Things to do in Nardò

The Porto Selvaggio kayak tour is our most popular tour, suitable for those who have never been kayaking. During the tour we will show you hidden caves and ravines, all waiting to be explored! We will kayak along the rocky coast overlooking the sea where the Tower of S. Maria dell'Alto stands. We will take advantage of the unique perspective from the sea and the proximity to the coast that only a kayak can offer to visit one of the most beautiful stretches of sea in the Ionian Salento! Along this stretch of coast is the stunning Grotta Verde. If the sea conditions allows it, we will also be able to enter it! Once we arrive at the bay of Porto Selvaggio, we will disembark with the kayaks on a rocky beach. At this point there will be the ritual of the kayak baptism, which consists of a full immersion in the icy waters of the spring. This will be followed by a walk in the pine forest and finally we will dive from the cliff to swim into the Gaia Cave.

Explore the stunning landscapes of Porto Selvaggio Natural Park on a self-guided bike tour designed for independent adventurers. We'll provide you with high-quality bikes and GPS tracks to easily follow a scenic route through this breathtaking coastal park. Along the way, you'll pass ancient villas rich in history and traditional masserias, immersing yourself in the authentic rural charm of Salento. You can choose to enrich your experience with optional visits to two cultural highlights in Santa Maria al Bagno: The Museum of Memory and Hospitality, which offers a moving account of the post-WWII refugee history. The Santa Maria al Bagno Aquarium, where you can explore the marine life of the Ionian Sea. Enjoy the freedom to ride at your own rhythm while discovering the natural and cultural wonders of the area.

The visitors will be guided by an archaeologist to discover the archaeological and geo-paleontological richness of the Natural Regional Park "Porto Selvaggio-Palude del Capitano" and of the "Distretto della Preistoria di Nardò". They will live an immersive time travel thanks to the finds from the excavations lead in eight caves along the coast of Nardò. The tools created by Neandertals before and then by Sapiens, the bones of the animals hunted by them, their decorative object and finally the pottery produced during Neolithic will become the key to understand the stratified landscape of Nardò and human and territorial evolution. The tour lasts for around 60 minutes.

Discover Salento in a unique way with a beautiful half-day tour aboard a comfortable 9-seater van. Explore the wonders of Nardò, Galatina, and Corigliano d'Otranto. Book your place on board now and experience an unforgettable journey through history, art, and traditions in the heart of Salento. The first stop is Nardò, where we will arrive around 10:00 a.m. (or 3:30 p.m.), stopping for about an hour. Stroll through the historic center, famous for its Baroque style, and admire Piazza Salandra, considered one of the most beautiful in Salento. Don't miss a visit to the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, full of charm and history. We will continue on to Galatina, reaching it around 11:30 a.m. (or 5 p.m.). Here, too, the stop will last about an hour. Galatina, known as the city of art and tarantism, will surprise you with the Basilica of St. Catherine of Alexandria, a Gothic jewel embellished with medieval frescoes depicting the cycle of the Holy Scriptures. Take advantage of the free time to stroll around the historic center and, why not, enjoy the famous Pasticciotto, which originated here in the 18th century. The last stop will be Corigliano d'Otranto, where we will arrive around 1 p.m. (or 6:30 p.m.). In the heart of Grecìa Salentina, you will discover the majestic Castello de' Monti, a Renaissance fortress with a magical atmosphere. Stroll through the narrow streets of the ancient village and admire the striking Lucchetti Arch. The tour will end with a return to Lecce at 14:30 or 20:00, depending on the time you choose.

Rent a E-Bike and discover Lecce "The Lady of the Baroque" by riding one of our new top-quality E-bikes. The rental place is in the city center. Rent the E-Bike for a full day and enjoy lunch in one of the surrounding villages of Sternatia, Acaya, Galatina, and Nardò. All these villages are 25 km of maximum distance from Lecce. The E-bikes have a battery autonomy of 65 km and are fully equipped with U-Lock, Mobile holder, Helmet, and Ortlieb panniers. Different sizes are available and rent is available for short and long periods.