The Porto Cesareo natural park overlooks Isola Grande which is covered with a dense wood of Aleppo pines and acacias. The coastline is very rocky and varied with terraces of calcareous clearings, dune beaches with dense shrubbery, inlets, rocky spurs, rocks and isles. The marine environment of Porto Cesareo has characteristics in common with the Salento coast. The presence of 53 underwater caves has been discovered formed by the intense Karst activity of the area, where the water has temperature and pressure values typical of surface sea water. Colonies of red coral and numerous sponges can be found. The most interesting areas for diving are along the Neretina coast at the edges of the protected marine area.
Activities:
During the summer months it is possible to dive along the coast, by snorkelling, as well as offshore. Since the area in question is a protected marine area, underwater trails have been developed aimed at raising the environmental awareness of visitors, including with organised tours on glass bottom boats. Sport fishing is highly recommended: sailing with local fishermen, participating in fishing expeditions and tasting just caught fish, cooked by a member of the crew according to their age-old recipes.
Coast Type:
The section of coast in the Porto Cesareo area is characterised by alternating sandy coves and low cliffs. Lido degli Angeli is one of the most charming and longest beaches on the Salento coast. Ancient salt works extend from Punta Prosciutto to Porto Cesareo connected to the sea by a system of canals and fed by freshwater springs. Isola Grande or Isola dei Conigli is located a little under 1 km from Porto Cesareo, from which it is separated by a channel with a maximum depth of 1.3 metres, which makes fording it easy. The island is around 1 kilometre long, 400 wide and with a maximum altitude of 4 metres.
Sources: By the editorial staff Updated on: 16/10/2008
Project created in collaboration with InnovaPuglia.
Regione Puglia
Regione Puglia