If you're looking for the most authentic and refined side of the Ionian coast, you're in the right place. Nestled exactly between the wild nature of Porto Selvaggio and the tranquillity of Santa Maria al Bagno, Santa Caterina is the seaside jewel of Nardò.
Those of us who live in Salento all year round know well that this is not your typical mass-tourism destination. It is an exclusive place, where the deep blue of the Ionian meets the rock, and where strolling around the small tourist harbour you breathe an air of another era, surrounded by the regal historic villas once inhabited by the nobility and upper classes.
A step back in time: the magic of "Le Cenate"
There is a place, right behind the coast between Santa Maria al Bagno and Santa Caterina, where we love to walk to feel transported to another era. It's called Le Cenate. The name derives from the ancient "acenata" grape that grew here, but today the real magic is something else entirely.
Imagine silent streets, shaded by enormous pines and exotic palms, where dozens of historic villas built between the 15th and early 20th centuries are hidden. It is the drawing room of the Salentine residential area: between Moorish facades and Liberty-style lines, it is an enchanting walk that most hurried tourists completely ignore.
Guardians of the sea: the two historic towers
Raising your eyes along the coast, you will immediately notice the two undisputed symbols of this marina, built in the 16th century to defend us from pirate raids:
- Torre di Santa Caterina: A powerful structure with a square plan. The ground floor was once a shelter for animals, while the first floor, equipped with windows and battlements, served as quarters for the guards.
- Torre dell'Alto: Imposing and majestic, it soars 51 metres above sea level within the Porto Selvaggio Park. Commissioned by Spanish viceroy Don Pietro da Toledo, it features a striking three-arched tufa staircase. Inside it even hides a cistern for rainwater, essential for the survival of the "cavallari" who lived there!
The best-kept secret: the "Stanza dei Bagni"
Arriving in the centre, at the foot of the village, you'll find the little beach of Santa Caterina: a small and delightful cove of clear sand. But the real hidden gem that we locals invite you to discover is just to the left of this cove.
Look for a semi-submerged hole: it will give you access to the mysterious Stanza dei Bagni (Bathing Room). Once upon a time, this place was reserved exclusively for noblewomen. Built up against the cliff, it created a covered natural pool where the ladies could bathe away from prying eyes and, above all, protected from the blazing sun. A luxury from another era, still accessible today!
Where to swim? Rocks, platforms and crystal-clear water
The sea here is a clear mirror of water, with richly abundant seabeds perfect for those who love to explore. People come to Santa Caterina to enjoy the rocky coastline, perhaps settling in at the comfortable terraced beach clubs with wooden platforms. Our reference points: Frescura, La Rotonda, Il Chiapparo, Lido Beija Flor, Santa Caterina Beach, I Salotti, Il Porticciolo, Il Circolo Nautico La Vela.
The Sea Caves: a dive into prehistory
If you rent a boat or a kayak, don't just look at the coastline. The stretch of Santa Caterina is dotted with caves where the water takes on emerald reflections:
- Grotta di Capelvenere: Opens 16 metres above sea level, on the road to Torre dell'Alto. In the 1960s and 70s it was the subject of very important archaeological excavations led by Edoardo Borzatti von Löwenstern.
- Grotta del Cavallo: Located in the nearby Baia di Uluzzo, it is a site of world importance for prehistoric discoveries.
Exploring the surroundings: strategic distances
If you decide to base yourself in this area, you'll have all of Salento within easy reach:
- Porto Selvaggio: 5.8 km
- Santa Maria al Bagno: 4 km
- Nardò: 7.8 km
- Gallipoli: 15.8 km
- Porto Cesareo and Torre Lapillo: 20–25 km
- Lecce: 36.8 km
Living the sea of Santa Caterina means filling your eyes with wild beauty. And after so much exploring, you deserve a peaceful nest to come back to. We await you at Locanda Tu Marchese in Matino, a short distance from this wonderful coast: the warmth of family, the historic courtyard and dishes made with the produce of our farm are waiting for you.