Spiaggia di Porto Badisco, Coastal beach in Otranto, Italy
Spiaggia di Porto Badisco spreads along the eastern Salento coast with white cliffs rising above clear waters. The cove is framed by tall rock walls that create natural sections and offer shelter from the elements.
Ancient Roman texts identify this beach as the landing place of Aeneas from Troy when he arrived in Italy. This connection to one of Rome's most important founding myths made the site notable in antiquity.
Local fishermen work the waters using methods passed down through generations, supplying nearby restaurants with daily catches. This maritime tradition shapes how the village functions and how visitors experience the place.
The beach benefits from natural shade provided by the surrounding cliffs, and several small restaurants operate along the cove during warm months. Equipment rental services are available nearby for those who want to spend extended time in the water.
Multiple sea caves and underwater passages along the coastline create natural pools where water temperature shifts throughout the day as sunlight and shade change. Exploring these hidden passages reveals layers of rock shaped over millennia by water and weather.
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