Beach
Porto Miggiano
10 km · 15 min by car from MoreBnB
A turquoise cove at the foot of the Santa Cesarea cliffs, reached by descending the famous "100 steps". A 16th-century watchtower stands guard above; below, flat rocks and deep water. Little room — you come early.
The 100 steps
The cove makes you earn it: from the top of the cliff a staircase (the "100 steps", give or take) drops to the sea. Down is a stroll; back up under the midday sun is a small workout. Comfortable shoes.
In the water
No sand: rock ledges to lay your towel on and deep water, a bright turquoise when the sun is high. Great for swimming and for jumping off the low rocks. With a swell the cove takes waves — pick calm days.
The tower
Above the cove stands Torre Miggiano, one of the 16th-century coastal watchtowers dotted all along Salento. You can't go in, but it makes a perfect backdrop.
Space & timing
The cove is small and fills by mid-morning in high season. There's a small beach club with a kiosk in season, but the free rock spots go early. Arrive before 10 AM or in the late afternoon.
Nearby
You're in Santa Cesarea Terme: sulphur baths, Villa Sticchi, the Grotta Palombara. Easy to do the cove in the morning and the town/baths in the afternoon.
When to go
June and September. In summer, early morning or late afternoon. Only on a calm sea.
Practical tips
- The "100 steps": easy down, hard back up. Avoid the hottest hours.
- Reef shoes and a towel: it's all rock here, no sand.
- Little room: in July–August arrive early or after 5 PM.
- Deep water from the start — watch small children.
Gallery
Frequently asked questions
How many are the "100 steps", really?
Roughly a hundred — nobody counts them the same. The descent is easy; it's the climb back in the heat that you feel.
Can I park nearby?
There are a few spots along the upper road, often full in August. Better to park in Santa Cesarea and walk in.
Is there sand or services?
No sand: rock only. In season there's a small kiosk, but bring water and shade to be safe.
Near Porto Miggiano
TownOtranto
17 km · 25 min by car from MoreBnB
The easternmost point of Italy. An Aragonese castle on the sea, a 12th-century floor mosaic that leaves you silent, and the smell of warm pasticciotti at dawn. Otranto carries itself — just don't show up at noon in August.
- Beach
Baia dei Turchi
22 km · 30 min by car from MoreBnB
Among the clearest water in Salento — the white-sand bottom reflects the light. Ten minutes on foot through a pine wood to get there. No bar, no umbrella for rent: bring everything.
Stay 15 min from Porto Miggiano
Room available, breakfast included.