6 Beaches of Corsano
Canalone della Guardiola
Salento, Corsano: We are in the deep south, a few kilometres from Santa Maria di Leuca, right where different currents mix between the Ionian and Adriatic Seas, where the hot summer wind blows from different points gently caressing our bodies; and so we find ourselves always travelling to discover a land that continues to amaze both for its millenary history and for the various beauties it offers to the astonished eyes of the many tourists who every year decide to cross the length and breadth of these marvellous places. Travelling through the territory that falls under the municipality of Corsano, in the province of Lecce, and going up the coast road to the north, we come across one of the most enchanting stretches of coastline in the entire Lower Salento region. Here, over the centuries, nature has designed a jagged coastline made up of small hidden inlets, impervious cliffs, rocks overhanging the sea and bays enclosing coastal stretches rich in charm and beauty. One of these is the Canalone della Guardiola, two high promontories surrounding an inlet with crystal-clear waters. It is not so easy to access, however, after parking the car on the coast road, and following a small path through the scents of the Mediterranean maquis, with nature trails to be admired, a small flight of steps will take us straight down to the bay, and then a heavenly panorama will open up before our eyes. You will be amazed by the clarity of these waters, so transparent that you can count every single stone or rock in the seabed; the Canalone della Guardiola appears to our eyes as a true natural gully, the freshness of these waters can be felt from the very first dive when a rush of adrenalin revitalises our bodies for the emotions that are felt intensely the moment we hit the water. Rock shoes are recommended, but so are a mask and flippers to discover beautiful seabeds to explore. The Canalone della Guardiola is a stretch of coastline lost in time. I do not recommend it to those who love the comforts of a beach lido or to families with children, but if you love adventure and thrilling dives, you have found the right place for you... enjoy your summer in Salento.
Spiaggia di Funnovòjere
Salento, Corsano: The Funnovòjere beach is a characteristic inlet on the south-eastern coast of Salento; this area falls under the municipality of Corsano and is part of the protected area of the Costa Otranto - Santa Maria di Leuca and Tricase Forest Regional Natural Park. This stretch of coastline represents an unspoilt corner of paradise, lost in time and far from the noisy and crowded beaches all along the coast. This beautiful cove is immersed in the surrounding nature made up of Mediterranean scrub, wild shrubs, dense pine forests and all the native vegetation that surrounds much of this area. Without a shadow of a doubt, the rocky cliffs dominate much of this stretch of coastline, but this does not detract from the charm and magic of a natural environment of rare beauty. These inlets are not easy to reach most of the time, but if you arm yourself with patience and follow the small natural paths, once you get to the sea you will be satisfied and surprised by the marvellous panorama. Surrounded by the deep blue of these beautiful waters, all you have to do is choose a rock, spread your beach towel and let the Salento sun warm you while you enjoy your day at the beach in peace and relaxation. The water immediately becomes deep and on your first dive you will instantly notice the unique freshness of this sea due to the presence of several freshwater springs; real natural pools revitalise your body from the very first strokes. Equip yourself with a mask and flippers to snorkel and discover the richness of these beautiful seabeds, through the various plays of light of a sea that reflects and shimmers among the hidden inlets and along the most interesting stretches of this marvellous bay. This is the Salento summer, so if you are passing through these parts, don"t forget the Funnovòjere beach.
Scalamasciu
Salento, Corsano: A journey through the Salento countryside, discovering hidden places and picturesque villages, amidst small roads, centuries-old olive trees, dry stone walls and expanses of Mediterranean scrub that colour a hilly and rocky landscape made up of a thousand nuances and just as many surprises. We are in the territory of Corsano, in the province of Lecce, along a strip of land marked by time, travelling along the salt road that in the not so distant past was travelled by those who traded in salt, and which today represents a nature trail in which to delight lovers of trekking and those seeking close contact with nature. We are a long way from any form of progress, and this is evident both from the authenticity of the places and from the tranquillity that one breathes as one passes through this area rich in history and millenary traditions.
Torre del Ricco
Salento, Corsano: The Torre del Ricco is a 16th-century tower that is part of the complex system of coastal towers erected in the mid-16th century to defend the Salento coast from the constant invasions of Saracen pirates. We are in the municipality of Corsano, in the province of Lecce, and this tower, of which only a few ruins remain, stood on the eastern coast of Salento, on the beautiful Adriatic Sea. The Torre del Ricco communicated to the north with Torre Specchia Grande and to the south with the Torre del Porto di Novaglie and overlooked a rock overhanging the sea. The surrounding landscape is typical Mediterranean scrub with the presence of classic wild onions, thyme and rosemary. The vegetation seems to completely engulf this ruin that once upon a time represented a system of sighting and defence for the local populations. Through some research, we realise how the Torre del Ricco appeared in a circular shape at the base, only to be divided by a kerb and take a different shape towards the end. Although little or nothing remains of this tower, the roots and history it represents deserve to be mentioned and analysed as a place of historical and architectural interest of all respect, and which, in its present state, is reflected in the blue of the beautiful surrounding landscape that only the Adriatic Sea can offer. So if you are passing by, don"t forget to pay your respects to the Torre del Ricco... happy holidays
Torre Specchia Grande
Salento, Corsano: Torre Specchia Grande is a coastal tower in Salento erected during the mid-16th century and communicated to the north with Torre Nasparo, in the municipality of Tiggiano, and to the south with Torre del Ricco. The tower is part of the complex defence and watchtower system erected along the Salento coastline to face the constant invasions of Saracen pirates. Torre Specchia Grande is located in the municipality of Corsano and stands on a rocky promontory completely surrounded by the typical Mediterranean scrub of wild shrubs and the ever-present olive trees. It overlooks the wonderful Adriatic Sea and the panorama it offers is a spectacle for the view and the intense emotions that can be felt from the top of its promontory. The tower is circular in shape with a small external staircase, and is divided by a kerb that marks the end of the tower. The tower is in an excellent state of repair, in the past it housed a restaurant for a very short time, today Torre Specchia Grande is a tourist information centre where cultural events of various kinds take place. You can breathe clean air and the place conveys relaxation and a contagious sense of tranquillity, the surrounding nature completes a landscape to be experienced... have a good summer at Torre Specchia Grande.
Marina di Guardiola
Salento, Corsano: Puglia is a marvellous region waiting to be discovered. Hundreds of kilometres of coastline mark out this beautiful land of stretches of golden beaches, rugged cliffs and picturesque inlets. Salento represents the high point of this land, with some coastal stretches that are true pearls set in a beautiful landscape. One of these is undoubtedly Marina di Guardiola, a perhaps little-known location that still retains a special charm, part of the municipality of Corsano in the province of Lecce. We are located on the south-eastern side of the Salento coast, amidst beautiful inlets overlooking the Adriatic Sea. The place is completely immersed in the Mediterranean maquis and a tranquillity reigns that is hard to find in other places. Once you get to the bottom through a beautiful path, all you have to do is choose a corner of the rocks, lay down your towel and let the sun"s rays warm you; amidst the relaxation that reigns supreme, you will experience an explosion of scents due to the surrounding vegetation with its various wild plants and that salty fragrance that only the right mix of sea and cliffs can transmit. The water, blue and crystal clear, immediately becomes deep, an adrenalin rush will go through your body at the first dive due to the unusual freshness of these wonderful waters. The Marina di Guardiola also offers a series of sea caves to be discovered, so be sure to equip yourself with a mask and snorkel to explore both the rich, shimmering seabed and the characteristic inlets with their various sea cavities. This stretch of coastline offers a number of cues to be discovered and experienced in all its complexity. For lovers of trekking, there are a series of nature trails in this area so that they can enjoy direct contact with unspoilt nature; we are inside the Costa Otranto - Santa Maria di Leuca and Tricase Forest Regional Natural Park, a green lung that mirrors and mingles with the characteristic cliffs and the immensity of the Adriatic... this is the Salento summer... happy holidays.