The Protected Marine Area of Porto Cesareo covers an area of 16,654 hectares (41 acres), making it the third largest in Italy. Some 32 km (19 mi) of jagged coastline run through the towns of Porto Cesareo and Nardò, overlooking the blue Ionian Sea between Punta Prosciutto in the north and Torre Inserraglio in the south.
The Marine Reserve Area is divided into three zones with different degrees of protection. The heart of the reserve are the areas designated zone A. These comprise the strip of sea in front of the Strea peninsula and the waters between Sant'Isidoro and Casa Giorgella. No activities are allowed here, except for scientific research.
Zone B comprises the area beyond Punta Prosciutto and the strip next to zone A in Sant'Isidoro. Bathing, diving and professional fishing are allowed in zone B. Finally, zone C, which covers the entire length of the Marine Reserve, is open to activities of low environmental impact.
Events nearby
In the coming days, within 15 km.
Apulia Country Festival with Urban Cowboys
Three days of music, dancing and country workshops in Nardò
Pinocchio: A Child Like All Others
Theatrical performance explores growth and autonomy through Pinocchio, blending reality and fiction with inclusivity.
Dancehall Star
A night of dancehall and Caribbean music with special guests.
Vecchia Torre Wine Festival - NOVELLO Edition - Autumn Bloom
The Vecchia Torre Wine Festival celebrates new wine among autumn colors
More places nearby
Sea and cavesPorto CesareoPorto Cesareo is a natural inlet, protected on the south side by the La Strega peninsula. Porto Cesareo very close
Sea and cavesPorto Cesareo and Isola dei ConigliSoft and fine sand, Caribbean sea and a small island to discover: the
beaches of Porto Cesareo overlook the crystal clear Ionian Sea. Porto Cesareo very close
Castles, towers and palacesTorre CesareaWith a quadrangular shape, Torre Cesarea erected in about 1500 to defend
the coast from continued attacks from the sea. Porto Cesareo very close- Museums and theatresMuseum of Marine BiologyWith more than 900 exhibits, the Parenzan Museum of Marine Biology in Porto Cesareo allows visitors to dive into the fascinating underwater world, discovering marine flora and fauna. Porto Cesareo very close
- ArchaeologyScalo di FurnoNot far from Porto Cesareo, the archeological site has unraveled treasures and artifacts of a human settlement dating back to the Bronze Age. Porto Cesareo 1.6 km away
ArchaeologyGreek-Roman columns of Torre ChiancaIn Torre Chianca, just a short distance from the coast, these columns is
visible from the surface on days when the sea is calm. Porto Cesareo 2.2 km away