Porto Cesareo Beaches: Paradise Near Lecce, Italy
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There is no shortage of gorgeous beaches to choose from when planning a trip to Puglia. The southern Italian region is renowned for its slower paced way of life, underrated cuisine and miles of exquisite coastline comprised of not one but two seas.
Porto Cesareo beaches are arguably the height of perfection when it comes to choosing the best beach destination in not just Salento, but all of Puglia.
The town of Porto Cesareo sits on the west side of the peninsula and is both a functional port in addition to its own comune.
Under the Porto Cesareo comune, its beaches consist of those in neighbouring Torre Lapillo, Scala di Furno, and the Porto Cesareo lagoon.
In this guide, discover which Porto Cesareo beaches to visit, where to stay and how to get there.
Are There Nice Beaches Near Lecce?
Lecce is the capital of the Salento peninsula in the southern Italian region of Puglia. It is one of the most beautiful cities in southern Italy and filled with prime examples of historic Baroque architecture mixed with a youthful atmosphere.
Among the other big cities in Puglia, Lecce also stands out because it is landlocked. Unlike Bari and Brindisi, it isn’t situated on the coast and instead in the middle of Italy’s “heel” of the boot. This means that there are no beaches directly in Lecce and you must travel either east or west to visit the sea.
To the east of Lecce is the beautiful Adriatic coastline. Much of the nearest shoreline to Lecce, however, is made up of various grottos (caves), cliff sides, and small coves.
Depending on the type of beachgoer you are, you may prefer this diverse section of coast over the half-moon bays found on the Ionian Sea side of Salento. However, for a classic paradise-like selection of beaches, Porto Cesareo provides the best beaches within just 30 km of Lecce.
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The Porto Cesareo Marine Protected Area
The immediate shoreline of Porto Cesareo’s beaches is part of a protected nature reserve. It is the third largest marine preservation area in Italy.
The Marine Protected Area of Porto Cesareo has a unique collection of distinct biological, environmental, and underwater characteristics that live in harmony within one area.
Just offshore, the protected area is home to numerous coral and living species in addition to caves and dark ravines. Porto Cesareo beaches are equally as breathtaking as they are a precious piece of unspoiled nature.
With its protected status, Porto Cesareo beaches hold a higher level of quality over other parts of Puglia simply due to its preservation.
Where to Find the Best Sandy Beaches in Puglia
Puglia is a fairly mixed region when it comes to its coastline. You’ll come across as many rocky coves as there are stretches of fine sand. When looking at Puglia as a whole, the best beaches are found in the Salento peninsula, the southernmost section of Puglia.
Narrowing it down from there, the east side of the peninsula tends to be comprised of various small inlets rather than long stretches or half-moon type beaches.
The west side of Salento is home to the most number of sandy beaches in Puglia within one area. Porto Cesareo and Marina di Pescoluse are particularly the most known and admired destinations in Puglia for roomy sandy beaches, ideal for families with children.
Unlike other areas in Puglia, you don’t have to carefully search and select among the many beaches in Porto Cesareo in order to find a sandy one – it’s just guaranteed!
Are Porto Cesareo Beaches Free?
Although the beaches of the Porto Cesareo comune are part of a nature reserve, there is no general entrance fee to enjoy its coastline. Similar to the remainder of Puglia and all beach destinations in Italy, you will find a combination of paid beaches and free beaches.
A lido is the Italian version of a beach club. These are paid beaches that are operated by private companies, which most of the time pay the state to rent a portion of a beach to customers.
Admission to a lido will normally include a beach umbrella, loungers, and food or drink service. If you’re visiting Porto Cesareo beaches without your own beach equipment, opting for a lido is a stress-free way to relax for the day.
The stretches of sandy beaches in Porto Cesareo are inclusive of many free beaches (spiaggia libera). If you’re not sure of which sections are free beaches, just look out for people setting up their own umbrellas.
Who Should Visit Porto Cesareo Beaches?
There are tons of areas in Puglia to choose from when it comes to having the perfect summer holiday. From sleepy coastal towns to historic villages in valleys and popular hotspots like Polignano a Mare, Puglia has something to pique everyone’s interest.
Porto Cesareo is the ideal choice in Puglia for families with children who want a beach vacation with minimal planning. There is a never-ending selection of beaches with easy shallow entrances in addition to water activities like kayak rentals, snorkeling, or boat excursions – all within a stone’s throw.
If you’re looking to spend as much time on the beaches as possible and limit driving, Porto Cesareo is the ultimate no-hassle getaway destination in Puglia.
On the opposite end, Porto Cesareo is also perfect for couples seeking a resort or beachfront stay. Many of the higher-end hotels are equipped with their own private lidos to complete a relaxing all-inclusive stay.
Getting to Beaches in Porto Cesareo
Flying to Puglia
Puglia remains slightly less frequented than other Italian beach destinations because it requires a little more travel. To reach the region of Puglia by plane, you’ll need to fly into Bari.
The Bari International Airport is on the northern end of Puglia and still quite far from the Salento peninsula and Porto Cesareo. By car, it’s a 2.5-hour drive from the Bari Airport to Porto Cesareo.
There is one additional airport in Puglia named the Salento Airport. The Salento Airport is located in Brindisi, only 1 hour away, but the flights tend to be limited.
During peak season, it’s worth searching for flights to the Salento Airport because flight paths are increased in the summer. Still, you’re more likely to find many more realistic flight options to Bari instead.
→ ✈️ Find flights to Puglia ←
Bari to Porto Cesareo
The smoothest way to enjoy a Puglia trip is by car. Upon landing in Bari, you can rent a car at the airport and visit all of the best beaches in Salento (including Porto Cesareo) at your own pace.
Driving in Puglia is uncomplicated, even for beginner travellers and should not be seen as something to be anxious of while road tripping in southern Italy.
Although completely possible, it’s not recommended to entirely rely on the limited public transportation within Puglia, especially if you’re trying to maximise your time.
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By train, you can efficiently get from Bari to Lecce, which is connected by railway. You must first take a bus from the Airport (Aeroporto) towards the city centre of Bari (Bari Centrale), which takes about 30 minutes with Flixbus. From Bari Centrale station to Lecce Stazione, the journey is then 1.5 hours.
You cannot reach Porto Cesareo by train, and you must plan on finishing the trip by bus.
→ 🚉 Book train tickets from Bari to Lecce ←
Lecce to Porto Cesareo by Bus
Although lengthy, bus travel has the most coverage in Puglia as far as public transportation goes. During summer months, you’ll find frequent bus routes from Lecce headed towards Porto Cesareo.
The bus ride from Lecce’s bus terminal to Porto Cesareo town takes one hour and costs less than €4 one-way.
→ 🚍 Browse routes and tickets for buses in Puglia ←
Porto Cesareo Beaches on a Map
→ 🛌 Find a place to stay in Porto Cesareo ←
The Top Porto Cesareo Beaches
Nature Reserve Bosco dell’Arneo
Located in the heart of the nature preserve and among lush greenery is this hidden slice of heaven. It is a wild beach with zero facilities, completely free to visit and requires a short walk to reach.
By venturing off the beaten path, you’re rewarded with a secluded sandy beach, pristine waters and calmness of undisturbed nature. Since you must walk to get here, it feels a tad unknown and therefore, one of the best secret beaches in Puglia.
Beach at Torre di San Tommaso
Situated just off a main road, this small and unassuming beach remains free of crowds even in the peak of summer. It does not have a proper name and is frequented by camper vans spending the night or those renting an apartment nearby.
There is one single narrow perfect trail which leads into the water as the cove is surrounded by a rocky ledge, bustling with marine life.
Beach Near GG77 Hotel
At the beginning of the first prominent half-moon beach is Pescheria Il Torrente. If there is room, you should park your car here and enter the main beach here. The edge of the beach in this area is much quieter compared to the center of Torre Lapillo.
Furthermore, you’re within closer distance to the submerged statue of Madonna Sommersa which can be seen by snorkeling.
Spiaggia di Torre Lapillo
The main section of Torre Lapillo offers the largest section of free beach. If you arrive early enough, you’re bound to find a prime front row spot to spend the entire day. The entirety of Porto Cesareo bay and comune features excellent water for swimming but Torre Lapillo has the best of the best.
The sea is divine, astonishingly clear, and has an ideal shallow entrance for kids. Its unbelievable characteristics easily make it one of the top 10 beaches in Puglia.
Waikiki Beach
Vacationers who prefer a lido or beach club experience should head towards Waikiki Beach. This is the epicenter of lidos in the Porto Cesareo area. In each direction, you’ll see a vast selection of beach clubs to choose from. Some lidos even stretch over ten rows deep.
You can expect the price of two sunbeds and an umbrella to range from €20 – €40 during the summer season.
Spiaggia di Torre Chianca
Spiaggia di Torre Chianca is a smaller beach located in the middle of Torre Lapillo and Porto Cesareo. It is named after the Torre Chianca watchtower, a historical landmark that separates Spiaggia di Torre Chianca from Lido Elios just on the other side.
Fine light sand, crystal clear water and virtually free of waves thanks to the protected bay. From the shore, you can also swim out to see the submerged ancient Roman columns from the 2nd century.
Spiaggia Libera (Free Beach) Scalo di Furno
Additional paradise awaits before the peninsula of the Scalo di Furno archaeological site. To reach this sandy bit, you must walk through the main beach or along the canal from Via dei Bacini. If you arrive early enough, you can enjoy one of the best sandy beaches in Puglia without crowds.
Spiaggia di Porto Cesareo
The easiest beach to access directly from the town of Porto Cesareo is Spiaggia di Porto Cesareo. It is located near the port and within walking distance of many hotels.
If you’re keen on taking a boat tour to the mini islets in the bay of Porto Cesareo, this is the best place to charter a ride. You can also depart to the cluster of islands by swimming, kayaking or pedal boat.
Where to Stay: Porto Cesareo Beach Hotels
Bacino Grande Hotel (Beachfront) – CHECK PRICES
Hotel Royal (Wellness Hotel) – CHECK PRICES
Le Dune Suite Hotel (Rooftop Pool) – CHECK PRICES
→ 🛌 Find a place to stay in Porto Cesareo ←
More Puglia Travel Posts:
- Visiting Spiaggia Di Porto Miggiano
- Is Polignano a Mare Worth Visiting?
- Best Free Beaches in Monopoli
- How to Visit the Marina Serra Natural Pools
- 18 Beautiful Beaches in Puglia
- Where to Stay in Puglia
- Marina Di Pescoluse Beaches
Travel Resources for Porto Cesareo Beaches
☔️ TRAVEL INSURANCE: EKTA or VisitorsCoverage
✈️ FLIGHTS: Skyscanner, CheapOair or Kiwi.com
🚙 CAR RENTALS: Discover Cars or Rentalcars.com
🚊 TRAINS & BUSES: Busbud, Trainline or Omio
🛳 FERRIES: Direct Ferries
🛌 ACCOMMODATION: Booking.com, Agoda or Trivago
☎️ ESIM / CELL PHONE DATA: Airalo
📸 TOURS & ACTIVITIES: GetYourGuide or Viator
