice of restaurants that serve tasty dishes of typical Salento cuisine, seafood first courses and fried fish and octopus, accompanied by good Salento wine.

• During the summer there are various patronal celebrations and festivals that are organised. In July, for example, the Sagra della Puccia takes place, a typical Salento sandwich which is mixed with black olives and seasoned with tuna, cherry tomatoes and local vegetables. In August, however, there is the Sagra te li ciceri e tria, a typical handmade pasta seasoned with chickpeas and pieces of pasta fried in oil.

• Furthermore, for tourists who are here in August, a truly characteristic and fun experience is to participate in the celebrations in honor of the Madonna dell’Aiuto, which are held on the 10th and 11th of the month. The statue of the Virgin is taken by boat and transported to the sea followed by the faithful, the authorities and the musical band on boats or dinghies.

Everyone can organize their dream holiday in Torre San Giovanni, in fact here there are numerous accommodation facilities suitable for every budget: hotels, B&Bs and tourist villages, according to your needs.

How to get to Torre San Giovanni

By plane:

• Brindisi airport 110km
• Bari airport 230km

By train:

To get to Torre San Giovanni by train there are various alternatives:

• From Lecce station, take a regional train and from there continue with local connections.
• From Lecce station take the green line of the excellent Salento bus service.
• From Lecce station or any other station, use the rental with driver service which will take you directly to your destination.

By car:

• From Brindisi: SS613 towards Lecce. Before arriving in Lecce, take the SS694 Tangenziale Ovest junction. After a few km take the SS101 junction for Gallipoli. Continue on this road which from Gallipoli onwards becomes SS274 towards Santa Maria di Leuca, then take the Taurisano-Ugento exit and continue towards Ugento. Once in the town, follow the signs (5km) for Torre San Giovanni.
• From Bari: SS16 towards Brindisi and continue to Lecce without ever changing direction. Once you arrive on the SS613, follow the directions above.