Location
The Porto Cesareo Marine Park is located along the Ionian Sea coast in
Puglia, overlooking the Gulf of Taranto and stretching along the
coastline between Torre Colimena and Torre dell’Inserraglio, within the
Province of Lecce.
Why visit
The Protected Marine Area that stretches for about 17,000 hectares was
founded in 1997 and represents a considerably rich naturalistic treasure,
where numerous species of wildlife and plant life are protected. The
area has a favourable, mild and pleasant Mediterranean climate, an
unspoilt natural environment and crystal-clear waters, with dunes
covered in lush vegetation with certain tree specimens considered among
the most beautiful in Italy. The holiday centres located along the coast
and inland are absolutely ideal as base-camps from which to set off on
interesting cultural itineraries, and they offer guests the chance to
live in close contact with nature and local traditions.
Description
The coastline is extremely rugged and the landscape is quite varied with
small bays and underwater caves just waiting to be explored. Along the
stretch of coastline between Torre Lapillo and Torre dell’Inserraglio,
there are a number of different gulfs and inlets, with fine gravel and
sand beaches. A feature of the area are the banks of rock that look like
terraces which can reach a height of 10-15 metres; behind them lies a
long line of sand dunes which form vast flat areas leading down towards
the sea. There are some small islands opposite the small town of
Gallipoli, the most conspicuous of which is the Isola Grande, also known
as the Isola dei Conigli (Isle of Rabbits), characterised by the
presence of numerous species of marine flora and fauna. The Marine Park
is home to Posidonia, the “submerged prairie” of Fanerogame, a
particular protected area where various varieties of plant life have
moved their natural habitat from the land to the sea.
Enjoying the Park
There are so many different activities to do in the Park, organised by
the centres and local associations involved in promoting the territory.
Diving enthusiasts can investigate the outstandingly beautiful sea beds
and caves along the coastline, discovering the fascinating habitats of
turtles, shell-fish, molluscs and brightly-coloured fish. We recommend a
pleasant boat trip to admire the coastline from the sea and a tour
around the beautiful off-shore islands. Interesting educational
activities are also organised for children to help them learn about the
marine environment and enjoy nature first-hand; a visit to the Museo di
Biologia Marina (Marine Biology Museum) in Porto Cesareo is worthwhile,
with its collection of shells and rare species of marine plant-life and
animals found in the Mediterranean.
Useful information and advice
You can reach the Protected Marine Area from Lecce by taking the Strada
Provinciale towards Monteroni-Porto Cesareo and from Porto Cesareo
driving along the Coast Road towards Taranto. After going through the
centre of Torre Lapillo, you come to an dirt road that leads down to the
Park’s Information Kiosk after about a kilometre.
Link
