Santa Maria al Bagno

The sandy beach of Santa Maria al Bagno is nestled in the low and rocky coast of Nardò, between Lido Conchiglie and Santa Caterina. It can be reached going down the steps in the small square of the namesake seaside village.

The public beach, almost 150 metres long, with a roundabout on the right and a small dock on the left and in the middle a beach resort with some stone cabins, overlooks the Ionian sea, awarded the 4 Sails (a flag awarded to the most beautiful beaches) of Legambiente (Italian environment protection association).

The bay, protected by the winds and currents, is lapped by the sea, always calm, the perfect place for families on holiday, and it houses also a small beach resort.

In the green-blue water, the shallow water slowly becomes darker. The cliffs on the right of the bay, instead, are perfect to dive and it is also easy to reach the sea, thanks to steps carved out of the rocks.

Towards Gallipoli, discover also the rocky beach near Quattro Colonne, a medieval fortress, of which four towers remain. Amid the cliffs, there are also some small rock-hewn basins (but there is also a private beach), while a bit further there is the locality Fiume (river) with its gelid water.