Beach
Punta Prosciutto
70 km · 75 min by car from MoreBnB
White sand, shallow transparent Caribbean-blue water, juniper-covered dunes: Punta Prosciutto, at the northern end of the Porto Cesareo marina, is one of the finest beaches on the Salento Ionian. It's also the farthest on this list: plan a full day, ideally paired with Porto Cesareo.
The beach
A long strand of pale, very fine sand, with a shallow, transparent sea that in summer looks like an aquarium. Behind it, a protected dune system covered in juniper and scrub: you walk on the boardwalks, not on the dunes.
Free beach and lidos
The area alternates wide free stretches with a few equipped lidos. It's less built-up than many Ionian marinas: part of its charm is exactly that space and the intact dunes.
Dunes and nature
The Punta Prosciutto dunes are part of a protected area: sea-lily blooms, old junipers, a seabed that shelves gently. Respect the walkways and don't trample the vegetation — it's what holds the beach together.
It's far
This is the northern Ionian, over an hour's drive from Poggiardo: the farthest destination on this list. Worth the trip as a full day out, paired with nearby Porto Cesareo (marine protected area, "Rabbit Island", fresh fish).
When to go
June and September for warm water and fewer people. In July–August it's stunning but very busy: leave early, both for the drive and for parking.
When to go
June and September. In high season, leave early. Off-season, lovely for a walk among the dunes.
Practical tips
- It's far (~1 h 15): leave in the morning and make a full day of it.
- Pair it with Porto Cesareo: marine protected area and excellent fish.
- Protected dunes: walk on the boardwalks, don't trample the vegetation.
- Little natural shade on the free beach: bring an umbrella.
Gallery
Frequently asked questions
How far is it from Poggiardo?
About an hour and a quarter by car: it's the farthest destination on this list, on the northern Ionian side. Best as a full day out.
What do I pair it with?
With Porto Cesareo: a marine protected area, a boat trip to "Rabbit Island", and good fish trattorias a few minutes away.
Is there free beach?
Yes, wide free stretches alternate with a few lidos. In August arrive early for parking and a spot.
Near Punta Prosciutto
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 75 min from Punta Prosciutto
Room available, breakfast included.