Santa Caterina: Coast, Towers and History

Santa Caterina combines a low, rocky coastline with a small sandy cove. Above the gently sloping seabed, the water appears transparent and turquoise. Coastal towers and traces of earlier activity by the sea are also part of the town’s character. When planning a stay, you can therefore explore not only the coastal scenery but also the history of the towers, archaeological finds and possible excursions on the water.

Coast and Coastal Towers

The coastline here is rocky and low, with a small sandy cove in between. The shallow profile of the seabed and the clear, turquoise water define this stretch of coast. Another prominent landmark is the Torre Santa Caterina: it stands in a pine grove, 200 metres from the sea, at an elevation of about 32 metres.

The history of the Torre Santa Caterina can be placed in context without specifying an exact year of completion. In 1582, its construction was finally entrusted to Massenzio Gravili of Lecce. Documents suggest that the tower was already standing in 1613; its exact completion date is not known.

The Torre Santa Maria dell’Alto, also known as the Torre dell’Alto, is a coastal tower in the town of Santa Caterina, in the municipality of Nardò. It lies in the Parco di Porto Selvaggio e Palude del Capitano. On a kayak route in the park, the path passes beneath the Torre dell’Alto; a walk in the pine grove and a visit to the freshwater spring may also be part of the outing.

Harbour, Wreck and Ancient Traces

The area’s maritime history also reaches far back. At Punta dell’Aspide, about 300 metres offshore, opposite the northern pine grove of Santa Caterina di Nardò, lies a shipwreck from the late Republican period. Around 150 amphorae were recovered from this wreck. The approximate distance and the location opposite the pine grove give the site a specific connection to today’s coastal landscape; the archaeological find itself is part of the history of maritime trade.

Ceramic finds attest to the use of a harbour or landing place at Santa Caterina in the 5th century and again from the second half of the 4th to the 2nd century BC. Remains of quays and moles are visible from the structures of that time. Warehouses and storage facilities are also considered likely. In addition, significant fortifications have been identified, including a moat and an isodomic wall with a gateway.

Another archaeological landmark is the Grotta di Capelvenere. It was a place of worship in the Archaic and Hellenistic periods. Together with the evidence of the harbour and fortifications, this site shows that Santa Caterina’s history cannot be read solely from its coastal towers.

Guided Excursions and Kayaking

Guided coastal tours of the park depart from the slipway in Santa Caterina when sea and weather conditions are suitable. They are available to groups of two to twelve people by prior reservation. For beginners, excursions may be limited to the area as far as the Torre dell’Alto or the Bay of Porto Selvaggio. As booking and operating details may change, check the conditions before making plans.

A kayak excursion in Porto Selvaggio Park is also suitable for people with no previous kayaking experience and leads to hidden caves and ravines. This description refers to an excursion in the park; the kayak route beneath the Torre dell’Alto, with its possible stops, is another specific point of reference for planning. Check the availability of the activity before travelling.

Santa Caterina also has a diving centre and a canoe club, which run coastal excursions towards Porto Selvaggio Park. Here too, it is advisable to enquire about availability before travelling. This helps distinguish the options on the water from the historical sites: guided coastal tours have a stated group size and reservation requirement, while the kayak offerings focus on the specific route and its possible features.

Nature and Cultural Trails

The Parco di Porto Selvaggio e Palude del Capitano has nature and cultural trails. They complement the themes of coast and history with an opportunity to explore the park’s nature and culture.

Discover more destinations: Melpignano, Matino, Collepasso, Nardò, Sogliano Cavour, Presicce, Vernole, Villaggio Resta.

Return to the main travel overview: Lecce.