Porto Cesareo Marine Nature reserve, Marine protected area in Salento, Italy.
Porto Cesareo Marine Nature Reserve stretches along the Ionian coast, combining white sandy beaches with rocky sections that create different habitats. These varied shorelines support diverse marine life and form the foundation of this protected zone.
The reserve was established in 1997 as one of Italy's largest protected marine zones. Its management involves several municipalities working together, reflecting the coastal area's regional importance.
The museum at the research station displays how local fishermen worked the coast for generations and what it took to protect these waters. Visitors can see traditional boats and fishing methods that shaped this area's identity.
You can enter the reserve at multiple points along the shore and explore on foot, by boat, or through snorkeling. Summer offers the best conditions, but be aware of waves and currents before swimming or diving.
Isola Grande, an island within the reserve covered by pine and acacia trees, serves as a nesting and feeding site where researchers track sea turtle and heron populations. Few visitors realize this small island is a hidden refuge that few actually reach.
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