Santa Caterina di Nardò (LE)
Santa Caterina is a small and splendid seaside resort 7 km from Nardò. It is located between Santa Maria al Bagno and Porto Selvaggio. Since Santa Caterina is not far from Gallipoli (10 km) and Lecce (28 km), the holiday destination is an ideal starting point for a trip to the south of Salento.
Cala a mare
Cala a Mare is a home that not only fascinates thanks to its Mediterranean charm but also for its breathtaking view and the splendid green landscape that surrounds the property. Each of the 5 apartments which are tastefully furnished has 2 terraces overlooking the sea.
- Guests 2-5
- |
- Bedrooms 3
- |
- Shared swimming pool
- |
- From the sea 330 m
Santa Caterina enjoys a crystal clear sea bordered by natural caves (which can be visited with interesting boat excursions). The colors of the sea vary from a pale shade of blue to an intense blue in the deepest area. The beach is rocky, rather flat, and in the middle there is also a sandy beach. Santa Caterina has a port and also has several water sports clubs. The coastal stretch of Santa Caterina, together with the other stretches of Santa Maria al Bagno, Cenate and Sant'Isidoro, has already been awarded 5 sails (maximum rating) by Legambiente, a rather critical environmentalist organization in Italy. The award refers on the one hand to the excellent quality of the sea water, but also takes other factors into account. The destination plays a role of primary importance from a naturalistic point of view, but thanks to the numerous finds dating back to the Stone Age it is also interesting from an archaeological point of view.
…and the green of the hilly landscape
Santa Caterina is divided into the coastal area and the green hills above with pine forests. Le Cenate is the name of this idyllic neighborhood, which leads from Santa Caterina to Santa Maria al Bagno and is one of the most beautiful and picturesque residential areas of Salento. Between the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century, influential and wealthy families from Salento built their summer residences here. There are even older residences that date back to the 16th century. Among the magnificent vegetation of centuries-old olive trees and imposing pine forests, you discover noble ancient villas of various eras and styles: historic baroque villas, Moorish villas with an oriental flavor and enchanting Art Nouveau villas go hand in hand with the neoclassical residences. The high altitudes offer a splendid panorama of the coast up to Gallipoli and promise a relaxing Apulian holiday in the countryside.
Santa Caterina also includes the Porto Selvaggio and Palude del Capitano Natural Park, included in 2007 in the list of 100 places to be protected by the FAI (Italian Environment Fund).
The imposing town of Santa Caterina was once exclusively a fishing village; But it was above all a defensive area against Turkish attacks. Evidence of history are 3 ancient watchtowers built by the Spanish: Torre Uluzzo, Torre di Santa Caterina and Torre dell'Alto. The last tower, approximately 20 m high, is located at the highest point and borders the Porto Selvaggio Park. At that time the towers were positioned so that they could communicate with each other via signs.
Summer holidays in Santa Caterina
In the summer months, bars, ice cream parlors and lounge bars line up along the sea and in the streets of the historic center. Naturally, there is no shortage of pizzerias and good fish restaurants here. As in practically every town in Salento, traditional festivals also take place in the summer season, which tell a piece of "authentic Puglia". Rhythmic folk music, expressive dances and culinary specialties typical of southern Puglia cheer up the warm summer nights of both tourists and locals.
The rocky coast edged with lace, the caves, but also the fragrant Mediterranean scrub (wild Mediterranean herbs) and the green pine forests undoubtedly make Santa Caterina a fascinating and individual holiday destination in Puglia.
Previous
Next
