Nardò, the second largest municipality in the province of Lecce (Salento’s provincial capital) in terms of population and land area, is a popular tourist spot for visitors from all over the world. Its wild and uncontaminated nature, numerous beautiful marinas and historic center rich in monuments and Baroque-style churches make it a small pearl of Salento that one cannot help but visit. A town with very ancient origins that are testified by graffiti and historical finds found on the territory and in particular in the numerous and characteristic caves of Uluzzo Bay.
The natural beauties of Nardò
Natural beauties certainly include the numerous marinas of the municipality of Nardò, which extend for about 20 kilometers along the Ionian coastline.
Sant’Isidoro, one of the 4 marinas, is characterized not only by its crystal-clear water and very fine white sand, but also by its 16th-century tower, which has now become the summer residence of a private family. The tower of high historical value and one of the most beautiful and best preserved in the area.
Santa Maria al Bagno best known for its splendid seafront promenade, stretches over the remains of the fortress erected at the behest of Charles V back in the 1500′. Much visited is the Museum of Memory specially created to remember the many Jewish survivors of the Nazi extermination who found shelter and protection in Santa Maria del Bagno.
Santa Caterina known not only for its splendid sea and characteristic caves, but also for a wide and verdant hill where there are numerous ancient villas belonging to different historical ages. Two majestic towers stand over the area: the Santa Caterina tower of the same name and the Dell’Alto tower.
Porto Selvaggio covers about 1000 hectares of parkland. A paradisiacal and unspoiled place that became a protected area of the Puglia region in 2006. The Bay of Porto Selvaggio and Baia di Uluzzo present characteristic caves in which historical artifacts and graffiti have been found that testify to the very ancient origins of this territory, which has remained almost unchanged over time.
The monuments and churches of Nardò
In the heart of the town of Nardò it is possible, among other things, to visit historical monuments and churches, in Baroque style, including:
- the Church of St. Dominic built for the Dominican order in the 500′ was later destroyed by the earthquake in 1743 and later entirely rebuilt. The different decorations on the facade, the only part that remained intact despite the earthquake, suggest that it was made at two different times;
- the Cathedral Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta dating back to Norman times, has undergone several renovations over the years and its current appearance dates back to the 700′. The Baroque-style facade introduces the interior of three different naves;
- the splendid Teatro Comunale representing typical late-1800′ architecture has hosted several theater companies and internationally renowned artists such as Carla Fracci or Franco Battiato over the years.
Where to stay in Nardò
Both the town of Nardò and its many marinas offer a large number of hotels in which to stay.
Grand Hotel Riviera: a charming structure by the sea, recently renovated
Precisely in Santa Maria al Bagno is the Grand Hotel Riviera, a historic structure in Salento. After a recent renovation, the hotel has returned to its original splendor. The imposing structure that overlooks the sea is able to offer a vacation of relaxation, evocative views and the natural beauty offered by the splendid Salento coast.
Hotel Relais il Mignano: a gem within the historic center of Nardò
In the historic center of the town of Nardò stands out for its elegance thehotel Relais il Mignano, an ancient and prestigious medieval palace in which art and history mingle with the refined and elegant design of the suites. Located in the beating heart of the town of Neretino, it offers easy and quick access to the various marinas of Nardò.
Casale Salento Villaggio Resta: just outside Nardò, surrounded by greenery
Casale Salento Villaggio Resta on Provincial Road 112 offers a garden, private pool, wi-fi, free parking and shuttle service to and from the airport. The complex, which is located outside the town, offers guests an extremely relaxing and peaceful stay, the perfect place to unplug from the daily grind and enjoy the unspoiled nature of Salento. The fortunately strategic location makes it easy to reach the marinas of Nardò and the many neighboring towns.
Casina Raho 700 meters from the historic center of Nardò, Porta di Mare
At 700 meters from the center of Nardò is the Casina Raho, a splendid renovated 16th-century building equipped with spacious rooms with a refined and modern style, provided with every kind of comfort.
Corte Carafa: a garden of 1,000 square meters, in the heart of Nardò
In the heart of Nardò’s historic center stands Corte Carafa, which is accessed through a 1,000-square-meter garden, part of which is designated for free guest parking. A perfect place to stay to visit the many churches and monuments of the town of Nereto on foot.
Hotel Piccadilly in Nardò: we are in the beautiful hamlet of Santa Maria al Bagno
If from the historic center of Nardò we move again to the hamlet of Santa Maria al Bagno we find theHotel Piccadilly a stone’s throw from the beach . The numerous rooms with every comfort and attention to detail are comfortable and cozy plus the varied buffet breakfast ranging from sweet to savory, prepared by expert hands of local pastry chefs, is always greatly appreciated by the hotel’s many guests.
