Porto Cesareo Marine Nature reserve

The Porto Cesareo Marine Protected Area extends over 16,654 hectares along the Ionian coast, featuring white sandy beaches and rocky formations across 32 kilometers.

The marine reserve, established in 1997, represents the third largest protected marine zone in Italy, managed jointly by Porto Cesareo, Nardo, and Lecce Province.

The Marine Biology Station maintains a museum dedicated to educating visitors about marine ecosystems, coastal preservation, and traditional fishing methods of the region.

Visitors can access multiple entry points along the coastline to explore the protected areas, participate in guided boat tours, or engage in snorkeling activities.

The reserve includes Isola Grande, covered with pine trees and acacias, where researchers regularly monitor populations of Caretta Caretta turtles and gray herons.

Location: Province of Lecce

Inception: 1997

GPS coordinates: 40.25690,17.89170

Latest update: March 31, 2025 06:40