Parco naturale regionale Costa Otranto - S.Maria di Leuca e Bosco di Tricase, Regional nature reserve along Adriatic coast in Puglia, Italy
The Parco naturale regionale Costa Otranto is a protected reserve along the Adriatic coast, featuring steep limestone cliffs, sea caves, and Mediterranean forest vegetation. The land connects several villages between Otranto and Santa Maria di Leuca, offering marked trails and viewing areas across its different natural zones.
The protected area was officially established in 2006 through regional legislation, safeguarding land with archaeological evidence of human settlements from the Paleolithic and Neolithic periods. Thousands of years of human activity have left traces throughout the territory.
The reserve holds deep meaning for the surrounding communities of Salento, who depend on its coastal resources and maintain fishing traditions passed down through generations. Walking along the paths, you encounter small villages and harbors that still reflect the rhythms of coastal life.
The reserve is accessible year-round with several entry points scattered throughout the territory, allowing visitors to explore different sections at their own pace. Good walking shoes and plenty of water are essential for the coastal trails and botanical routes.
The Punta Palascìa lighthouse marks Italy's easternmost point and can be reached from within the park, standing at the very edge of the peninsula. Several rare plant species grow only in this specific corner of the reserve, making it botanically significant.
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