San Cataldo

San Cataldo is one of the marines of Lecce, having several km long sandy beach, pine woods and being immediately reachable from the city. Immediately north of the natural park “Le Cesine”.
San Cataldo beach of Lecce, sandy beach, pine wood, sport

San Cataldo is one of the marines of Lecce, having several km long sandy beach, pine woods and being immediately reachable from the city. Immediately north of the natural park “Le Cesine“. In history San Cataldo was the ancient port of Lupiae, whose remains are still visible today.

Located in the northern side of the natural reserve protected by the WWF “Le Cesine” it is just 8 minutes by car from Lecce. The resort has several nightclubs, restaurants, pizzerias. In fact, the ancient village of fishermen, San Cataldo has now become a tourist destination. It has a single parish dedicated to San Cataldo, who plays the role of “branch” of the large parish of Frigole.

In summer, the local association pro-loco, organises the “festival of bread”, eagerly awaited by the citizens of Lecce (a festival during which you can enjoy many culinary specialties of Salento, in particular “Puccia with olives” and “pizzi”, bread mixed with tomatoes and onions, very tasty). In recent times the small port has been valued for boats of small size and low draft, which is widely used by both commercial fishermen, and by athletes throughout the year.

San Cataldo has a sailing club with dinghies and catamarans (surely the most important of the province of Lecce and nationally renowned) located near the ancient Port Adriano. All around the year, on Sundays, it is a appreciated destination by the citizens of Lecce, to enjoy shopping at the Sunday market, stroll down the promenade or eat in on of the excellent fish restaurants. 

STORIA E CENNI STORICI

History tells us that San Cataldo, in Roman times, was the site of a major port, called after Emperor Hadrian, who demanded its reconstruction (source: Pausanias). Nowadays there is very little of its ruins visible near the lighthouse. Some argue that Octavian landed here, after learning the news of the death of Caesar (uncertain about the precise location of landing, some historians argue Porto Cesareo, others say Rocca Vecchia).

Following abandonment, Salapia (the Latin name of San Cataldo) was transformed into a marsh, which occurred reclamation only in the Fascist era by Opera Nazionale Fighters, who returned it to Salento, removing the dangerous malarial mosquitoes. Some black and white photographs and some of the local stories, prove the existence of a tram that connected San Cataldo to Lecce.

For several years, the ancient Roman port was completely abandoned, so the sea is consuming it slowly and inexorably. From ancient times remain only a few wall outcroppings in the water, but the new vision of San Cataldo, as tourist resort, is rich in colours and shades.

FESTE ED EVENTI

COME RAGGIUNGERLA

by car

Arrived to Bari, continue along motorway Brindisi-Lecce. Just before Lecce, take the ring road then exit for San Cataldo.

by train

San Cataldo is reached along the Adriatic(Milan – Bologna – Pescara) or through the Rome – Caserta. Once in Lecce FSE bus can be used that will take you to San Cataldo.

By plane

You can reach San Cataldo, with a stopover in Brindisi where you can choose to wait for the terminal that connects the airport to the center of Lecce or rent a car, if you choose the first option you can continue using the FSE bus to San Cataldo.