Driving along the coast road that leads from Gallipoli to Marina di Mancaversa, heading south, further and further down the western Salento coast that is reflected in the wonderful waters of the Ionian Sea, we arrive at Punta Pizzo, so called precisely because it is located on the extreme tip of the Gulf of Gallipoli, one of the most enchanting and fascinating places in the entire Salento. Sometimes writing a description or even commenting with a friend on the sensations and experiences we have had during a vacation we try to find the right words to tell about the places in which we have spent our vacation days; well all this does not work with Punta Pizzo because this place must be lived, must be breathed, must be touched by hand, every sensory aspect of our body must necessarily have a physical contact with the surrounding reality in order to feel those emotions that cannot be described with simple words. We are located within the Regional Natural Park Isola di Sant"Andrea e Litorale di Punta Pizzo, about 700 hectares of natural lung that includes an intense Mediterranean maquis with native species made up of shrubs, aromatic plants such as wild rosemary and thyme, the large pine forests that are always comfortable for the vast areas of shade they provide during the summer heat, and nature trails all to be discovered by lovers of trekking and hiking. Completing this magnificent corner of paradise we find Punta Pizzo Beach, a stretch of free beach lost in time, here nature has stopped the course of events by drawing real glimpses of an enchanting landscape with soft and fine sand, corners of cliffs that shimmer in contact with the sun"s rays and a sea so clear blue that you could imagine it as in a postcard to send to your closest friends. The beach has all that wild and lonely look, the place seems as if isolated from the rest of the world, take only your beach towel with you, turn off your cell phones, unplug from everything you are on vacation in one of the most fascinating places in Puglia, close your eyes and let the Salento sun warm you after which take advantage of the cool and crystal clear sea for a refreshing dip. The water maintains for long stretches an all-too-shallow height so if you have children let them play in peace; for snorkeling enthusiasts, moreover, you can discover the seabed so luminous and rich in the most diverse marine species while being massaged by the gentle waves of this enchanting sea. Sometimes, as I write, perhaps I can give the impression of exaggerating by describing some places or the various stretches of coastline of this magical land called Salento, but I was born here, this is my natural environment and my people, here I grew up so even if in describing a place I can convey that sense of exaggeration know that it is not at all intended, reality must be experienced firsthand to then be able to judge and describe certain feelings; all this turn of phrase to say... what are you waiting for the summer is coming so a lively advice...the free beach of Punta Pizzo is south of Gallipoli...have a good vacation.
Last Updated: 01/10/2022, Tonio Viva
