EXCURSIONS IN NATURE
Punta Pizzo and Punta della Suina: the nature reserve of S. Andrea
A small rocky paradise gently sloping down into a Caribbean-coloured sea: we’re inside the Regional Natural Park of Sant’Andrea Island and Punta Pizzo Coastline, south of Gallipoli.
Ten minutes from the Montegrappa Hill, you’ll be greeted by a pine forest with Mediterranean scrub, myrtle and broom, and a stretch of coastline where the rocks glisten in the sun, creating an evocative play of colours.
The park is an oasis of peace and unspoilt nature which stretches along 20 km of coastline and can be explored on foot, by bicycle or, for the more daring, even on horseback.
Porto Cesareo - an excursion to the Rabbit Island
It’s impossible not to mention Porto Cesareo as one the places to see during a holiday in Salento.
Sand dunes and Mediterranean scrubland frame a long, soft bay, full of well-equipped lidos, bars and services.
Opposite the harbour beach is Rabbit Island (Isola dei Conigli), a small island rich in vegetation, which can be reached on foot on days when the tide is low or with a boat ride of just a few minutes, with rentals and tours starting right from the town’s waterfront and costing very little.
What to see on Rabbit Island? Glimpses of pine forest and Mediterranean maquis, myrtle and juniper trees, underwater seabed full of colourful fish and wonderful plant species.
WWF Cesine Oasis
An unspoilt wetland area, one of the most important in southern Italy, where you can admire flamingos, butterflies, orchids, marsh tortoises, Aleppo pine forests, holm oak woods and coastal marshes. The Cesine oasis lies on one of Italy’s main migratory routes and is home to numerous protected animal species, including amphibians, reptiles and as many as 180 species of water birds. The Oasis is located within a Special Conservation Area in the municipality of Vernole (LE) and is also a Special Protection Area. It can be visited every day and can only be accessed by appointment, accompanied by a guide.
