On the Ionian coast north of Gallipoli, Porto Cesareo is also a great tourist attraction. On the way to Porto Cesareo lies the beautiful marina of Nardò, including Santa Maria al Bagno and Santa Caterina. The coast mainly consists of sandy beaches, bays and lagoons. Santa Caterina in particular, offers a splendid natural setting, with luxuriant vegetation caressed by the sea from which rise eclectic styled villas, of great historical and artistic interest. The Regional Natural Park of Torre-Portoselvaggio Uluzzo is also located on this coast. It is of considerable archaeological importance as a great witness to the prehistory of the Salento. The bay of Porto Selvaggio is an oasis nestled in the Mediterranean scrub on a rocky indented coast. At the border of Taranto, Punta Prosciutto is ideal for families with its sandy beaches and shallow crystal clear waters.
Also of interest, the marine protected area of Porto Cesareo, with caves and underwater caverns particularly appreciated by diving enthusiasts.
