Porto Cesareo, Coastal commune in Puglia, Italy
Porto Cesareo is a coastal commune in the province of Lecce on the Ionian side of Puglia, featuring several coves and offshore islands. The settlement includes a working harbor, a waterfront promenade, and low-rise residential buildings spread along the coastline.
Messapian settlers lived in this area during ancient times before it became a Roman harbor. The fishing village grew during the Middle Ages and turned into a seaside resort in the 20th century.
The name comes from the Latin Portus Caesaris, pointing to an old harbor facility. Fishermen still use traditional wooden boats that you can watch leaving in the early morning.
Beaches lie along the coastal road and can be reached on foot or by bicycle. During summer the coves fill up from late morning onward, while early morning hours remain much quieter.
The marine park protection area includes underwater trails that swimmers and snorkelers can explore independently. Archaeologists have found Roman columns and amphorae in shallow water off the coast, pointing to sunken cargo.
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